Atkins Diet - An Analysis

Atkins diet - formulated by Dr. Robert Atkins - first appeared in his book The New Diet Revolution in the 1970s. The diet plan simply focused on cutting down the carbohydrate intake meanwhile letting the dieter eat any protein and fat as he/she wishes. However, Atkins diet’s popularity was not without its fair share of critics, who contention was the apparent imbalance in the fat-carbohydrate ratio advocated by the Atkins diet. Here, let us first take a look at the diet plan before delving into the negatives of Atkins diet.

Atkins diet eliminates anything carb. That is, no bread, cereal, sugar, starchy vegetables, and pasta. Instead, the dieter has to eat more low-carb victuals such as chicken, pork chops, shellfish, steak, duck, eggs, turkey, cheeses, salads, fatty salad dressings, certain nuts, and specially made Atkins shakes and bars. The lack of carbohydrates forces the body to depend upon the stored fat for energy, in the process burning away excess fat. This process is called Ketosis, and Atkins diet just simulates a favorable condition for this to take place.

On the flip side, experts point out that Atkins diet, even though effective in short periods, could cause ill health if followed frequently. According to them, such a diet composition is inadequate to produce and maintain a healthy muscle mass that a normal person requires. It is also pointed out that Ketosis actually causes overworking of certain body organs, which is again not at all a healthy proportion. And worst, in some people, this diet plan could cause dizziness as well.

Considering the pros and cons, hence it is advisable that a prospective dieter may consult a health professional before following the Atkins diet plan.