Atkins diet program was introduced in 1970 by Professor Atkin to reduce weight in a very unique way. This diet might be called a protein lover’s pleasure. Under this weight loss strategy, you can eat the entire meat, eggs, and cheese you wish for, while cutting back on carbohydrates for example pasta, bread, and fruit. “A lifetime dietary philosophy is focusing on the utilization of nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods and vita-nutrient supplementation”. (Atkins, Alfaguara, Ediciones, 2001)
According to Dr. Atkins, insulin is the main cause of weight gain and obesity. When carbohydrates are consumed, insulin levels rise. Insulin regulates the storage of fat. According to Dr. Atkins, weight can be controlled (reduced) if the intake of carbohydrates is reduced and consumption of proteins and fats is increased. Carbohydrates are limited to 20 grams initially for rapid weight loss. Carbohydrates are restricted to around 20 grams per day in the first 2 weeks. A weekly 5-gram increment is followed until you establish your critical carbohydrate level for maintenance (i.e. the highest number of grams of carbohydrate per day, which you can consume without starting to gain the weight back. Fats and proteins are main source of fuel on this diet. Meat, eggs, butter and most cheeses, can be eaten without restriction. The intake of carbohydrates can be increased to a level that maintains a desired weight (Mark, 2000).
The Atkins Primary Principle for Weight Loss
Both carbohydrate and fat provide fuel for the body’s energy needs. Carbohydrate is the first fuel to be metabolized. However, when the intake of digestible carbohydrates is sufficiently restricted (without caloric restriction), the body converts from the primary metabolic pathway of burning carbohydrate to burning fat as its main energy source. This results in weight loss.
