The Atkins diet:It works

Culled:

The idea behind ATKINS DIET is that when you drastically cut back on carbohydrates, your body turns to your fat stores for fuel. The result is you burn body fat, releasing a by-product called ketones that you’ll use for energy. Studies show that low-carb diets are as effective for weight loss as traditional approaches and can improve cholesterol and triglycerides.

But like any diet, it can be challenging to stick with this for a long time. The first part of the plan, called the induction phase, has these rules:

• No more than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day, mostly from certain vegetables
• Protein and fat from poultry, fish, eggs, red meat, butter, and vegetable oils
• No pasta, bread, grains, fruit, starchy vegetables, or dairy other than butter, cheese, and cream
• No nuts, seeds, or legumes like beans
• No caffeine
• No alcohol

Next comes the "ongoing weight loss" stage, when you slowly add more vegetables, and you can include seeds, nuts, legumes, berries and other fruit, wine and other  low-carbohydrate alcohol, and whole grains.

After that, to help keep the weight off, you may be able to eat more carbohydrate and add more foods to your diet, depending on your body's needs. (ladyfox: and be ready for 100 squats and 30 crunches)

Newer versions of the diet, including New Atkins for a New You and the Atkins web site, emphasize making good food choices, such as healthy fats.

Beans and tofu are allowed for vegetarians. Vegans and vegetarians start out in the ongoing weight loss phase (skipping the first very low-carb phase).  The web site emphasizes legumes and soy foods (including tofu) for vegans, and soy and a small amount of legumes for vegetarians.

Gluten-free diet: The Atkins diet cuts back on carbs like bread. But it doesn't ban gluten. If you go on this diet and are trying to completely avoid gluten, you'll need to do more than pass on the bread basket; you should also read food labels to check for stealthy sources of gluten.

Low-salt diet: You should be able to limit your sodium on the diet, but check sodium on food labels.

Kim Kardashian is a testimony to Atkins diet. You might wanna try it out. Visit www.atkinsdiet.com