© Atkins

The Atkins Diet

This may seem strange, but eating more meat and less potatoes and vegetables is actually a highly effective method of weight loss and weight control. Although the long term effects are not clear and many people oppose the Atkins diet, the facts remain that it can help people to lose weight.

What's the Theory?

The theory behind the Atkins diet is based on wasting calories. Some calories are wasted during the process of metabolism. Some sources of energy tend to waste more calories than others. Glucose molecules for example, are extremely efficient and tend to be used for energy immediately.

Proteins and fats are harder to break down and are stored in the body as a result. The extra calories that are consumed by someone on the Atkins diet are burned off through the process of metabolism, the process that converts them into useable energy for the body.

Using Low Carb Diet Plans to Lose Weight

The Atkins Diet Plan, and other low carb diets, is excellent for helping people to lose weight.

This is primarily because you can eat a good amount of food, but still lose weight thanks to eating the right types of foods. Losing weight is also dependent upon your metabolism.

Eating proteins boosts your metabolism. Eating vegetables which provides fibre) and fat makes you feel more satisfied or full up for longer. You will actually burn calories by digesting proteins and fats and they dont disrupt blood sugar or insulin levels. Calories from carbohydrates are less efficient than those from proteins and fats so you can eat more proteins and fats without the risk of gaining weight whereas eating lots of carbs probably will result in you gaining weight.

Low Carbs High Protein vs High Carbs Low Fat

Studies have been conducted whereby two different groups of people both eat the same number of calories over a given period. The first group of people base the food they eat on a low-carb diet but still eat high protein, fat and fibre. The second group of people eat a high carbohydrate but low fat diet.

According to the laws of thermodynamics, a calorie is a calorie and therefore the two groups of people should have both lost the same amount of weight. In the recent publication, Thermodynamic Edge for the Low-Carbohydrate Diets (written in 2004 by Dr Feinman and Dr Fine) shows numerous examples that illustrate that when eating a certain quantity of calories as part of low-carbohydrate diets are more effective for weight loss than other more conventional low fat diets.

In Summary

Limiting calories in diets is not crucial to weight loss. However, you should be aware of the number of calories you are consuming each day and try to balance out the calorie intake with sufficient levels of regular physical activity. This ensures you'll burn off a similar number of calories to the amount you are consuming to provide you with a good balance. This can help you to maintain weight loss and weight control for longer.

As found in research and testing, low carb and high protein diets can encourage greater weight loss than and equally calorific high carb low fat diet!