The ATKINS weight loss diet plans!! Is the pat reply when you ask today's youngsters about a diet that is `too-good-to-be-true'. Every one of us has surely heard of someone who had `fantastic' results after resorting to the Atkins high-protein, low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet.
The Atkins weight loss diet plans are more popular among the youth, who want to shed the extra pounds quickly and merrily. With good reason, of course. Following this diet means not having to eat whole grains, fruits and veggies. Instead, dig in to delicious non-vegetarian, deep-fried foods and still lose up to 10 pounds in 2 weeks!!
The question however is.. Are there any side-effects that come with the rapid weight loss?The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted a year-long study on the side-effects of diets like Ornish, South-beach and Atkins. The study mainly focused on
cholesterol levels and other cardiac risk factors when dieters reached their goal weight and continued to follow the diet. The results clearly indicate that Atkins seemed to be heavier on the hearts as compared to the other two diets. People on the Atkins diet had increased levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol and more constricted blood vessels and therefore had an increased risk for developing heart diseases. The single most important reason for this being the higher percentage of saturated fats (30 grams/day as compared to 14 grams/day as recommended by the American Heart Association) coming mainly from the protein and fat-laden bacon, eggs, chunks of cheese, cream and the steaks.
The Atkin's Diet has always been under the scanner, not without reason. Nutritional analysis of the Atkins menu plans has revealed that they don't meet the daily requirements of various important minerals and vitamins. What is more worrying than the multi-mineral and multi-vitamin deficiencies is the unrealistic amounts of protein and fat recommended in the Atkins dietary plan. Another matter of concern is the state of ketosis in the body due to very high protein intakes. If ketosis continues for prolonged periods, it may cause `leaching of calcium from the bones leading to osteoporosis and kidney stones.
"For these reasons, carbohydrate-restricted, imbalanced diets, such as the Atkins Diet, especially when used for prolonged periods, are expected to increase the risk of multiple chronic diseases and other health problems, despite the weight loss that may accompany their use", says Dr.Neal Barnard, the founder and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)
If you are currently on or have recently been on the Atkin's diet, evaluate your intake using our
Nutritional Adequacy tools. They will give you an accurate breakdown of the macro and micro nutrients you are getting from your diet. It will enable you to take a call on what all your body needs to function well.
NutritionVista's verdict: Regular exercise, paying attention to calories in and out, 5 servings of fruits and veggies per day, less saturated fat, using skimmed milk products, limiting fried foods, including omega-3 fatty acids and staying positive lead to a slow and consistent weight loss.
No crash courses, please!!By Nutritionist, www.NutritionVista.comSee NutritionVista's - Top 10 Foods for Weight LossRelated articles
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