One of my previous posts about the Keto diet sparked a comment comparing this to the Atkin’s diet. I have heard this comparison before, however I do not know much about it, other than the foundation of this diet also being low-carb. The Atkin’s diet rose to popularity in the 1970’s, when Dr. Charles Atkin’s, published a book promoting this diet. The biggest appeal of this diet is weight loss. Advocates for the Atkin’s diet claim that, “you can lose weight while eating as much protein and fat as you want, as long as you avoid foods high in carbs.” (Gunnars, 2018). Specifically, consuming less than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day, during the first phase. Sounds great, right? Endless bacon and cheese. Studies have shown that following a ketogenic diet, like the Atkin’s diet, can result in weight loss (Gunnars, 2018). But, how? Is it the bacon and cheese? Not exactly. Eating a lower carbohydrate diet, will cause a natural appetite suppression. This is a side effect of being in a state of ketosis. Being in a naturally suppressed state will in turn cause a decrease in calorie consumption. Consuming less calories generally will cause a caloric deficit, this is what is causing the weight loss. It is important to remember that, weight loss can only occur when there is a caloric deficit taking place. Following a ketogenic diet, like the Atkin’s diet, can make it easier for some to be in a caloric deficit. Dr. Atkin’s does include additional phases in order to create sustainability after the desired weight loss is achieved. This diet slowly begins to incorporate carbohydrates into the diet with the additional phases 2 through 4. If traditional, guided calorie cutting is unsuccessful for you, maybe following a ketogenic diet like this could be a better option. Always consult with your primary care physician or dietician, before changing your diet.
Overall, the Atkin’s diet is similar to the keto diet being promoted today. I figured that it would, because it is also a ketogenic diet. The biggest difference I discovered was in its transitional phase. The ketogenic today is often promoted as a diet that can be followed long term. It does not offer transitional phases where carbohydrates are reintroduced into the diet. I do like this aspect of the Atkin’s diet. I think, it is important to promote a healthy relationship with all macronutrients. Phases 2 through 4, of the Atkin’s diet, does this by slowly reintroducing carbohydrates. I do not think fearing carbs is the end-all-be-all answer to weight loss. Carbohydrates can be incorporated into a healthy, balanced diet. My belief is that weight loss is only part one of the journey. The second part and arguably the hardest is weight loss management. Following a guided diet like the Atkin’s diet, that provides transitional phases into maintenance is important and valuable in respect to sustainability.
Gunnars, Kris. “The Atkins Diet: Everything You Need to Know.” Https://Www.healthline.com/Nutrition/Atkins-Diet-101, 2 Aug. 2018, http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/atkins-diet-101.
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