Atkins Diet for Fast Weight Loss Tips

Atkins diet is a high protein and low carb diet which influences the eating patterns of millions of people and its  reputation has been achieved from the rapid weight loss results of its users.  The Atkins diet works on the principle that when you reduce carbohydrate consumption, your body will use fat for fuel instead. When your body uses fat for fuel it results in more calories being used than when your body uses carbohydrates for fuel. This results in greater fat loss and greater weight loss. An extra bonus occurs when carb intake is lowered . Blood sugar levels are stabilized and hunger pangs are reduced. Less eating means greater weight control.

The Atkins diet has four phases

Atkins Diet Phase 1 –Atkins Induction Phase where carbohydrate consumption is strictly limited. Out go biscuits, crisps, sodas, pastries, bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, fruit and most vegetables. Instead you eat a high protein diet and a high fat diet of meat, fish, cheese, eggs and even cream and butter.

Atkins Phase 1 – switches your body from fat burning to carbohydrate burning and stabilizes blood sugar levels.

Atkins Diet Phase 2–The Ongoing Weight Loss Phase . Carbs are increased slightly to the point where a fat loss of a pound or two per week takes place. Some fruits, nuts and seeds enter the dietary plan.

Atkins Diet Phase 3  — Pre Maintenance Phase allows a few more carbohydrates to be eaten. Small amounts of cereal, bread and pasta are introduced and weight loss goal is 1 lb per week. This is preparation for the last stage of Atkins diet.

Atkins Diet Phase 4 –Lifetime Maintenance.  Carbohydrates are increased slightly but you will be following a low carb diet for life.

This high protein diet has to become a way of life for its followers and does come with some possible side effects.

Your body burning fat instead of carbohydrates results in ketone production. This can cause bad breath, tiredness, insomnia and even nausea. Constipation from lack of fibre is also possible.

Some health professionals are concerned about the balance of Atkins diet. Reduction in antioxidants could lead to a variety of nutritional deficiencies due to the high fat and low carb principles.

Atkins diet is also not suitable for vegetarians and for some, may be boring due to the lack of variety provided by fruits and vegetables.

Atkins Nutitionals, a company set up by Dr Atkins, provides ongoing guidelines and Atkins diet tips and Atkins diet recipes.