The Atkins Diet is a ‘fad diet’ that has gained much popularity and controversy during the early 2000’s because it was widely believed to result in substantial initial weight loss in adults. The Atkins Diet is essentially a low-carb yet high in fat diet. You’re probably wondering how consuming more fat can lose weight. The limited intake of carbohydrates aims to divert the body’s natural metabolism process from metabolizing glucose for energy to breaking down fat reserves to suffice a person’s daily energy requirements. This process is termed ketosis and naturally occurs at low insulin levels, precipitated by a decrease in blood glucose since there is less carb intake. In short, in the absence of carbs your body will break down excess body fat in its place therefor eliminating it.
While some experts contest the efficacy of this fad diet and fad diets in general, many still look to the Atkins Diet to help them lose weight quickly and safely. Weighing the pros against the cons will aid you in making an informed decision. Additionally, consult a physician or nutritionist. Below are the pros and cons of the Atkins Diet – some points to consider before undertaking this eating plan.
List of Pros of Atkins Diet
1. Substantial Weight Loss
The Atkins Diet can potentially lose you a lot of weight especially during the initial phase (Induction Phase) so expect to drop a few pounds in the first couple of weeks. Since the diet relies mainly on high in fat foods and just your metabolism to achieve weight loss, you’re practically losing weight while doing nothing at all. Some individuals who have gone on the diet plan claim to have lost up to 80 pounds.
2. No Need to Count Calories
Calories don’t really count in the Atkins Diet. All you need to worry about is the amount of carbs you are allowed to consume but apart from that the diet isn’t all that restrictive when it comes to the calories each meal totals to at the end of the day.
3. A Relatively Healthy Eating Plan
Despite being high in fat, the Atkins Diet actually helps prevent some cardiovascular diseases because it reduces bad cholesterol levels (LDL) dramatically. On the other hand, it increases the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) present in the body.
4. Not Restrictive of Hearty Foods
If you’re a fan of bacon, eggs, dairy products and other high protein foods then this diet is definitely for you. The Atkins Diet encourages fat intake which means you aren’t advised to stay away from hearty meals like steaks, pork, beef, chicken and even butter unlike with other meal plans that typically require you to stick with flavorless or unappetizing diet foods.
5. Provisions for Healthy Carbohydrates
You don’t necessarily eliminate carbs from your diet altogether instead the Atkins diet advises that you stay away from refined sugars and starches like cakes and white bread in favor of healthier whole grain alternatives (good carbs).
List of Cons of Atkins Diet
1. Might Result in Weight Gain in Others
As said before, the Atkins Diet relies heavily on your metabolism to do its job. If the eating plan does not work well with you it may unfortunately result in weight gain since your consuming mostly fatty foods. Consult your physician before you consider going on the Atkins Diet to find out if your body will properly adapt to this eating plan.
2. May Take a While to Get Used to
It may be difficult to do away with all the carbs especially during the first few weeks on the diet. Carbs like bread or rice are a staple in nearly everyone’s diet. Some people might find this aspect a bit restrictive and may take a while to get used to.
3. Does Not Include Fruits or Grains
Unfortunately, the diet does not have a fruits and grain provision which re also necessary in maintaining a balanced diet.
4. Diminished Energy
Carbohydrates are our bodies’ main source of energy. A sudden decline in carb intake may result in decreased energy levels for most especially during the first couple of weeks on the diet since you’ll be largely removing nearly all carbs from the get go.
5. Need to Count Net Carbs
Keeping track of your daily consumption is quite tedious and often times part of the reason why people have a hard time sticking to their diet plans. The Atkins Diet does not require you to count calories but instead necessitates that you take not of the amount of carbs you so consume in a day.
6. Undesirable Side Effects
Some side effects may result from the dramatic shift in diet from carb rich foods to fats and proteins such as dehydration, constipation and even bad breath. High consumption of unsaturated fat can also result in other medical disorders.