The Atkins Diet: Atkins Low Carb Diet Online
The Atkins Plan Low Carb Diet
The Atkins diet is just another fad diet program that pushes a lot of protein and very small amounts of carbohydrates in the diet of its users. But the fact is protein is one of the easiest vitamins to receive from the foods we eat. Most people are not protein starved. Even vegetarians get good amounts of protein. In fact, vegetarians eat from better protein sources because one, it's all first hand instead of second hand from an animal. And two, it is easier to digest and better able to utilize by our bodies. Even so, participants of this diet program say it works great for them. If it works great for them then that’s all that matters, right?
How Does The Atkins Diet Work?
Founders of the Atkins diet believe that overweight people are overweight because they eat too many carbohydrates. This is how the Atkins weight loss program got started.
They believe that by not eating very many carbohydrates the body goes into something called ketosis where it burns the fat that is stored, which makes you lose weight.
And here is the real deal. Yes, it may be true that carbohydrates made with refined flours are fattening, but whole grains will undoubtedly burn much more efficient than a steak with vegetables or scrambled eggs with cheese will.
Natural whole grains are not fattening. Know the difference! When they say that carbohydrates make you fat they are talking about refined starch foods. In all actuality whole grain foods will make you LOSE weight not gain weight!
In the Atkins program, meals consist of mostly meat with a little vegetable on the side. People who believe they are gluten intolerant love the Atkins program. They swear up and down they feel better eating more meat than vegetables and carbohydrates.
Also, some nutritionists believe in certain diets, such as the Atkins diet, for certain blood types. If this whole theory about blood types is correct then type O blood type would do best on the Atkins diet plan.
The Atkins plan does not work for everyone. Some individuals feel healthiest when they mostly eat whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, and with a little bit of meat. The latter diet plan seems to work better for overall health.
It would seem that a diet high in meat would tend to make a person constipated. Meat and cheese takes a very long time to digest in the system. If you eat a lot of it with cheese, it will most likely end up rotting in the gut before it is fully assimilated. And people wonder why they have IBS?
Does The Atkins Diet Lack Balance?
The Atkins diet is not a balanced diet. Where is the fiber? Even though it incorporates some vegetables, individuals need whole grains such as millet, brown rice, bulgur, lentils and legumes for proper elimination.
A better balance would be to eat more vegetables than meat, or whole grain pasta, or legumes with lots of vegetables.
Meat may be ok in moderation, but too much meat, just like too much of anything is not good for your health. Ever since the biblical ages, man has only eaten meat at celebrations, sacrifices and special occasions.
Even the caveman generation ate fruits, nuts, berries and greens along with the meat they were able to hunt down.
Out of the over 300 plus fad diets programs that have been published, the Mediterranean diet is probably one of the best all-around diets for your health, simply because it is balanced and incorporates lots of fish, fruits, and vegetables.
But remember, even the Mediterranean diet doesn’t incorporate whole grains into its diet. When this diet talks about carbohydrates they mean refined. It would be wise to always make sure your carbohydrates are whole grain.
In conclusion, there are better diets for your health. Understand the difference next time you read about carbohydrates being fattening. Whole grain carbohydrates and refined carbohydrates are two totally different types of carbohydrates. Whole grains are NOT fattening.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/atkins-diet-what-it-is
http://health.yahoo.com/tips/feed-yourself-this-for-a-flatter-belly/realage--5487.html
http://www.modeldietplan.com/bloodtype.htm
Top of Atkins Diet
Return to Healthy Diet Plans
Home to Healthy Eating

|