Do you remember when ‘Atkins’ was the buzz word in diets? Everyone was either on it, planning to be on it or talking about it. The diet’s method was shrouded in controversy though.
Created by Robert Atkins, the diet involved limited consumption of carbohydrates to switch the body’s metabolism from using glucose as energy over to converting stored body fat to energy.
In his early books such as Dr Atkins’ New Diet Revolution, Atkins made the controversial argument that the low-carbohydrate diet produces a metabolic advantage because “burning fat takes more calories so you expend more calories”.
The now known misconception was that the Atkins Diet promoted eating unlimited amounts of fatty meats and cheeses. This was encouraged in early editions of the book and the media played its part to sensationalise and simplify the diet as the ‘all-the-steak-you-can-eat diet’.
More recent versions of the diet have gradually moved away from this theory, although the ‘New Atkins Diet’ still results in the dieter consuming far less carbohydrate per day than is recommended. Carbohydrate should make up 60% of your food intake per day (30% protein; 10% good fat).
Created by Robert Atkins, the diet involved limited consumption of carbohydrates to switch the body’s metabolism from using glucose as energy over to converting stored body fat to energy.
In his early books such as Dr Atkins’ New Diet Revolution, Atkins made the controversial argument that the low-carbohydrate diet produces a metabolic advantage because “burning fat takes more calories so you expend more calories”.
The now known misconception was that the Atkins Diet promoted eating unlimited amounts of fatty meats and cheeses. This was encouraged in early editions of the book and the media played its part to sensationalise and simplify the diet as the ‘all-the-steak-you-can-eat diet’.
More recent versions of the diet have gradually moved away from this theory, although the ‘New Atkins Diet’ still results in the dieter consuming far less carbohydrate per day than is recommended. Carbohydrate should make up 60% of your food intake per day (30% protein; 10% good fat).
The major problem with the Atkins diet is it is simply unsustainable. Glucose is the only energy currency our muscles recognise. Stored body fat cannot be used efficiently by our muscles. Our bodies are just not built that way. The resulting symptoms for those on the Atkins diet are fatigue (both physically and mentally), lack of energy, headaches and irritability. Dig deeper and the diet can also be linked to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and kidney stones because of its high protein, high fat foods. Cases of malnutrition have also been linked to the diet as Atkins classifies vegetables as carbohydrate, therefore limiting their intake by the participating dieter.
And then of course once the dieter reaches their goal weight, then what? The body will always crave carbohydrate because it desperately needs carbs to function properly, but the dieter convinces themselves that they will struggle to control their weight if they begin eating carbs again. And so begins the cycle of yo-yo dieting.
The Atkins diet was at its height of popularity in 2003 and then struck the ultimate PR disaster. Robert Atkins died in the same year at the age of 72. Rumours circulated that he “died of his own diet”. In fact, he died of cardiomyopathy, an incurable heart condition, which has a number of different causes. However, it cannot be proved that his diet theories did not have a negative effect on his health and it has been proved that the diet’s ‘rules’ are not a sustainable way to control weight gain.
And then of course once the dieter reaches their goal weight, then what? The body will always crave carbohydrate because it desperately needs carbs to function properly, but the dieter convinces themselves that they will struggle to control their weight if they begin eating carbs again. And so begins the cycle of yo-yo dieting.
The Atkins diet was at its height of popularity in 2003 and then struck the ultimate PR disaster. Robert Atkins died in the same year at the age of 72. Rumours circulated that he “died of his own diet”. In fact, he died of cardiomyopathy, an incurable heart condition, which has a number of different causes. However, it cannot be proved that his diet theories did not have a negative effect on his health and it has been proved that the diet’s ‘rules’ are not a sustainable way to control weight gain.
One famous family remain staunch advocates of the Atkins theory though. Sharon Osbourne claims she has lost 28 pounds on the diet in two months.
The 60-year-old TV host – who recently revealed she underwent a double mastectomy after discovering she carries a gene that increases her chances of developing breast cancer – says she has lost weight by sticking to a protein-rich diet since September but still wants to lose more.
She told USMagazine.com: “I’ve lost 28 pounds on the Atkins diet. I want to lose another seven and I’ll do that over time.
“I’ve struggled with my weight for my entire life. I’ve been fat and I’ve been thin. As you know, I got the lap-band and lost a tonne of weight, but it made me so sick. That’s why I had to remove it. But when I removed it, I gained about 45 pounds. And as my 60th birthday was approaching, I didn’t want to be overweight. I wanted to be healthy and keep with my family. I want to be healthy and enjoy life.
She told USMagazine.com: “I’ve lost 28 pounds on the Atkins diet. I want to lose another seven and I’ll do that over time.
“I’ve struggled with my weight for my entire life. I’ve been fat and I’ve been thin. As you know, I got the lap-band and lost a tonne of weight, but it made me so sick. That’s why I had to remove it. But when I removed it, I gained about 45 pounds. And as my 60th birthday was approaching, I didn’t want to be overweight. I wanted to be healthy and keep with my family. I want to be healthy and enjoy life.
“That’s when Atkins approached me about possibly doing this and I was like, ‘Where do I sign?’ It has been a life changing experience.
“It’s really not a diet. It’s a lifestyle change.”
“It’s really not a diet. It’s a lifestyle change.”
“They love it because it is so convenient,” Sharon said. “It’s so yummy. It’s all about proteins and vegetables. You can go out to eat and you can have scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, or a salad. On the diet, it’s very broad what you can eat.”
It is true to say that for fast weight loss, the Atkins has its advantages. This is why so many Hollywood stars who wanted to get in shape for specific red carpet events championed its success in the early noughties. But if you really want to achieve long-term weight control, adopt a balanced, healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit and unrefined carbohydrates and exercise regularly. It’s as simple as that.
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