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The Atkins Diet

The Atkins diet, which came to our country from the West, is based on restricting the amount of carbohydrates. The main difference from other diets is the ability to take into account the individual characteristics of the organism. In essence, this program combines diet and nutrition, (the first is applied once, the second helps to keep the weight within certain limits).

The Atkins diet successfully used in our country and abroad. It is especially popular among Russian celebrities and politicians. It should be noted that the same principle is used in the Kremlin diet.

The doctor Atkins speaks out categorically against the admission of all sorts of medicines during the first fourteen days the diet. For this reason, before using this program, you must consult with your doctor. Also note that the restriction of carbohydrates leads to a reduction of blood sugar levels.

In addition, during pregnancy such a diet is contraindicated, since it can have a negative impact on the health of the child. For the same reason it cannot be used during breastfeeding. In renal failure this diet is also contraindicated.

The first phase

Диета Аткинса

The Atkins diet includes two phases, the first duration is 14 days. In this period, the body receives a minimum of carbohydrates that allows you to align the caloric balance through the expenditure of as "fuel" accumulated fat. Thus, we achieve maximum weight loss.

After a two-week programme removed restrictions on calorie foods, and control is carried out only on the amount of carbohydrates. To determine the limit value it is possible only taking into account characteristics of the organism. This is the whole complexity of the diet – must be constantly monitored for your weight and correct carbohydrate balance almost the rest of my life.

During the first phase limit daily intake of carbohydrates is 20 grams. For most people, the value of this parameter on average is about 40 grams. Excess obesity is fraught, as both the incoming fats and carbohydrates not absorbed in the body equally. So, carbs as "fuel" consumed to produce the energy needed for normal human life, as the excess fat deposited "in reserve".

Despite the fact that 20 grams seems intimidating figure, to reach this level is possible. This amount of carbohydrates is contained in a 1.5 tablespoon of sugar (e.g. in tea), in a bun. So you should just forget about the snacks and fast food. To prevent such outburstsyou just need to follow the established list, which includes products that are allowed to eat in any quantity and at any time. But this does not mean that there should be measures – no frills, food should be taken only when stable feelings of hunger. The chips and other snacks, it is better to forget.

Permitted foods

In the list of the above products includes:

  • river/sea fish;
  • all kinds of seafood (except oysters, their number is limited, so the recipe should be calculated beforehand);
  • bird, including poultry;
  • chicken/quail eggs (any cooking method);
  • cheese varieties (some hard cheeses is limited, so the recipe is calculated in advance;
  • a variety of vegetables;
  • fresh mushrooms.

You should also observe the following rule: not to use the daily rate of carbohydrates along with proteins and fats at the same time (interval 2 hours). Proteins and fats to combine.

Prohibited products

Запрещенные продукты

Products, the use of which is strictly prohibited:

  • any alkogolesoderzhaschie drinks;
  • artificial fats;
  • fruits;
  • sugar;
  • starchy vegetables (corn, potatoes – a preliminary calculation of the recipe);
  • confectionery and bakery products.

Restricted products

This products are limited, but not banned completely:

  • zucchini;
  • tomatoes;
  • cabbage;
  • bow;
  • sour cream.

As for fluid, you are allowed to drink plain mineral water, coffee, tea and any drinks that do not contain carbohydrates.

The second phase of the Atkins diet

Вторая фаза диеты Аткинса

This first phase easier as your body gets used to the restrictions, and the metabolism shifted to the consumption of the accumulated fat. Allowable carbs per day is doubled to 40 grams (this is an approximate figure, the norm should be determined considering characteristics of the organism).

At this stage it is necessary to strictly control the weight, because the consumption of fat will be slower. After reach the optimal for losing weight the person weight should be gradually added to the diet carbohydrate foods until the weight starts to rise again – this is the individual carbohydrate level. Then simply go to this level to gain weight, and Vice versa.

In the future, probably, will be allowed some luxuries, but gaining a little extra weight, you can quickly get rid of reducing the normof the carbohydrates consumed to the level of the first phase.

The advantages of the diet

The main advantage of this nutrition program is that it is simple and relatively easy application – restrictions are not too stringent. As for the list of banned products, he practically does not differ from a similar list in the other diets.

The obvious advantage is the high effectiveness of the Atkins diet. The only requirement is to strictly follow the guidelines and follow the simple rules. And although the weight is reduced slowly, but efficiently and permanently.

Normalization of nutrition and metabolism is another benefit of diet. In addition, the meals are not restricted to some limits in time and quantity.

Disadvantages diet

This diet can not be called balanced, although this issue is several times greater than other programs. It is possible that there is a need to take an additional vitamin-mineral complexes.

Also the disadvantages of the diet include its duration is lifelong control of carbohydrate balance. You also need to calculate in advance the recipes on the tables.