The Atkins diet is founded on one major principle "Fat does not make you fat". Dr.Atkins goes to great length in his books to explain this statement. The diet restricts most carbohydrates like breads,pastas, and high sugar foods. The theory is these foods produce insulin which when at high levels in the body turns into body fat. High triglyceride levels also is a factor in heart disease.

Carbohydrates also do not leave you with a satisfied feeling after even a big meal. You get hungrier quicker. The fat contained in Dr. Atkins approved foods leave you full for a long time thus the theory is you will not be motivated to over eat. This is the part where I have a problem with this program not all of us eat because we are hungry. I eat when I am bored,angry,depressed-you name it.

Step one -Induction Phase

This phase consists of 20 grams or less of carbos a day. This isn't alot folks. The induction phase doesn't last forever. After the induction is complete you gradually raise your carbo level to suit your individual needs.
You are treated to meats,fish,cheese,nuts,eggs,low sugar/stratch fruits and vegetables. Though you can scratch fruits and veggies altogether during the Induction off the list.
The reason for the Induction phase is to throw(and I mean literally throw) your body into a state of ketosis. Ketosis is when your body starts metabolizing fat for fuel(energy). You get rid of excess fat stores in your body. Sounds beautiful. I personally am leery of anything that is a drastic change to my body.

There are so many good pros to this diet:

You'll burn fat-ketosis,remember?

You won't feel hungry between meals-gorge yourself,you are allowed

You will lose weight-I did. I lost 20 pounds.



There are so many strong cons to this diet:

Widely held belief this diet could cause heart problems-Dr. Atkins gives a convincing case against this theory.

My moods went up and down. Could just be me but I tied it in to lack of something in my diet.

I love pasta and breads. I could marry a sugar jar given the right circumstances. In the long run this is not a program I could live with.

I did gain the weight back plus 5 pounds after I ended my Atkins lifestyle.

This is a good lifestyle and that is just what it has to become to remain effective. I personally do not have the will power. Dr. Atkins gives sound advice and faces questions head on which I respect. Check with your physician before starting this or any other diet. Take Atkins information with you to show him/her. If you get the okay by all means try this diet.




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