Atkins Nutrition Advantage
www.atkins.com

Overview:
Dieters are advised to significantly restrict their intake of carbohydrates, especially that from simple sugars. This severe carbohydrate restriction promotes ketosis, a condition that promotes breakdown of body fat for fuel.

Diet Claims:
Sugar and refined carbohydrates are the dietary culprits for weight gain, obesity, hyperinsulinemia, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Metabolically, once carbohydrates are eliminated from the diet, the liver converts fats into glucose, producing a state of ketosis. The resulting formation of ketone bodies suppresses appetite and promotes breakdown of body fat for fuel. Carbohydrates are severely restricted to < 20 grams/day, which is equal to that found in a large slice of bread. The high protein- and fat intake advocated by the Atkins diet delays gastric emptying, which may satisfies dieters’ hunger and food cravings.

The Atkins plan is divided into four phases, each with a specific carbohydrate allowance:

1. Induction (“net” carbohydrates < 20 grams daily)
2. Ongoing Weight Loss (“net” carbohydrates < 25 grams daily initially; carbohydrate intake gradually increases in 5 gram increments daily as dieter approaches weight loss goal)
3. Pre-maintenance or when dieter is within 5-10 pound of weight loss goal (for each week, 10 grams “net” carbohydrates are added to daily carb allowance)
4. Lifetime maintenance (Atkins Carbohydrate Equilibrium or amount of carbohydrates that promotes weight stabilization for the dieter. This usually ranges from 40-120 grams net carbohydrate daily).

Weight Loss Promise:
Atkins does not define the rate of expected weight loss for each phase of the program. However, most of the weight loss during the Induction Phase is due to water loss.

Foods Allowed:
Most types of beef, pork, fish, poultry, seafood, eggs and cheese and nuts. Buter, cream and oils are preferred added fats. Non-starchy vegetables are recommended (daily limit: less than 15 “net”grams of carbohydrate. Net carbohydrates =total grams of carbohydrates minus grams of fiber). Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols are also permitted. Small amounts of legumes, nuts and whole grains are allowed.

Foods Restricted:
Most foods rich in carbohydrate including regular bread, pasta, cereals, rice, fruits (except berries), juices, starchy vegetables, sweets and other sugary items, snack chips and dairy foods are restricted during the induction and ongoing weight loss phases.

Sample Menu (for Induction Phase):

Breakfast:
2 large eggs, scrambled with 3 slices Canadian bacon
1 slice Atkins multigrain bread

Lunch:
6 oz shrimp
2 cups spinach salad with olive oil and vinegar
1/2 small tomato

Snack
5 large black olives and 1 ounce cheese

Dinner:
8 oz Lamb chops with 1/2 small tomato and 4 large olives
1/2 cup sauteed Swiss Chard with 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup mixed greens with 2 tablespoons Aktins salad dressing

Nutrition Analysis of Sample Menu:*

Calories:		1555
Protein:		138 g	36% calories
Total fat:	97 g	56% calories
Carbohydrate:	32 g	8% calories

Saturated fat:	27 g
Cholesterol:	1026 mg 
Sodium:		3954 mg
Fiber:		10 g
*Menu items were imputed into NDS 2.93 data base for analysis.

• Diet most likely deficient in certain nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium and folate due to the elimination of virtually all fruits and grains, most vegetable and dairy products.
• Metabolic acidosis coupled with inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake can increase calcium bone loss, leading to the development of osteoporosis.
• Diet plan virtually devoid of fiber and health-promoting phytochemicals derived from carbohydrate-containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other plant foods.
• Eliminates virtually all carbohydrate foods to promote ketogensis. Possible complications of ketosis are dehydration, bad breath, constipation, impaired cognitive function and fatigue (especially during exercise when carbohydrate-rich glycogen stores are burned for energy).
• Long-term intake of excess dietary fat, especially saturated fat can raise total blood cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels. High fat consumption increases fasting plasma free fatty acids which, in turn, have a pro-arrhythmic effect in cardiac tissue.
• Dieters are expected to purchase Atkins foods such as low-carb energy bars, breads and other Atkins brand products.
• High protein consumption increases the kidney uric acid load resulting in elevated serum uric acid levels and possible gout. Kidney stone formation is also associated with excess protein intake.
• Difficult program to dieters' craving for carbohydrates as popular American foods such as pizza, snack items and sweets are restricted on the Atkins eating plan.
• Following a rigid eating plan that is based on mostly protein sources does not help dieters establish sensible eating pattern including a variety of food groups, portion control and social dining behaviors.
• Data on success of Atkins long-term weight loss is lacking (study citations on Atkins web site are those that were less than 12 months in duration and included a small sample size).

Reviewed 1/07