The Atkins Diet is a weight loss program for those who intend to lose a few pounds or even more. It mainly consists of eating foods that are high in protein and very low in carbohydrates. The only problem is that on the long-run is it healthy?

What Should I Eat?

Normally, low carbohydrate diets means taking out certain foods out of your regular diet and increasing the intake of others. If you choose this diet, you'll avoid all foods with carbohydrates. In other words, you stop eating starches and sugars such as beans, fruits, certain vegetables, bread, rice, cereals, pasta and other grain products. Hence, you would be eating foods high in protein such as meat, cheese and non-starchy vegetables. As the diet progresses, the restrictions on starchy foods relax a bit but still are limited.

What Kind of Atkins Food?

Atkins weight loss diet program include foods like bacon, eggs, cheeseburgers (no bun), green salads (no dressing), seafood and steaks. Although all of these foods are very high in protein they also come with a very high percentage of saturated fat and cholesterol and are low in fiber which isn't very good for the body. They also do not provide the required minimum of minerals and vitamins. By restricting these nutrients even just for a few weeks could lead you to several serious consequences including potential cardiac, renal, bone and liver abnormalities.

Why Is It So Popular?

The reason why this diet is so popular is mainly because of the kinds of food you eat which is very similar to fast food and that most people still manage to lose weight over a year. However, if you compare this diet to any other kind of diet program the difference in weight loss does not make much of a difference. Furthermore, the lack of nutrients over a year due to an unbalanced diet may harm your body. Although many Americans have started the Atkins diet hoping that it will help them shed a few pounds, many doctors do not recommend this diet because it will not effectively lower weight with a healthy outcome.

Atkins Side Effects

Numerous health concerns arise from prolonged use of these diets.

1. Colon Cancer. Increased intake of meat is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, a common cancer found in America.

2. Heart Disease. The abnormally high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol in Atkins diets are known to be a risk factor in heart disease.

3. Kidney Disease. High protein diets are also a contributing factor for increasing the risk of kidney problems.

4. Diabetes. The elimination of sugars and fruits may cause complications with diabetes.

5. Osteoporosis. The thinning of bones called osteoporosis is also a concern for those who are on the Atkins Diet.

6. Side Effects. Constipation, headaches, bad breath, muscle cramps, diarrhea and weakness are all side effects commonly found in people who use this weight loss diet.

7. Other Health Problems. While obesity is a concern, those who have severe weight problems also usually have additional health concerns. The Atkins diet can enhance these issues turning them from minor problems into serious ones.

Conclusion

As of now, the Atkins diet have made quite a few million dollars by selling products such as books, videos and food products. It is a lucrative industry that aims at those who feel they need to lose weight. Because of this, features are upgraded in some products without addressing any additional health concerns. It causes people who have decided to reduce or cut out necessary foods potentially serious health problems. You should check with your doctor about the type of weight loss program that would be best for you.

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