The Benefits Of The Atkins Diet
The Atkins diet is probably the most known and popular type of low-carb diet today. A lot of other forms of low carbohydrate diets are found on the market which all focus on the idea of eating high protein and low carbohydrate. The choice is hard and this article shows why you should chose Atkins diet.
Why are low-carb diets so popular? It is because they have many benefits which in part are scientifically proven. Studies have shown that there is a significant weight loss when living on low-carb eating. This is interesting because calories are not reduced. Other studies have shown that triglycerides and good cholesterol (HDL) are increased and blood glucose is reduced. Insulin sensitivity rises while blood pressure and the blood insulin level lower. In addition to that Atkins dieters lose less muscle mass than people living on low-fat diet.
Low-carb dieters report further benefits which are not yet scientifically proven. They notice an increase in energy, improved concentration as well as a decreased desire for sweets. Furthermore the mood is better and their condition less depressive.
Another great advantageous of Atkins diet (which other forms of low-carb diets do not offer) is that you can eat nearly everything you want. The food which is not allowed in low fat diet can be enjoyed. You do not have to resist your steak and butter or cream. There is no limit anymore because Atkins dieters are even encouraged to eat ? rich ? food with much fats and oils.
Another benefit of Atkins diet is its simple usage. In comparison to other low-carb diets you only need to know a few basic food carbohydrate counts and after that you only need to stick to a large list of acceptable food.
Dieters are encouraged to find their personal carbohydrate level which varies widely from person to person. This level is responsible for your personal weight gain. Some people should not eat more than 90 grams a day, others can eat 120 grams a day without gaining weight. The level is found during the first phase of weight loss and pre-maintenance and is valid for the rest of the life.
You can find many books about Atkins diet and there is more information available than on any other diet. So it is easy to find support and interesting information. There are also many websites and online support. Due to his vast amount of information available nearly everybody has heard about the diet and has his own opinion on it. Due to some misconceptions you probably have to defend your diet now and then.
There are two minimal disadvantages of Atkins diet to be mentioned here. Since you have to count everything you eat with regard to your carbohydrate level, you need a lot of patience. Another difficult phase to get through is the Induction. It is a big change for your body from a normal diet, which centers on sugars and carbs, to Atkins diet. Induction is a rather bad feeling and many people quit before their body actually gets used to the new way of eating.
Some people experience a so called carb crash on the 3rd or 5th day of the diet. The carb crash is a reaction on ketosis and it occurs because the body is suddenly running on fat and not on carbohydrate. Although the effects are not so bad many people quit the diet because of this experience.
Yet the benefits prevail and there is a reason why Atkins diet is so popular: it works and many people have finally lost weight and have improved their way of living.