Getting Fit: Atkins — Telling people what they want to believe
The Atkins Nutritional Approach is the new name for the diet that started the high protein craze. The Atkins Diet Revolution which started back in the 1970’s has been tried by an estimated 20 million people. Key word being tried. The Atkins Plan no longer uses the word “diet,” it is now a Nutritional Approach. They are switching from telling you that it is OK to eat a pound of bacon to a new ideal that incorporates eating a balanced diet.
Why suddenly the change from the Atkins Diet of high protein no carbs, to the Atkins Nutritional Approach? The Atkins Diet Plan has recently come under a lot of criticism, saying that the restriction of certain high fiber foods and carbohydrates were causing a wide variety of health problems. Critics say that meat heavy high protein eating patterns are linked to osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, and renal disease.
This has such groups as the American Heart Association and The American Dietetic Association, up in arms.
According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, low carb dieters, showed that their “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels rose significantly in 30 percent those of low carb / no carb dieters tested. There has also recently been a rise in colon cancer due to the fact that many of these low carb dieters are simply not eating enough fiber.
Dr. Dean Ornish founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, stated that the Atkins diet advocated substituting simple carbohydrates with high-fat animal foods such as bacon, sausage, and butter. He says, “I would love to tell you that these are healthy foods, but they are not. Telling people what they want to hear is part of the reason why the Atkins Diet has become so popular.”
Ornish does agree, that high protein diets such as Atkins may work for the short term. Eventually leaving those to re-lose the weight they originally lost on the Atkins Diet. “Americans do eat too many simple carbohydrates like sugar, white flour, and white rice.” He says, that we need to be eating a high fiber diet that replaces simple carbohydrates, with complex carbs like whole wheat, brown rice, fruits, and vegetables in their natural forms.
Maybe this is why Atkins has now changed to the The Atkins Nutritional Approach. This new philosophy re-balances your nutrition so that you improve your energy levels, your appearance, and gain a sense of well-being. A four phase eating plan in conjunction with regular exercise now gives their followers a guide to go by. Food selections vary by phase see sample daily menus below.
Phase 1: Induction
Restrict your carbohydrate consumption to less than 20 grams per day.
Breakfast: Southwestern omelet with tomato, avocado and ham
Lunch: Caesar Salad with grilled chicken
Dinner: Steak au Poivre, roasted asparagus, mixed green salad w/ vinagrette
Snack: Celery stuffed with herbed cream cheese
Phase 2: Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL)
Add carbohydrates in the form of nutrient-dense foods slowly back into your diet. About 25 grams the first week, and up to 30 grams the next week and so on until weight loss stops. When weight loss stops, subtract 5 grams of carbs from your daily intake so that you can continue to sustain moderate weight loss.
Breakfast: 2 Poached eggs over fried green tomatoes
Lunch: Grilled turkey with pepper-jack cheese
Dinner: Cajun Pork Chops and spicy cornbread
Snack: Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
Phase 3: Pre-Maintenance
Now, make the transition from weight loss to weight maintenance by increasing the daily carb intake in 10 gram increments each week so long as very gradual weight loss is maintained.
Breakfast: Belgian Waffles with sugar free syrup and strawberries
Lunch: Black bean soup, ham and cheese tortilla
Dinner: Roasted Salmon with Macadamia-Cilantro Crust, cucumber salad
Snack: 2 chocolate truffles
Phase 4: Life Maintenance
Select from a wide variety of foods controlling carbohydrate intake to ensure weight maintenance and a sense of well being. A balanced diet is key.
Breakfast: 2 slices of cranberry-orange loaf and a ricotta cheese omelet
Lunch: Vegetable soup and Crab salad over mixed greens
Dinner: Herb roasted chicken with lemon, wild rice with mushrooms, and a bib lettuce salad with French dressing.
Snack: Cantaloupe with lime juice
As you can see, The Atkins Nutritional Approach has changed to eating a balance of different foods. In a lot of restaurants today, there are Atkins friendly choices. In the grocery stores, they have Atkins approved products. Now, I am not advocating the Atkins Nutritional Approach or even the buying of their brand of foods. Different fad diets in the past, for example Nutri- System had you buying their approved or pre-packaged foods. That diet idea was huge back then. “Back then” and “fad” being the key words in those two sentences.
Next week’s diet: The Subway Diet.
Remember, if you would like to stop by USA Gym anytime, please do so. You can contact me by writing to Paige Northcutt, P.O. Box 7281, McMinnville, TN 37111. Or e-mail me at Ljnorthcutt@ Charter.net, label it “fitness question.”
Remember, permanent changes in your eating and fitness habits result in permanent changes in you lifestyle.