"The New Diet Revolution, Dr. Atkins Explains Why His Diet Is The Ultimate Diet!"

Do you think you can lose weight with the Akins Diet? You can lose several pounds in a very short period of time!

Developed by Dr. Robert Akins, the Akins diet is a highly recommended diet if you want to lose several pounds within a short period of time.  Akins has been marketed as a low carbohydrate diet.  The diet came about in the 1960’s and after much research and numerous tests, it had become successful. 

This franchise has provided product after product to its customer with terrific results.  Popularity of the diet has slowly dwindled, but the Akins logo is still branded on foods and other merchandise.  However, obesity is gradually on the rise and most scientists believe it is because people are eating refined carbohydrates, such as sugar, corn syrups high in fructose and flour. 

Dr. Akins does not believe in using the food pyramid and emphasizes nutritional supplements and exercise by incorporating these factors into the diet.  This diet will provide restrictions on carbohydrates, which will lower the consumption of unnecessary carbs, but will not cut them out completely.  This will switch your body’s metabolism from burning glucose to burning stored fat. 

The Atkins Diet is introduced in phases.  The first phase is the most restrictive and is intended to cause the body to burn stored fat rapidly.  With this phase you will be limited to consuming only 20 net grams of carbohydrates per day.  Most meats will be allowed, but proportioned to a liberal amount.  You can also consume up to 4 ounces of soft, hard or aged cheeses, three tablespoons of heavy cream, one cup of low glycemic low carb vegetables or two cups of salad vegetables.  Unfortunately, within this phase alcoholic beverages and caffeine are not allowed.  Most people lose up to six pounds per week during the first phase.    

Next, Akins introduces the Ongoing Weight Loss phase.  The OWL phase consists of an increase in carbohydrate consumption, but remaining at a level where weight loss will occur.  Each week your carbohydrates intake will increase by 5 net grams.  Once you have reached within 10 pounds of your ultimate weight loss goal, OWL phase is completed. 

Within the first weeks of this phase, you should be more acceptable to vegetables such as, asparagus or a salad.  Then in the following weeks, you should examine and follow the carbohydrate ladder created by Dr. Akins specifically for the OWL phase.  Also, remember to add fresh dairy products, nuts, berries, legumes, other fresh fruits, grains and starchy vegetables to your meals during this phase.  Alcohol can be consumed within this phase, but there is a limit.  Preferred foods that are recommended are whole, unprocessed foods with a low glycemic load.

Phase three is the Pre-maintenance phase.  Within this phase you will be maintaining your diet and weight loss.  Your daily consumption of carbohydrates is increased to 10 net gram increments per week.  During this phase you also want to exercise to energize the body and burn off more fat.

The final phase is the Lifetime maintenance phase it mainly focuses on maintaining a healthy diet plan, while controlling your intake of carbohydrates.  During the fourth phase you will ensure weight loss and weight maintenance. 
               
Weaknesses:

• Restriction on carbohydrate consumption
• Exercise is recommended, but not emphasized
• Sugary foods and starchy foods are avoided with little exceptions

Strengths:

• You can eat your favorite foods
• Lose a large amount of weight quickly
• Encourages you to cut carbohydrates from your diet
• You will feel less hungry
• Your overall health will improve