The Atkins Diet

The Atkins Diet states that you can change your metabolism and lose weight easily by simply eating foods high in protein and fat and limiting foods high in carbohydrates.

Consuming a high level of carbohydrates causes overproduction of insulin, Dr. Atkins says, leading to increased hunger and weight gain. So using "controlled" Carbohydrates which are limited to only 15 to 60 grams per day. While protein and fat are highly encouraged and pastas and breads are discouraged. Protein enriched foods such as eggs, bacon, meat, chicken, and other foods that are high in protein but low in carbohydrates are the usually daily diet plan. Suggestions for a diet would be Breakfast- Eggs and Bacon, Lunch would be grilled chicken, Dinner might include Steak and anything high in protein. Foods to avoid would be those that are high in carbohydrates such as pasta, bread, and fruit.

The upside to the diet would be, being able to eat unlimited amounts of protein and fat as desired. For those people who have tried a low-fat, high-carbohydrate weight loss plan without success, increasing the protein in their diet can result in decreased food cravings and rapid weight loss. The plan seems to be fairly easy to follow with no complex meal plans.

The downside to the diet is that it limits carbohydrates and causes the body to rely on fat or muscle for energy. The body then breaks down stored fat to supply energy. Then ketones are formed as a byproduct. Ketones end up suppressing the appetite, but then tends to cause fatigue, nausea, and a possible fluid loss that can end up being very dangerous. Another downside is that eating unlimited amounts of saturated fats that are found in meat products can lead to an increase risk in heart disease. Other side effects are constipation from a low fiber diet.