The Atkins Diet Review

Why did I decide to try this diet?

I had gained some weight and this diet appealed to me because it seemed I could eat a lot!

How healthy is the diet and does it pose any health risks?

Once when I was one it, I happened to have a doctor’s appointment. I told my doctor that I was on Atkins and he had no concerns about it. I was a bit surprised considering that one of the mainstays is unlimited fat- at least in the first phase. What surprised me so much is that my doctor’s specialty is cardiology and I have high cholesterol due to heredity.

One misconception about the Atkins program is that you eat no carbohydrates thus eliminating an entire food group, especially fruits and vegetables. That isn’t true.

During the first two weeks you can have 20 grams of carbohydrates. That is not a lot but it is more than 0. One cup of cooked broccoli has 8 grams; an avocado has 9 grams. That would give you 17 grams so far. If you had an apple instead of the avocado you would be well over your 20

Dr. Atkins recommends that you take vitamins and after learning that you should be taking a multi vitamin and probably Metamucil for the constipation you will encounter, you will then learn that actually he recommends about a dozen supplements.

Ketosis scares people Being in ketosis means that you’re burning your fat stores and using them as the source of fuel they were meant to be.

Dr. Atkins insists that when a person on a safe, low carb diet is releasing ketones, you are in the fat-dissolving state known as BDK or benign dietary ketosis. Well you can make up your mind at this point if this is benign or not.

How noticeable were my results? How much weight did I lose and how quickly?

I lost about 10 pounds in 2 weeks. There is no doubt that this diet is the fastest weight loss program short of not eating. I continued to lose weight, also. However, the promise of losing my cravings for sugar never happened. I managed to go one month without any sugar or white products.

On the one hand, you will lose weight, and on the other hand the cravings may not go away. Even Dr. Atkins says that at some point if you stop losing weight, you may need to figure out if you are eating too much! Let’s face it, 2 dozen chicken wings, huge quantities of cheeses, omelets by the many and tuna fish by the cans, do add up to calories. So one may, in fact, have to start counting calories as well as carbs after being on Atkins for awhile.

How restrictive are the portions and the menus?

There are no restrictions on many foods. You can eat as much beef, bacon, duck, and lobsters that you want.

In addition, for me, not only didn’t the sugar cravings stop, I think this is a nightmare of a diet for anyone with an eating disorder.

For whom would I recommend this diet?

I really would not recommend this to anyone. The only time I would is, for example, if you just have to fit into the dress you bought for your son’s wedding and you need to quickly lose 5 or 10 pounds. This will do it. You’ll gain it all back the night of the wedding but at least you can walk down the aisle or do whatever mothers do at weddings.

Regarding eating disorders: Since there are no restrictions on how much or when you can eat, a person who binges will be in his or her glory.

Will you ever go on Atkins again?

Absolutely not.

It seems that Dr. Atkins did not die of heart failure like some have reported but due to a fall.

Jo's Viewpoint

I don't like it!