: It is wholly inappropriate to think of the Atkins Programme
in terms of just one diet. The essence of the Atkins' system is
to provide a series of dietary phases through which the majority
will pass sequentially, as they successfully lose their excess
weight. Additional diets are provided for people who cannot follow
the majority route, such as those with a high metabolic resistance
and those with food intolerances.
The stated aims of Atkins are to provide people with a lifetime
nutritional philosophy which will (a) restrict their intake of
processed and refined carbohydrates, such as sugar-rich food,
bread, pasta, cereal, and starchy vegetables, (b) encourage consumption
of nutrient-rich unprocessed foods such as animal flesh (meat,
fish and poultry) and (c) promote the use of "vita-nutrient"
supplements.
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Indeed, there is a heavy emphasis on nutritional supplements,
as there is on exercise and regular testing to monitor levels
of Cholesterol, Insulin, Blood Pressure and Triglycerides. Uniquely,
Atkins also involves his patients in the testing procedures, through
their own use of lipolysis/ketosis detectors ("Ketostix",
or LTS strips).
The whole regime is also evaluated with regard to the Heart,
Cancer, Hypoglycaemia and Diabetes, as well as other health issues.
There is considerable practical detail, in the form of instructions,
anecdotes, menus and a carbohydrate calculator. This is all underpinned
by a very considerable quantity of theoretical and medical information.
Unlike his critics, Atkins bases his pronouncements on sound evidence,
observations, and a vast amount of personal experience.
Carbohydrates are restricted to around 20 grams per day in the
first 2 weeks. A weekly 5 gramincrement is followed until you
establish your Critical Carbohydrate level for Maintenance (i.e.
the highest number of grams of carbohydrate per day which you
can consume without starting to gain the weight back
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