What is the Atkins diet?

The Atkins diet, or ‘Atkins Nutritional Approach’, was the darling of early-noughties Hollywood.

The red meat-friendly, fat-friendly, cream-friendly diet was a winner for obvious reasons.

However, it’s not without its critics and took a publicity hit after its founder died, reportedly obese.

What is it?

The Atkins diet claims to quash hunger and improve health, though these claims are controversial.

Human bodies burn fat and carbohydrate for energy, but carbs are burnt first.

By this token, the Atkins theory says, cutting back on carbs and eating more proteins and fats means stored fat will be burnt more efficiently.

The process of burning stored fat rather than glucose is called ‘lipolysis’ and this starts when the body enters a state of ‘ketosis’, having run out of carbohydrates to burn. It is this state of ‘ketosis’ that critics argue may be unsafe.

It’s claimed that the body burns more calories than on normal diets.

There are three stages to the diet:

1) Induction - when carbohydrates are the most restricted

2) Ongoing weight loss - where the carb intake is increased a little

3) Maintenance (pre-maintenance and lifetime maintenance) - where the diet is less restrictive still and can be maintained for life.

How long has it been around?

The Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution was published in 1972 but its author, Dr. Robert Atkins, had been practising an adapted version of a low-carbohydrate since the 1960s.

Celebrity fans

Skinny celebs Jennifer Aniston and Renée Zellwegger are both said to be fans.

Pros

If meat, butter and cheese are the foods you normally crave when dieting, you won’t feel you’re going without.

Atkins claims to help beat hunger.

Once you get your head around the various stages, Atkins is pretty easy to follow.

Cons

Critics claim that seriously restricting any major food group can be dangerous.

Restricting carbs and relying on fat and protein as energy sources can lead to dehydration.

Eating high amounts of fat can put a strain on the heart.

What can I eat?

Red meat
Cheese (including full-fat)
Lean meat
Fish
Eggs
Cream
Milk
Salad and green vegetables (in restricted portions)
Olive oil
Butter
Some fruit

What can’t I eat?

Margarine
Refined sugar
Heavily restricted pasta, rice, bread, potatoes
Cereals
Fruit juice
Crisps
Wheat
Alcohol

Books

Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution