Introduction

The history of The Atkins Diet goes back to the Dr. Atkins' theory that over-consumption of and hypersensitivity to carbohydrates is the root of our problem with being overweight. The principle he based his plan on says that it is the way your body processes the carbohydrates you eat -- not how much fat you eat -- that causes you to gain weight. While most diet experts say that not everyone who has a weight problem is insulin resistant, Atkins says it is more likely than not.

Its working

By reducing ones intake of carbohydrates to less than 50 grams a day, one will enter a metabolic process called ketosis, which is nothing but a state in which ones body will start burning the fat to provide energy. Atkins also says that ketosis will affect insulin production which will prevent more fat from being formed.

The Phases

The Atkins Diet comprises of the 4 stages: induction, ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance and maintenance.

Induction is executed in the first fortnight of the plan, during which according to Atkins you can lose up to 15 pounds. This rapid weight loss is due to ceasing the intake of carbs to just 20 grams a day. You are limited to three cups per day. Forget about fruit and starchy vegetables like potatoes. If you consume alcoholic beverages or coffee, you better bid "sayonara" to those as well.

During ongoing weight loss, you can increase your carb intake by 5 grams. You will eventually reach a high and the again have to curb off the carb again.

In pre-maintenance, weight loss will happen gradually and you will be able to test certain foods to see if they could be added in your diet without resulting in weight gain.

Then the maintenance stage is there, when you may introduce some more carbs into your diet of course not by adding the bad ones, as they will be resulting in the bringing back the weight again.

Facts

The Atkins Diet recommends exercise. Any diet that doesn't include exercise in its recommendations will probably not be as effective and does not encourage health lifestyle change.

Person suffering from gout, kidney conditions, type I diabetes or pregnant women should not follow Atkins. According to some health experts, ketosis results in too-rapid, and unusual levels of weight loss and that the loss consists of lean body mass and water. Regardless of whichever diet you persist on, be it be Atkins or Weight Watchers, diet experts agree that it is calorie reduction that results in weight loss. After you lose weight, you cant just revert back to your original ways of eating crabs.

Theme

Remember, one should never start a diet without prior consultation to the doctor. This is pretty much essential with a diet like Atkins because it is so inflexible and is most likely a noteworthy change from your normal eating habits. Additionally, some researches have indicated that this type of diet may endanger the kidneys, result in sunstroke, or lead to other health problems.

Before giving ATKINs a try, ask yourself: Are you committed to limiting your carbs for good? If not, then this plan probably isn't for you, because even as Atkins himself states, returning to your previous eating habits will bring the weight back.

If you find that Atkins is not for you, you may be averse to the type of foods you are eating. That's fine -- some people simply can't tolerate eating a certain type of foods, and others feel deprived if their favorites are eliminated. If you don't feel happy and satisfied with a particular plan, it's time to find an alternative.