Atkins diet: your thoughts please

shadowlydarkness

Hi guys,

As part of my daily routine I watch a food/health related documentary on Youtube while I do my workouts. This morning I watched one about the Atkins diet. They seem to think the susses comes from the protein which makes you feel fuller and actually eat less, so it all comes down to eating fewer calories like on any diet. I have posted the link below and would love to hear your thoughts on this.

I myself have been trying for years to shed a few extra pounds, but I cant seem to do it. I know that I am not trying as hard as I could and I have no one to blame for that but myself, but intrigued to try out parts of the Atkins diet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epxp_Viq484

_John_

There's 2 version of the atkins diet, the stereotyped one in the media and misapplied everywhere it's mentioned, or the diet outlined in the book.

If it's the book version that actually implements fruits and vegetables in the diet while eating "low carb" after a short "induction" period, then I have little problems with it.

bcattoes

Success comes from successfully creating and sticking with a calorie deficit. Some find that easier with low carb, some do not. Protein does take longer to digest than carbs, so it can make you feel full longer.

The same is true of fiber, though, which is a carb. Personally I find fiber and fat most satiating. Fat, though, is higher calorie per gram than protein or carbs. So, I opt for a high fiber diet with moderate fat and protein and let the rest of my carbs fall where they may. This may not be the best option for others, though.

If you find Atkins sustainable, then it will work just fine. If you have insulin resistance, diabetes or hormonal disorders, low carb diets such as Atkins may also be beneficial. You just have to find what works for you.

thavoice

When you stick with it you can see very good success.

The problem with it, and most of the "fads" is that you either eventually get tired of excluding foods you always enjoyed or when you lose weight and want to maintain you really didnt learn much about how to eat sensibly.

There is always the comment of "I will do this to lose the weight and then change it up so I can maintain". Sounds great in theory but as I already stated you hadnt really learned the basics of how to lose and maintain and that is eating at a certain caloric level.

The best way at it is it go about it by eating less calories and still fit it the foods you enjoy and then when you lose the weight you just keep applying that same principle but being able to add more calories in per day.

k_babyy

I'm so pro atkins!

Most people assume that it's the same atkins that the media is saying is so bad for you. They say you need carbs, you cannot sustain on fat and protein alone.

The truth is, with atkins, its about reprogramming. Changing the way we eat, and it goes in phases. Eventually you can have carbs and all sorts of food. The first two weeks are hard, and very strict, but its meant to set you up for a lifetime of healthy eating.

Try it! It's worked for me Just make sure to read about each phase and follow it as best as you can!

shadowlydarkness

Thanks heaps for your comments guys, I must admit I never read the acctual book and did not know there were differences from what the media says it is. Will have to get it and have a good read before I make a decision.