Positives and negatives of the atkins diet

The Atkins diet was, in the not too distant past, one of the most popular low carbohydrate diets on the market. Its popularity sparked an endless flood of Atkins look-a-like diets that also centred on the same high-protein and low-carbohydrate principles. The Atkins diet hasnt exactly died a death, but its popularity has certainly waned over time.

Studies initially showed that low-carbohydrate eating had a wide range of benefits. There have been scientific results that confirmed the possibility of low-carbohydrate diets, like Atkins, creating significant weight loss without having to overly restrict calories. This fact was drowned out by the claims of over-zealous Atkins dieters who reported the possibility of success with absolutely no restriction on calorie intake. It doesnt help the reputation of a diet if people make misleading claims like that. All diets must adhere to the basic principle that excess intake gets stored as fat. Maybe the extent to which excess calorie intake is turned to body fat is not exactly the same for all diets, but the variance is not significant.
Some studies showed that low-carb eating could improve triclycerides, reduce blood glucose for diabetics and pre-diabetics and increases good cholesterol (HDL). However these results were never correctly normalized to account for the dieters start point. What I mean is that, for an excessive consumer of carbohydrates, any reduction in carbohydrate consumption would show positive results, would it not? Low-carbohydrate dieting has been scientifically proven to improve insulin sensitivity, decrease blood pressure and lower blood insulin levels. Again such benefits only really relate to people who have previously over consumed carbs to the point where they were causing the problems to arise. All the above ailments can exist for other (non diet) related reasons for which a change in diet will provide minimal relief.
Im not in any way attacking the diet. The Atkins diet can, and does work for many people. However, like most diets, it suffers from misinformation. On one side there are exaggerated claims and unscientific hearsay, and on the other there are scare stories and suggestions about health dangers that dont even relate to the diet. I am simply suggesting that the diet does not work for all. Its benefits are mostly dependent upon your current situation and the exact reasons why you became overweight. Also be aware that many reported risks of the plan come from people who did not follow the plan correctly. Some of the claims for/against the diet are as follows:

Compared with low-fat dieting, low-carb dieters lose less muscle mass. This claim would be difficult to substantiate. If 2 diets were equal in all areas apart from the carbohydrate ratios then I would be surprised if there was any measurable difference in muscle loss. Muscle loss is primarily a result of under activity (use it or lose it), or extreme calorie deficiency.

An increase in energy this can be claimed by many diets, and is probably more related to how regularly you eat and exercise, rather than on sheer carb ratios.
A reduced craving for sweets this really depends upon the cause of the cravings. Was it psychological or diet related?
Better concentration, improved mood and a lessening of depression type symptoms carbs can cause such problems if eaten excessively especially refined carbs. Again there are many reasons for the above aliments and so a reduction in carbs would only provide relief if the initial symptoms were caused by excessive carb consumption.
With the Atkins diet some proponents claim that you can enjoy eating all of those forbidden foods like Steak, butter and cream. Though that is true, you will have to forgo the cookies cola and cereals. Also perceiving wholesome food as forbidden is not a good starting place. Focusing on food quality, nutrients and balance will go much further towards success.
On the more positive note
Dr. Atkins emphasized each dieter should find their own personal carbohydrate level. We all have different levels of carbohydrate tolerance. On this point I couldnt agree more. Knowing how your own body reacts to carbs can only be beneficial to your health and success.
Nothing beats a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Even if you choose to take up the Atkins diet you should consider your longer term goals for how you will live the rest of your life. If the Atkins way is not suitable for life long change then at least develop a lifestyle plan whilst using the diet to get your short term results.

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