This article was written by Support

In 1972, a doctor by the name of Dr. Alan Atkins developed a diet plan based on an article that he read in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Aptly named the Atkins Diet, and also popularly known just at the “Atkins”, Dr. Atkins first formulated the diet as an experiment based on that article to use on himself  in order to  combat some extra weight that he had put on over some time. The results were so positive, the good doctor wrote a book entitled ‘Dr. Atkins’ Diet Revolution’, and the rest is low carbohydrate weight loss history!

Dr. Atkins based his diet on the theory that foods low in carbohydrates forced the body to burn stored fats and therefore could produce rapid weight loss. Furthermore, he concluded that by eating a diet low in carbs and high in protein it could help to regulate insulin naturally so much to the point that those patients suffering from diabetes may be able to regulate the disease by diet alone, without having to use the aide of insulin shots!

Dr. Atkins believed that one of the main causes of obesity in Western culture could be pin pointed to the over consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as sugars and high fructose corn syrups and had less to do with saturated fats. By introducing a strict diet composed of very low carbohydrates and high proteins, it throws the body into a state referred to as ketosis, which basically jump starts the burning of stored fats and can lead to rapid weight loss, especially in the beginning stages of the diet.

The Atkins’ Diet is implemented by starting dieters off by consuming certain foods very strictly void of carbohydrates, not even some fruits and vegetables were safe from making the cut from everyday consumptions by those who were or still are on the diet!  For two weeks dieters must adhere strictly to the foods that have been listed as “safe” for the diet and will allow the body to enter the ketosis phase mentioned earlier. In fact, studies have shown that on average, people on the diet can lose 5 to 15 pounds during the first week alone! Of course that’s not the only time in which you’ll see a difference; it just happens to be the quickest drop you may notice thanks to ketosis.

Slowly more carbohydrates are introduced back into the diet but one thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t just a diet, it is truly a lifestyle change and if only used as a temporary solution, going back to the normal way of eating that you’re used to without following the diet will only allow you to put the weight that you’ve lost back on. The Atkins’ Diet was formulated to be implemented as a lifestyle change and if not adhered to specifically the way it was designed to be, it may work, but only in the short term.

The Atkins’ Diet, where it may have lost a bit of its popularity through the years hasn’t lost all of its followers and is still helping people lose extra pounds as well as regulate their sugar levels to this very day.  The diet itself has been around for 36 years and doesn’t seem like it’s going out of style anytime soon! If you are interested in participating in the Atkins’ Diet you’ll sure have all the information that you’ll ever need as there are several books, articles and online content dedicated to helping those who want to change their bodies, and their lives, do so with great recipes and tips designed for helping you lose weight fast.