A Look at the Eco-Atkins Diet Approach

The Eco-Atkins diet is a similar dieting approach to the original Atkins program; it involves low carbohydrate intake with high intake of proteins and fats. The eco version focuses on dieting from a vegetarian or vegan approach, using protein alternatives to meat and animal products, with the reduction of saturated fats. In a recent study, "'Eco-Atkins' Diet with Plant Proteins May be Effective for Dyslipidemia," performed at the University of Toronto and published in the June 8 edition of Archives of Internal Medicine, David Jenkins demonstrated that the low-carbohydrate diet can be adapted to even a rigorous vegan eating pattern; the diet not only produced weight loss, but it also lowered insulin resistance, triglycerides and cholesterol, according to Atkins.com.

Considerations

If you are a vegetarian, it is possible to follow all four phases of the Atkins program through the Eco-Atkins diet approach. Eggs, tofu and cheese are primary sources of protein for vegetarians, and these foods supply all the essential amino acids. The vegetable, olives and avocados that are promoted as part of the Atkins diet provide fiber and a wide variety of other nutrients.

Significance

Extended research has been done in the field of nutrition on the effects of carbohydrate intake on weight gain, as well as protein intake and weight loss. The original Atkins program sparked a response in the nutrition community, both positive and negative, with its claims that low-carbohydrate dieting aids in fat loss. A study published in Science Daily indicates that a diet low in carbohydrates is more effective than a diet low in fat in reducing saturated fatty acids in the blood and reducing markers of inflammation. The reduction of inflammation supports a healthy immune system and healthy metabolism.

Benefits

Studies created through the Atkins organization have proven benefits of the Eco-Atkins diet approach. The diet emphasizes the use of low-glycemic carbohydrates, such as vegetables, and protein sources from eggs, tofu and nuts. Based on these studies, the organization urges consumers to have low-glycemic index carbohydrates instead of high-glycemic carbohydrates for better health, says Dr. Michael Shechter, senior cardiologist at The Sackler Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, as noted on Atkins.com.

Identification

The Eco-Atkins approach applies the same technique of dieting as the original Atkins program but substitutes the beef, chicken, turkey and other meat products with tofu, cheese, eggs and seeds. The Eco-Atkins diet has almost exactly the same phasing style as the original program, but with substitutions to support vegetarian dieters, and reductions in the saturated fat associated with fatty meats.

Warning

Some nutrition experts are not in favor of the Atkins approach to dieting, as it seems extreme to some professionals, and not sustainable for most people, suggests Belinda Linden, head of medical information at the British Heart Foundation. Always use caution with any extreme diet approach, and use common sense as you look for healthy solutions for weight reduction.

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Colleen Meheen

Lifestyle, health, and image Consultant, business owner and advocate of preventative wellness! Located in the mountains of Colorado, owner of over 3 businesses, and extensive experience in coaching individuals through disadvantages towards a vigorous life of health and beauty!