Brief View of Atkins Diet Plan

This is a high fat and high protein diet. The idea is to remove intake of carbohydrates so that one's body is forced to burn fat it has stored. When burning fat, the body burns more calories than when it is burning carbohydrates and results in greater weight loss; also, the blood sugar stabilizes and this prevents overeating.

Sources of carbohydrates include things like rice, bread, potatoes, pastas, chocolates, cakes, milk, and even some fruits and veggies.

While the diet may seem healthier, consider the long-term effects before undertaking such a low carbohydrates diet plan.

o This diet is high on fat consumption and results in high cholesterol and saturated fats; this can cause constipation and even heart diseases.

o Limited intake of some nutrients can cause deficiencies and other health problems. For example, lack of calcium for bone building may increase risk of Osteoporosis.

o There is limited intake of fruits and vegetables, and thus, cancer-fighting antioxidants.

Elimination of antioxidant nutrients can cause problems such as heart diseases, cancers, and premature aging.

o Extremely low carbohydrates can cause ketosis and is dangerous for especially diabetics.

Other concern is that weight gains back quickly when one drops out from the plan.

Pros are that it works -- weight loss can be achieved quickly, and one can eat as much as desired of certain foods especially those rich in proteins and fat.

Different phases in the diet plan:

Introduction Phase

- Take in 20g of carbohydrates every day from food such as red meat, chicken, fish, cheese, mayo, eggs, cream, and butter.

- Continue for at least two weeks.

- Body switches from burning fat to burning carbohydrates.

Weight Loss Phase

- This is an ongoing phase.

- Increase carbohydrates intake by about 5g every day until the critical carbohydrate level for losing weight is reached. This is the level where one can eat the most carbohydrates and still lose between one to three pounds a week.

- Rice, bread, potatoes, and pastas are still to be avoided.

Pre-Maintenance Phase

- In this phase, one has only five to 10 pounds to lose before meeting his target weight.

- Increase carbohydrates intake by 10g every day for a week to allow the body to adjust to the increment, and to prepare for the final maintenance phase.

Maintenance Phase

- Limit carbohydrates intake to less than 90g every day for the rest of life.

Ten, writer for brew1819, a cafe situated at one corner of 8 Shenton Way, Singapore.

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