The decision to start a low-carb diet is not a decision to be made lightly. Low-carb dieting plans require abstaining from many high-carb food luxuries considered the norm in everyday eating. One such diet plan, is the Atkins Diet. Staple foods, such as white bread, white rice, pasta, cookies, cakes and pies, are all forbidden on the Atkins plan. It is important to note that although many people achieve successful weight loss with the Atkins, the diet may not be for everyone. Arm yourself with knowledge, and be aware of the precautions associated with the program before you begin.
Carb Reduction
Low carb dieting is based on idea that excessive carb intake contributes to weight gain. So, the concept is to severely limit carb intake to eliminate weight gain. Induction, the first of four phases of the Atkins diet, requires limiting your carb intake to no more than 20g carbs per day for the first two weeks. If you're prone to eating a lot of carbs, this first two weeks may be difficult for you. The remaining three phases of the diet allow you to eventually add carbs back in, but in limited amounts.
Induction Flu / Ketosis
The Induction phase of Atkins is meant to orient your body to low-carb eating, and switch your body from burning carbs for fuel to burning fat for fuel instead. Some dieters feel under the weather during the first few weeks as their bodies adjust to the new way of eating. According to Atkins.com, "In the transition, you might encounter a few symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, fatigue--sometimes collectively referred to as Atkins flu--leg cramps and constipation." The process of ketosis, which according to MayoClinic.com is "...a condition caused by incomplete fat breakdown," is said to be a direct cause of the Induction flu. Some dieters experience difficulty getting through this phase and may decide to quit the diet in favor of going back to their former way of eating.
Controversy
The Atkins diet is not without its share of controversy. Most of the controversy is because Atkins is a high-fat, high-protein diet. Critics question its long-term safety. According to a discussion paper by the American Academy of Family Physicians, "A high protein intake increases the output of urea, acidifies the urine and can cause dehydration." It further notes that many people on the Atkins diet do not eat a variety of fruits and vegetables or even include any carbohydrates, instead eating almost exclusively meats and fats. This particular diet approach may have too little fiber intake, provide unbalanced nutrition and may cause electrolyte disturbance. If you make the Atkins way of eating part of your lifestyle, be prepared to spend a lot of time defending it.
Long-Term Commitment
As with any diet, the ability to sustain it over the long term is important. Many dieters, though experiencing weight loss success with Atkins, eventually go back to their normal way of eating, or back to eating what Atkins.com refers to as bad carbs. In other words, those unable to continue eating the low-carb way return to eating a high-carb diet. The caveat is that any weight lost through the Atkins way of eating eventually creeps back on, once the body is no longer burning fat as its main source of fuel.
Physician Approval
As with any diet program, before beginning the Atkins diet, visit your physician to determine whether or not the diet is for you. According to MayoClinic.com, if you include too much saturated fat and cholesterol, you may increase your risk for heart disease and some types of cancer. With this in mind, it is essential to get medical clearance before beginning the Atkins diet.
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