Atkins Diet Pros and Cons

Many diets have their detractors. However, few have caused such a degree of controversy as the Atkins Diet. Indeed, it is difficult to understand the science behind a diet based on tenets that appear to fly in the face of other scientific knowledge. With its huge allowances for fat and cholesterol-laden foods, it has become one of the most criticized weight loss plans of our time, but, paradoxically, one of the most popular as well. The Atkins Diet has remained one of the most talked about diets for more than ten years at this point.

Pros

The Atkins Diet, when followed properly, does indeed cause individuals to lose weight. I have known several people whom the diet has worked for, and there are many case studies to support its success as well. This is true for both weight loss and improved blood lipid profiles.

If a person enjoys eating meats and cheeses, they could hardly pick a better regime to follow when it comes to sticking to it. All diets entail giving up something, whether it is a large portion size or specific foods. Although the program severely restricts carbohydrates, this is not a problem for an individual who craves ice cream in this age of artificial sweeteners.

If you are a person who has been unable to stick to a diet because of unstoppable cravings for simple carbohydrates, such as candy and bread, this diet will stop those cravings for as long as you stick to it. There are many recipes available that can help you stick to the diet. Do be aware that if you cheat, the carbohydrate cravings will return. It is nice, however, to be free from the craving from diet-destroying sugar.

Cons

As the Atkins diet and its accompanying low-carb lifestyle have become more and more popular, product developers have begun to fill grocery store shelves with reduced carb products, enabling dieters access to a greater variety of foods than they would otherwise have. When offered a greater variety of choices, individuals tend to eat more, and with any diet, when too many calories are added, weight loss will slow or stop. It is probably best for people who are serious about this plan to avoid those low-carb brownies. They don’t really taste all that good anyway!

Another concern, particularly during the induction period, is the stress that the diet puts on the body. Induction induces a state of ketosis, which is the body’s reaction to what it perceives as starvation. This is a definite stressor, and it is questionable whether the benefits of lost weight outweigh the possible damage done to the body when it is forced into this state. It is important for dieters to make sure that they do not overdo it on this diet and remain in this state for too long.

Many people report feeling a loss of energy when they are on the Atkins Diet. With any diet, you should exercise, and this can be difficult on Atkins, especially during the early stages, when the state of ketosis can make individuals feel exhausted.

Fiber is important in any diet, and has been proven to cut down on disease and improve digestive functioning. This plan is low in fiber, especially during Induction. As the diet progresses, and more vegetable fiber is introduced, this problem is not as acute. However, there is a reason that my local plumbing store’s sign advertises that it sells toilets that are made “especially for the Atkins Diet!” and you can probably imagine why.

You alone can decide which diet is best for you and your needs. If you have many pounds to lose, the best diet will be one that you can stick with.