Dr. Robert C. Atkins' book entitled "Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution" has sold over six million copies in recent years. This alone indicates that this is indeed a revolutionary diet that works for millions of people.

The Atkins' diet is quite simple really. This is a low carbohydrate diet that induces benign dietary ketosis. Basically, Dr. Atkins asks dieters to be on an extremely low carbohydrate diet for two weeks - no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day. Twenty grams of carbohydrates amounts to about three cups of salad or two cups of salad and two-third cups of cooked vegetables. This is called the "Induction Period". During this time, the dieter can expect to lose anywhere from 8 to 15 pounds. After the initial two week "kick off" diet period, which will induce ketosis, the dieter can now being introducing carbohydrates in the diet.

Dr. Atkins cautions the dieter however, to continue eating a low carbohydrate diet. Carbohydrates should be slowly re-introduced to the diet and at any time that weight gain occurs or weight loss stops, the dieter needs to cut back on carbohydrate intake.

Their is basically no limits to the amount of non-carbohydrate foods that a person can eat on this diet. The dieter is asked to eat to his or her content. Free foods, or foods that have no limits are things like:

All meats, fish, shellfish, fowl, eggs, and most cheeses. A large salad, consisting of about two cups, is to be eaten daily. The salad can contain any type of lettuce, any herbs, celery, jicama, peppers, olives, mushrooms, alfalfa sprouts, radishes, cucumbers, bok choy.

Other vegetables that can be eaten in moderation (two-thirds a cup per day during the induction period) are: asparagus, string beans, cabbage, eggplant, zucchini, okra, pumpkin, turnips, snow peas, broccoli, sauerkraut, summer squash, spaghetti squash, leeks, avocado, onion, tomato and spinach.

Condiments that are acceptable on this diet include: butter, (but not margarine), mayonnaise, sour cream, and oils, (especially olive oil).

The dieter should drink plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses per day), and may have club soda or mineral water as well. Herb tea, bouillion, cream, diet soda and iced tea are all acceptable on this diet.

Dr. Atkins recommends the dieter avoid these foods during the 14 day induction period: fruit, bread, grains, pasta, starchy vegetables, most dairy other than what is mentioned within the diet, and caffeine.

So, does the diet work? Well, I can't say it will work for you, but I can speak for myself. I have lost 25 pounds on this diet, and the truth is, I was never hungry, and I had more energy than I have had in years. The pitfall to this diet is going off of it. Once the dieter is in the "swing of things" it isn't a hard diet to follow. But take one cookie, or go back to coffee and it is easy to go back to bad habits.

Since I was a little girl, I have always had a weight problem. This is a battle that I have spent fighting for 30 years or more. As I have gotten older, the battle seems to be more and more difficult. I have tried numerous diets, most to no avail. Sometimes, I have literally starved myself, only to find that the bathroom scale has not budged!

Dr. Atkins' Diet is truly a revolution! I think it is a great diet that has been beneficial for many people. I have heard rumors of a number of health risks concerning this diet. However, Dr. Atkins has done extensive research on this diet and has found it to be safe for most people and I for one, believe his research to be valid. The information about the dangers of this diet that I have heard have only come from lay persons. I have personally not seen any scientific research that indicates this diet is dangerous. Despite what others may want one to believe.

For those countless millions out there trying to shed some unwanted pounds, I wish you success, regardless of the diet you chose!



Recommended: Yes

Approximate Monthly Cost (US$) $50
Food Variety Restrictions A somewhat varied menu
Restrictiveness of Portions Gorge all you like