Nowadays there are many types of low-carb diets on the market. They are all based on the same principle of high protein and low carbohydrate eating. These principles were developed by Dr. Atkins and the most popular type of low-carb diet actually is 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.
People who live after a low-carb diet also report of an increase in energy and concentration. The hunger for sweets is lessened and the overall constitution improved. The mood is better and depressions are rare.
However, some benefits are only reported by people living on Atkins principles. These people really enjoy eating those foods and meals which not allowed in a low-fat diet. They do not have to do without their favourite meals. Steak and butter, cream and cake is allowed again and not forbidden in Atkins diet. The dieters are very encouraged to eat rich meals with many calories and fat.
Compared with other low-carb diets Atkins is very simple to use. It is based on a list with accepted meals which can be eaten as much as you want. The only thing you need to remember are some basic carbohydrate counts.
Anyone living on Atkins diet needs to find his or her personal carbohydrate level. Dr. Atkins states that people react in different ways and that everybody has its own level of carbohydrate tolerance. That is to say that some people gain weight when eating 90 grams of carbohydrate daily while others can eat 120 grams. In the phase of weight loss and in the pre-maintenance phase the personal carbohydrate count is detected. The personal level will help not to gain weight a life long.
Dr. Atkins diet is popular and well-known. There are many books, online texts and online groups available and it is easy for you to inform yourself. But there are not only advocates for Atkins diet. Many people have a quite bad opinion on it and many misconceptions are underway. Don?t be surprised if you will find yourself defending your new form of diet against its enemies.
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.
In the first week of the diet some people also experience the so called carb crash. The body reacts to the unusual food: Ketosis occurs when the organism is running in fat instead of carbs. This reaction does not last long but many people cannot face it and give up.
Nevertheless Atkins diet is very popular because it really works as thousands of people can confirm. So don?t think too long but start today!