What is the Atkins diet
This is a low-carb diet developed in the middle of the 20th century by American cardiologist Robert Atkins. The diet is based on an article by Gordon Hazard and Walter Bloom, “A New Concept in the Treatment of Obesity,” published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Atkins, who himself struggled with extra pounds, believed that carbohydrates were the main cause of excess weight. Therefore, he recommended removing them from the diet as much as possible. The diet is based on protein and fat intake (no calorie restriction) and carbohydrate restriction.
How the Atkins diet works
According to Dr. Atkins’ nutritional system, an overweight person should reduce their carbohydrate intake and switch to a protein diet. In this case, the metabolism switches from carbohydrate metabolism to burning those fats that were previously deposited around the internal organs and under the skin. A lot of fats and proteins (mainly of animal origin) enter the body, which subsequently occurs ketosis – an increased formation of ketone bodies in the blood, caused by a low level of the hormone insulin.
Excess lipids from cells pass into the blood and are used by the body as fuel for energy. As a result, we eat protein foods and do not feel hungry, and the excess weight quickly goes away.
What foods are included in the Atkins diet grocery basket
1. Meat and poultry.
2. Fish and seafood.
3. Vegetables and fruits.
4. Dairy and fermented milk products.
5. Seeds, nuts and oils from them.
6. Eggs – chicken, quail, duck.
Prohibited foods on the Atkins diet
1. Bakery products (including pasta, dumplings).
2. Sweets.
3. All cereals and cereals.
4. Ketchup, tomato paste, sauces containing starch and flour (soy).
5. Vegetables rich in starch or sugar (potatoes, carrots, beets).
6. Bananas, pineapples, oranges, grapes, strawberries.
Who is contraindicated in the Atkins diet
People with kidney problems, heart problems and pregnant women are prohibited from the Atkins diet. Everyone else should remember that a low carbohydrate diet is the cause of low vitamin content in the body. Therefore, do not forget to drink plenty of water and take vitamin complexes.
