The Atkins Diet

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The Atkins Diet
Ying zhang yzhangv_at_essex.ac.uk
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The Atkins Diet

• The Atkins Diet is created by Cardiologist Robert
  Atkins, the first book"Dr Atkins' Diet
  Revolution" published in 1972
• Its probably the most well known low-carb /
  high-protein diet
• An estimated 20 million people have
• already embraced this diet.

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Basic Philosophy

• It is not just one diet but a series of dietary
  phases. Its a nutritional philosophy which will
• (a) restrict their intake of processed and
  refined carbohydrates
• (b) encourage consumption of nutrient-rich
  unprocessed foods such as animal flesh
• (c) promote the use of "vita-nutrient"
  supplements.

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Methods four phases

• Phase 1 ---Induction phase 14 days
• PurposeTo induce Benign Dietary Ketosis
• Medical assessment tests should be taken for the
  "before" picture
• Cut out almost all carbohydrates except for a few
  greens, but you can eat sour cream and steak and
  eggs. Carbohydrates are restricted to around 20
  grams per day.
• Riskputs a strain on your kidneys and may be
  fatal

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• Phase 2-- Ongoing Weight Loss
• To be followed until target weight has been
  achieved
• Purposeto allow continuing weight loss, while at
  the same time making the diet less restrictive
  and more palatable
• Increasing permitted vegetables, and raising
  carbohydrate levels to around 40g per
  day(according to degree of metabolic resistance )
  
• Towards the end of this phase you establish your
  Critical Carbohydrate level for Maintenance

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• Phase 3 Pre-Maintenance Diet
• Commencing 5-10 pounds away from reaching target
  weight .
• Purpose To prepare for the last phase.
• Using the Critical Carbohydrate Level for
  Maintenance information gained in Phase 2
• "The slower you lose the last 5 pounds, the
  better". This is achieved by increasing the
  carbohydrate intake till less than 1 pound of
  weight per week is being lost.

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• Phase 4 Maintenance Diet
• Purpose To maintain Target Weight for whole life
  
• No longer protected by Fat Mobilizing Substance
• Stick to the carbohydrate level you feel happiest
• on without gaining weight

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Will the diet really work?

• Atkins states that most people will lose 10
• 30 pounds in the first month"
• Based on surveys conducted by the Atkins Diet
• Center, this diet appears to be more
  effective than
• low-fat diets in enabling people to lose
  weight

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Health Risks

• A ketosis-inducing diet may strain the kidneys
• High protein diet can lead to acidic urine.
  Acidic urine increases one's risk for
  osteoporosis and kidney stones
• The high-fat content of the diet effect on the
  cardiovascular system
• Is the Atkins Diet good for Cancer Prevention?

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Conclusion

• The Atkins diet may in fact curb one's appetite
  and thus cause one to lose weight
• Not a nutritional guide for a healthy lifestyle
• It promotes a potentially unhealthy consumption
  of saturated fats
• This diet goes against all of the major
  professional health organizations

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Thanks!