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The Atkins Diet: Induction
-Its purpose is to induce a change in your body chemistry that leads to lipolysis (burning fat for energy) and a secondary process known as ketosis. According to Dr. At
kins' New Diet Revolution, Induction does a number of good things for you. Among other benefits, Atkins says induction...
-Switches over your metabolism from burning carbs for energy to burning fa
t, leading to significant weight loss.
-Results in a stabilization of blood sugar levels.
-Alleviates blood sugar-related ailments such as headaches.
-Curbs cravings and food addictions.
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Induction is not the Atkins Diet itself, only the introductory period you follow for the first two weeks. It requires that you follow some rather precise rules in order to be effective.
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The most widely used low-carbohydrate diet is the one advocated by the late Robert C. Atkins, M.D., of New York City. His 1972 book Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution sold millions of copies within the first
two years. His 1992 update, Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, has sold even more. The current plan has four steps: a 2-week "induction" period, during which the goal is to reduce carbohydrate intake t
o under 20 grams per day, and three periods during which carbohydrate intake is progressively raised but kept below what Atkins calls "your critical carbohydrate level" for losing or maintaining weigh
t [1]. The dieter is permitted to eat unlimited amounts of noncarbohydrate foods "when hungry," but ketosis tends to suppress appetite.
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What low carb diet plans are out there? Bunches! Now that low carbing is becoming a bit more mainstream, lots of folks are jumping on the bandwagon and coming out with their version of a "Low Carb Die
t". However, the major "low" carb diet plans that have been out there for a while are: the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet, the Carbohydrate Addicts' Diet, Protein Power, The Zone, SugarBusters!, Li
ndora Lean for Life, Neanderthin, The Suzanne Sommers Plan, Dr. Bernstein's Diabetic Solution, and The Schwarzbein Principle. Visit the offical diet plan sites to find out more!
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The core concept of The Atkins Diet is Dr. Atkins' theory that over-consumption of and hypersensitivity to carbohydrates is the root of our problem with being overweight. The principle he bases his pl
an on says that it is the way your body processes the carbohydrates you eat -- not how much fat you eat -- that causes you to gain weight.
-Atkins says that many overweight people may be "insulin
resistant," that is, the cells that convert carbohydrates into glucose (which becomes energy) do not work correctly. While most diet experts say that not everyone who has a weight problem is insulin r
esistant, Atkins says it is more likely than not.
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According to many experts, most overweight people became overweight due to a condition called hyperinsulinemia -- elevated insulin levels in the blood. When you eat a high-carbohydrate meal, the incre
ased blood sugar stimulates insulin production by the pancreas. It causes fat to be deposited, and it stimulates your brain to produce hunger signals. You eat more carbohydrates, and the cycle repeats
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-Restricting the intake of carbohydrates puts a halt to this vicious cycle. When you restrict your carbohydrate intake, your insulin levels decrease and the levels of glucagon increase. Glucagon
is a hormone that causes body fat to be burned and cholesterol to be removed from deposits in the arteries
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Tips for Low Carb Diet
-Understanding that reasonable (moderate) restriction of carbs can be a helpful short term strategy for fat loss, a good way to reach a peak, a legitimate method to control a
ppetite, and an effective way for some people to control insulin. But also understanding that a balanced diet of natural foods is probably the most suitable of all the diets for health, lifelong maint
enance and weight control.
-Knowing that fat loss always did and always will boil down to calories in vs. calories out. Taking the time and effort to crunch your numbers (at least once), typing up
your menu on a spreadsheet, keeping a diary, and/or using nutrition tracking software.
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