Atkins diet - attractive but may be risky |
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This unique diet which has become the fad of late, was first introduced by Dr
Robert Atkins, a cardiologist in the early 1970's. It was sold as the
"Drinking Man's Diet" because some hard liquor was low in carbohydrates.
It sounded attractive - eat all you want of meat and protein and limit food
groups like vegetables (which most folks don't miss). Robert Atkins devised the diet for himself, based on research which dead-ended in the 1950's. He apparently followed his own diet for several decades however, in his late 60's, early 70's experienced coronary artery disease (Mrs Atkins apparently told an interviewer that her husband did have mild clogged arteries) and also heart disease which the Atkins corporation insists was NOT from the low carb plan. Two years after Atkins death which was originally stated as from a fall, a biographical book revealed that Atkins had actually died from a stroke which CAUSED the fall. The high consumption of saturated fats which many low carbers indulge in is considered by many in the medical profession to be a risk factor for coronary artery disease, clogged arteries and stroke, all of which Dr Atkins had. Dr Atkins revised his book a few times and the latest incarnation has some significant modifications on the original plan. Readers are told that they should eat low carb protein food until "pleasantly satisfied" but to NOT overeat because too many calories of protein will cause a weight gain (a new discovery). In other words, basically portion control and no more eating all the steak you want! Another significant change is that the Atkins book talks about "USEABLE CARBS" which is lower than total carbs. This would allow a bit more leeway in what foods can be eaten. Robert Atkins in his latest book included a section showing the scientific basis for his theory that cutting carbs made for more efficient weight loss but unfortunately all but one of the studies he cited were from the 1960's and 1970's and were not on plans which limited carbs that drastically (for example the studies limited carbs to 35 percent of food eaten). Most medical authorities, even those who prefer the Atkins plan, admit that Atkins' explanations of why it works were flawed. The diet as it is today is quite limited. Saturated fat is limited to 60 percent of calories but transfat like margarine etc is restricted. Omega III and VI fats are encouraged. Sugar, white carbohydrates, pasta, breads, all forbidden. Carrots, potatoes and other starchy vegetables are extremely restricted. Fruits also are extremely restricted and often forbidden. Low carbers are allowed about 3 cups of salad a day (just lettuce and other no calorie veggies) or 1 cup other low carb veggies like broccoli or cauliflour and 2 cups of salad. People on low carb maintenance can add 1 fruit or 1 glass of milk. Low carbers feel that sugar is the enemy and that carb cravings come from eating sugar. This is one of the points of controversy because some authorities feel the the cravings many low carbers get, come from the body starving for the carbs it requires - about 200 carbs a day to function normally. Induction or the Atkins quick weight loss plan still is 20 grams of carbs a day which will cause ketosis - a condition which some feel is not safe. However, most medical authorities agree that 2 weeks or so of Atkins will cause a weight loss and will not cause damage unless the individual has kidney or liver disease etc. A unique thing about Atkins is that dieters still lose weight by cutting the calories but some low carbers may not drastically cut calories enough to cause the metabolic damage seen on other diets. Dr Atkins still believed (according to his newest book) that a high content in saturated fat was a good thing and he cites the French as eating higher fat and still staying lean. Another scientist discovered that the French also walk 10,000 steps a day - whereas the average American is lucky to walk over 900 steps a day. Mystery solved) The diet remains very controversial and generally is NOT recommended by most medical authorities for anything longer than 2 weeks. (In his new book, Dr Atkins admitted that the Ornish and MacDougall (low fat plans) were advantageous but stated that he felt they were too difficult to follow.) Caveats
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