June 1st, 2011
Atkins Diet – New And Old
New Atkins diet is a result of the changes that were made in original Atkins program that was introduced almost 40 years ago by Dr Atkins. Since its introduction to public, it became one of the famous diet regimens in USA. With advances in nutritional sciences, the changes were made even in the original and the basic Atkins diet that was called new Atkins diet. The new Atkins diet has its own shares of favourism and flaks. The new Atkins Diet was an answer to the critics of the original plan introduced by Dr Robert Atkins. The original plan was criticized for the fact that it had no incorporation of carbohydrates at all. Years later in year 2002 came the new plan that was called New Atkins Diet that had tried to overcome the flaws that accompanied the parent plan.
The New Atkins Diet
The new Atkins Diet was introduced in a book titled ‘New Atkins for a New You’. The main advantage of this new concept over the original one was said to be that it was much easier and more flexible for the user to follow the Atkins diet plan. Moreover, this diet is said to incorporate the latest and minute details of ever changing Science. Also it had a more practical approach thus was in turn easier to follow. Let us talk about the details of New Atkins Diet.
Atkins Diet Plan
This new diet consists of 4 phases; induction, continuing, pre-maintenance and lifelong maintenance. In short, it begins with extreme restriction of carbohydrates that has to be continued for a minimum of 2 weeks. Dieters have to consume 3 main meals and 2 snacks, each consisting mainly of proteins. As there is phase progression, the person can switch over to food items that have low glycemic index for e.g. legumes and berries. Thus we notice that as you progress through the phase, there is incorporation of carbohydrates though in restricted quantity. Dieters also have the full liberty to eat vegetables regardless of the phase. What made the New Atkins diet more flexible and friendlier to the dieters is the fact that in contrast to the original diet where the users were strictly prohibited from using alcohol or coffee, the New Atkins diet allows them to take a milder version of both in little amounts. This increases the chances of users to stick to the program for a longer period of time.
Atkins Diet Food
New Atkins Diet recommends food items like non vegetarian stuff, tomatoes, green vegetables and food with low glycemic index. Amongst range of oils it recommends olive oil thus we can divide the food included in the New Atkins Diet in 4 phases:
a. ATKINS DIET PHASE 1 – in first two weeks- food here includes high protein foods and small amounts of vegetables and salads.
b. PHASE 2 – in addition to phase 1’s food items, here you can add restricted amounts of berries and nuts.
c. PHASE 3 – I am sure this must be the most awaited phase since it permits more flexibility. Here you can add foods like potatoes and fruits to your early food regime. But one thing to be remembered here is that the third phase shall be started when the dieters are just around 10 lbs away from their target ideal weight.
d. PHASE 4 – It does not end when you reach your ideal weight since it is more important to maintain it. This can be done with a diet including vegetables, dairy, lean protein, cheese, fruits and whole grains.
Role of Exercise in The New Atkins Diet
What is the role of complementary exercise to New Atkins Diet? It is better if vigorous form of exercise is not started during first 2 or 3 weeks of beginning of New Atkins diet. The form of exercise that is recommended is the combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercises. These would help to keep weight in check as well as maintain the blood sugar level.
Science Behind New Atkins Diet
Let us look at the science behind our New Atkins Diet- as like the original plan, in new Atkins diet also, the weight loss is based on process of ketosis. Since high levels of ketosis can be dangerous for the body, the New Atkins diet introduced low levels of carbohydrates in a gradual fashion. Unlike original plan, the NEW ATKINS DIET is friendlier to the body in a way that it keeps ketosis in check at a lower and safer degree.
One thing that always works in favor of a new concept is its popularity among celebrities.” The high protein, high fat and low carb” Atkins diet caught the eye and attention of our celebs from very beginning and this in turn helped its shoot up fame among common men as well. Jennifer Aniston, Gerri Hellwell and Robin Williams are such celebs to name a few. In the nutshell, New Atkins Plan is advancement in the original Atkins diet with an increased flexibility. While other diet plans are based on low fat and low carb diet, the NEW ATKINS DIET has its own plan of low carb, high fat and high protein. The plan will only work if you follow it whole heartedly and with full determination.