The Atkins diet was developed in 1972 By Dr. Robert Atkins. He created a high-protein diet formula that reduces the intake of carbohydrates with each meal. The body then moves into a state of ketosis, in which the body begins to burn fat that is already stored and uses it as fuel. The Atkins Diet has an initial phase called induction. In this phase, the amount of carbohydrates is restricted to around 20 g per day. There are three other phases of the diet, including ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance and lifetime maintenance. Throughout induction and the length of the diet, there are certain side effects.
Muscle Cramps
One side effect of the Atkins Diet is muscle cramping, according to diet.com. The reason for this includes the reduction in carbohydrates in the diet. Because of the drastic reduction of carbohydrates, the body may resort to muscle tightness and muscle spasms. As carbohydrates are gradually reintroduced into the diet, the muscle cramps should subside. Lack of fluid intake can also lead to muscle cramping. Drinking plenty of fluids may reduce the effects of painful cramps.
Appetite
Another side effect of Atkins is a lower appetite. For many people this is an advantage. The reduced appetite comes from the diet itself. The high-protein elements with lean meats and poultry work directly on reducing the appetite. The high-protein diet fills dieters up, gives them energy and keeps the stomach fuller for a longer period of time than eating a high-carbohydrate meal. It's important, whether you're hungry or not, to eat the recommended amounts of food each day. Otherwise, your body is not getting the nutrients it needs.
Constipation
The increased intake of protein and dairy, constipation can easily occur on the Atkins Diet, according to holisticonline.com. Include low-carbohydrate vegetables such as salad greens, celery and cauliflower with each meal to help with constipation. A dietary fiber supplement can be added to the diet to keep the bowels moving and promote regularity.
Weight-Loss Plateau
One discouraging side effect of the Atkins Diet is the weight-loss plateau. This is a prolonged time when weight loss seems to be stalled, and it generally happens during the ongoing weight-loss phase of the diet. Weight loss is most recognized in the first few days and weeks of being on the diet. Some dieters report losing up to 10 to 13 lbs. in the first two weeks alone. When this slows down or even stops, dieters can easily become frustrated. The diet suggests that dieters again reduce their carbohydrate intake and increase their protein intake. Some dieters go back to the initial induction phase to jump start their diet again.
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