Atkins

Summary

The Atkins diet was create by Robert Atkins in the early 70s originally to conquer his own problem with being overweight. He has written a couple books such as Dr Atkins’ Diet Revolution and Dr Atkins’ New Diet Revolution. Dr. Atkins is thought to have started the low carb craze and the diet was most popular in 2003-2004. It is said that one in eleven people were on this diet at that time. His theory is that the main cause of obesity is refined carbohydrates such as flour, sugar and high fructose corn syrup. When you restrict carbs the body starts to burn glucose quickly. This process is called ketosis.

Controversy and Criticisms

There is a lot of controversy and criticisms with the Atkins Diet. First, some people believe the diet is just restricting calories just like any other diet. This is because people become bored with the food choices. Second, some people say that on this diet you are simply losing water and not actual fat. Third, the diet is more expensive than other diets. Finally, other people believe it is not healthy. The AMA believes that the diet could actually raise your risk of heart disease.

Review

The thought that we eat too many carbs I believe is true. One should restrict the amount of refined carbs in their diets. There are some similar beliefs in the Paleolithic Diet which believes we should eat like our ancestors. People did not always eat carbs in the form of bread. We invented bread, cereal, pastries etc. So it does make sense that we shouldn’t or don’t need to eat these things as much as we think we should.

On the other hand eating any kind of meat and dairy etc can be unhealthy.  In my studies of eating healthy not all meats, dairy etc. are created equal. Eating a hamburger with beef, cheese and bacon that is grain fed and is full of pesticides and hormones is not equal to a burger where the meat and cheese is from a grass fed cows with nitrate free bacon. 

People do have success on this diet. In my opinion you should watch the amount of carbs that you eat. Cutting them out all together may be too difficult and set you up to binge later. You should also watch the kind of meat and the amount of fat you eat as well. I strongly believe in eating everything in moderation and choosing foods that are as close to the source as possible. At the same time don’t be afraid to try new things. It is all a process to find what will work for you.

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