What is the Atkins diet?

The Atkins diet is a low-carbohydrate diet created by Dr. Robert Atkins resulting from his analysis to reduce his own weight.

The concept of Atkins is in relation to a high protein / low carbohydrate diet in order to lose a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time.

The diet is based on:

• not consuming starchy foods such as bread, pasta, potatoes, cereal, any foods containing sugar, high sugar fruits and vegetables, and even fruit juices.
• dieter is allowed no more than 30g carbohydrates a day; the equivalent of a few pieces of lettuce or less than one apple.
• Atkins dieter is restricted to eat only meat and dairy products, including chicken, fish, and milk, and even bacon, eggs, cheese, and butter.

Principle:

There are two main ways:

• The body goes into ketosis and burn the fat as energy (as it has no more carbohydrates). Ketosis is when there are no glycogene reserved in the liver so the body breaks down muscle mass in order to make energy.
• Carbohydrates are digested quicker than protein and fat.

Advantages :

• No restriction on fat and protein; the diet is based on high fat and protein food ranges which is generally desirable for many people to follow this range of foods with less/ no restriction.
• Increased mental awareness; using high protein and low-carbohydrate foods usually creates more mental concentration and lighter stomach and also easier digestion for the people who have no intolerance to meat-based products.
• Dieters usually experience Less / no feeling fatigue, irritability, depression, chronic headaches, and some forms of joint and muscle pain.
  

What is the Atkins Diet?