Of the ‘fad’ diets of the world, one of the most maligned and misunderstood, the Atkins diet has run the gamut from derision to front-page coverage with health experts finally agreeing. So why has Atkins gone from fad to fact?
Initially, when Robert Atkins proposed his revolutionary diet plan, the world was all about low fat or fat free. The idea of ignoring the fat content and eliminating carbohydrates flew in the face of everything dieters of the time understood. Physicians resisted the Atkins Diet because they were concerned about how nutritionally unsound it is to eliminate one third of the dietary components.
Over the last 30 years, Atkins has gained incredible support from both the medical and popular communities. Grocery stores now stock Atkins friendly products, restaurants feature Atkins friendly menu items and there are a large number of people who have had tremendous success with losing and keeping their weight off with the Atkins diet.
Two things need to be mentioned when discussing the Atkins diet. The initial stages require the elimination of carbohydrates to less than 20 grams a day during the Induction phase. This is a 14-day period that is among the hardest parts of the diet. It sees the greatest initial weight loss and puts the body into a state of ketosis.
Ketosis is not a healthy stage, however, depending on an individual’s metabolism – it does burn fat efficiently. The problem with the Atkins diet is that it is hard to exercise when on it because energy levels are not sustainable.
My own experience with Atkins was deeply unsuccessful. I lost an initial 10 pounds and then nothing. No matter that I followed the strict regimen for six months. My husband, on the other hand, lost fifty pounds and managed to keep it off. He maintains a low-carbohydrate diet and keeps the weight off.
I lost more weight and maintained better fitness without the carbohydrate elimination than I did with it. Atkins is not for everyone nor is it a diet that you can do for a few months and then return to healthier eating habits. In order to maintain your weight loss with Atkins, you have to make a commitment to the Atkins life-style change.
While Atkins may have the support of the medical community and more dieticians are supportive of it than not – the simple fact remains that Atkins does not work equally for all people. If you have had success with Atkins, I’d love to hear about your experience.