Not to be confused with zero carbs
Written: Jun 26 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: satisfying way to lose, not terribly hard
Cons: sometimes miss those sugary treats
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| Prncess's Full Review: Atkins Diet |
So often I hear the Atkins way of eating labeled a no carbohydrate plan.
This is a common misconception that is perpetuated by the low fat gurus (and the media).
After this last baby I had accumulated plenty of weight. My weight gain actually began after my twins were born 5 years ago. I was a frustrated mom trying to deal with two colicky infants mostly on my own (not to mention my other three children). I would often find myself at the drive through of McDonald's ordering a super size value meal (usually Quarter Pounder with Cheese), regular Coke, with a baked Cherry pie (this is when they used to have Apple as well as Cherry pie). Several times a week of this led to weight gain. I lost most of the weight after my 6th baby was born but then it came back with the birth of my #7. Enter little Rebekah (who is the caboose at #8) and I had 40 extra pounds.
I decided to give the Atkins Diet a try. And, it worked! I was thrilled to also notice an increase in my energy levels (another common myth is how tired this diet makes one feel). I have been able to lose
20 pounds on the Atkins diet but am giving it a rest now (I have another 20 pounds to lose but am going to see what works best for my body).
What is the Atkins Diet?
Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution is written by Robert C. Atkins, M.D. It is not a new "fad" plan, having been around since the 70s.
I found this book to be a bit complicated even for my nurse mind.
Part One
This section covers the hows and whys of carbohydrate metabolism. It goes in depth on how insulin works and the advantages of this diet. Forgive me for not trying to muddle through an explanation of al this; I mostly skimmed this area of the book and moved on to how the diet itself is done. I encourage anyone to get a copy of the book from the library before making a judgement.
Part Two
This part of the book covers the two-week part of the diet called Induction. This is the part of the diet that gets most of the attention from media and such.
Basically, during induction, one is to restrict their carbohydrate consumption to 20 grams or under per day. Just for two weeks (though I do know some who continue this phase longer). An advantage I found to the Induction phase was that my cravings for sweets disappeared. I did not find the phase to be terribly restrictive but then I enjoy meat and cheese.
Part Three
Dr. Atkins covers such topics as diet-related disorders, hypoglycemia,
diabetes, and yeast infections. He also gives the reasons why he believes this diet is good for treating those conditions.
Part Four
What do you do after the Induction phase? Move onward to adding more carbohydrates into your diet. This next phase is called Ongoing Weight Loss and lasts until the dieter reaches their goal weight (or size).
Supplements are mentioned here as well as exercise. One reviewer mentioned wondering how it could be such a healthy diet if the author himself suggests supplements. My feeling on that is that with most diets (regardless of what diet they are) it is suggested that one take supplements. Our food supply often just does not give us what we need
nutritionally (if only it were a perfect world!). And, research is showing that some types of supplements can actually help certain conditions.
The Maintenance phase is also discussed in this section of the book.
And, for the naysayers I suggest getting this book and flipping right to part four. Dr. Atkins goes over the typical questions that pop up about things like kidney failure, heart disease and such.
Part Five
Recipes and menu plans! My favorite part of the book. I enjoy trying new things and eating Low Carb does not have to mean no variety. Not only does this book have some great recipes but the internet does as well
(one wonderful site that is full of recipes can be found at
http://www.titanic.kn-bremen.de/rdxrec.html)
My opinion
This would not be epinions.com without opinions and I love giving mine!
I do not have a problem with this diet. As I said, while I was on it I felt wonderful!
I have heard some say that the risk of kidney failure is there for those who follow the Atkins diet. I say, send me the research that proves that (I have never heard of anyone who complains that their kidneys failed because of this diet) and I will see what I think then. I have an open mind!
Others have complained that there is not enough variety in this diet, that all it is is eating fat and meats. Not true! One is only limited by their creativity. I joined an Atkins egroup (go to egroups.com and search for Atkins or Low Carb) and discovered another site (http://atkinsfriends.com) that is full of recipes, support, an online store for any sort of Low Carb grocery item you could dream of (yes, even delicious tortillas, breads, and syrups), and plenty of success stories.
The question for me was not what I could not have but how I would spend my carbs for that day.
I did not eat meat all day long. Often my breakfast would include hot flax seed cereal (made with ground flax seed, a Wasa cracker and sugar free syrup), maybe 2 slices of bacon or sausage. For lunch I would have a hamburger patty (from Schwans of course! Epinion pending.) with tomato, lettuce, cheese, mayo, and mustard. I also enjoyed treating myself to hot wings (chicken wings that are spiced up in a hot sauce). Usually I would add a green salad to most of my meals (this refutes those claims that this diet does not offer enough fiber to the diet).
Most evenings I would prepare stir-fry and include steamed veggies. Or, I would roast a chicken and include cauliflower and low carb muffins.
I was happy on the Atkins diet and recommend simply that people read the book before deciding how "dangerous" the diet is. I found it hilariously ironic that when I was on this diet, the ladies at my husbands office would go on and on about how this diet could kill me. I had to laugh because these same ladies would go out and party and smoked on every break at work. And, they were the same ladies at the vending machines buying chips and candy.
Besides, we all have to find what works for us and this worked for me!
Note: As with any diet plan, please drink your water! And, consult with a doctor or nutritionist.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Prncess
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Member: Vicky K.
Location: central Iowa
Reviews written: 151
Trusted by: 126 members
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