Atkins Criticsim

The Atkins diet is very popular, but it also comes with a lot of criticism. 

Health experts, doctors and diet specialists come from all different opinions when it comes to the Atkins diet and other low carb diets. Some believe that it is dangerous, some say that it is a healthy method to lose weight and others say that it works on a short-term basis.

However, there are also thousands of individuals who have found success with the Atkins diet. They can speak from personal experience and know that the diet works and it is an effective means of keeping weight off. There are thousands of testimonials that tout the benefits of the low carb way of living.

There are many typical criticisms of the Atkins diet. 

One of the first is that the diet it too high in fat. The butter, oil and fatty meats that are used in the Atkins diet are a far cry from the low-fat diet fad that recently swept the nation. For many people, the low fat mindset has prevailed and they cannot fathom eating real butter or cream with their meals. It seems like too much fat at first glance. However, those that pay close attention to Dr. Atkins guidelines and follow the program closely know that the diet focuses on good fats. Extra virgin olive oil and other helpful fats are emphasized. The proper use of these oils is important to brain function and mood management.

Another popular Atkins criticism is that it focuses too much on food and not enough on exercise. This is an unfair claim because the Atkins books clearly spell out a need for exercise. There is a lot of attention paid to food choices because they are an integral part of the program, and they are different foods than what people are normally used to eating. However, this does not mean that exercise is not an integral part of the Atkins program. Aerobic and anaerobic exercise regimens are encouraged, and both will greatly increase your weight loss efforts.

Many Atkins critics feel that the diet is hard too keep up in the long term. Critics in this category will admit that Atkins is effective in short-term weight loss efforts, but point out that the lifestyle is hard to maintain over time. However, people who have had long term success with Atkins claim it is one of the easiest diets to follow for significant periods of time. The Atkins plan has rich food that is forbidden on other programs, and it has appetite-suppressing effects. When you combine this with the quick weight loss, a motivating factor for many people, Atkins is easy to stick to long term.

The side effects of Atkins, like constipation and bad breath, have also been a topic that Atkins critics are quick to point out. However, these side effects are not as common as critics make them out to be. If they do occur, the side effects normal only last through the first phase of the diet. Additionally, drinking additional water will normally take care of both problems rather quickly.

There are pros and cons to many diets.

If you don’t particularly enjoy preparing and eating meat, then Atkins is probably not for you. But if you are considering Atkins, make sure to look beyond the common criticisms for the truth about the diet. 

Is Atkins Right for You?

The Atkins diet is very popular, but is it right for you? 

Before you start down the low carb road, you should take some time to decide whether low carb is the right way for you to lose weight. Just because it has been effective for others doesn’t mean it will be right for you. Not every diet works for everyone, and you may even find that one type of low carb diet works better for you than another. There are many things to consider before you start the Atkins diet.

First, evaluate your past dieting history.

If you’ve been trying to lose weight for a long period of time, you’ve no doubt tried a wide variety of diets. Take note of the different diets you’ve tried over the years. Write down the basics of each diet, what worked and what didn’t. Also, write down why you didn’t stay on the particular diet. Evaluate your experience with high carbohydrate diets. These types of diets include most low-fat and calorie controlled diets. How did you feel while on these types of diets? Were you hungry, obsessed with food or experiencing negative reactions? Or did you feel full of energy and generally good?

If you’ve had experience with low carb diets, write that down as well. Past the negative effects of the first week, how did eating low carb make you feel? Why did you stop using the low carb diet?

The answers to these questions will help you decide whether Atkins is right for you or not. If you’ve had good experiences with low-fat diets and bad experiences with other low carb diets, then Atkins is probably not for you. If other low-carb diets have worked but not without difficulty, then you may have been on the wrong type of low-carb diet and Atkins might work better. If you’ve had bad experiences with both types of diets, then you may have better success with a modified Atkins diet.

Second, evaluate the food your eat and eating behaviors.

Your food and eating behaviors can also give you a clue to whether or not Atkins is a good choice for your weight loss efforts. Carb sensitivities are indicated by a certain set of behaviors. You may be carb sensitive if you feel like eating right after you’ve finished a meal. You will also feel strong urges to eat throughout the day. You may feel dizzy, fuzzyheaded and fatigued without getting a boost from sugar or another carbohydrate. Carb sensitivity is also shown when you feel sluggish after eating. This occurs especially after you eat a meal rich in sugars and carbohydrates. If you experience these symptoms frequently, you may have carb sensitivities. Try paying close attention to how carbohydrates affect you and if you continue to experience these symptoms, try doing a low carb diet.

Your success on the Atkins diet can also be determined by your medical and family history. 

If you have any pre-diabetic symptoms, or diabetes itself, a reduced carb diet like Atkins may be right for you. Significant weight gain can also be helped by the Atkins diet. Normally, the more overweight you are, the more likely you are to have high blood pressure, high triglycerides and high blood glucose.

If any member of your family has diabetes or is significantly overweight, this can also put you at risk for these conditions. Your tendency toward these conditions on a genetic level can mark a necessity for a low carbohydrate diet like Atkins. The Atkins plan has been shown to improve weight and control blood sugar issues. If these are problems in your family history, then you may want to consider the Atkins diet.

There are a lot of good reasons to try the Atkins diet. Whether you have responded well to other low carb diets in the past or you have a medical history that warrants a controlled carbohydrate diet, the Atkins diet can meet your needs.

Permanently Master Your Weight Loss!

How to Master Your Weight Loss Permanently

Losing weight can be simple for some yet extremely difficult for others. Basically to lose your extra weight you will need to eat fewer calories than you burn. This can be done by increasing your activity level and reducing the amount of calories you eat. By doing this consistently you will lose weight. But let’s look at why weight loss is so hard for some people.

Habits Need to Be Changed.

Losing weight requires us to change our habits, and we need to accept this is a long term change of lifestyle if we want it to be successful and keep that weight off permanently. Initially you need to decide whether reaching your weight loss goals is something you can do on your own or maybe you would find it easier with the help of a support group. There are many such support groups available and you can find one in your area by looking through your local newspaper or on the internet.

The Diet Is Key, but Dieting Can Be Unappealing.

One of the problems with dieting is that many diets are unappealing which makes them hard to sustain. But there are a lot of diets around offering lots of choices and you can vary your meals enough to make them appetizing for you. Another useful tip is to eat 5 or 6 small but frequent meals during the day instead of 3 large ones.

Did you know that eating slowly can help you lose weight?  By eating slowly your brain has time to register that you are full and sends your body a message to stop before you get carried away with overeating. Remember the objective of the exercise is to be satisfied, not bursting at the seams. You can also replace some of your meals with protein shakes, but don't do this for all meals as you still need the nutrition that only whole foods can provide.

Exercise is Important, but Don't Dive in Head First.

The other component of the weight loss regime apart from diet is of course exercise. It's a common mistake when you first start a weight loss plan to jump into exercise routines like there is no tomorrow. That is not going to solve your problem. Mainly because you will burn out and give up, unless you are extremely fit to start with.

You need to work out an exercise plan that you can follow and stick with. If you are not an exercise person try starting off with something you enjoy such as walking, dancing or swimming. These are known as cardio exercises and are good for fat burning, To develop an overall plan you should consider factoring in some weight lifting routines as these replace fat with muscle.

Final Tips

Last but not least it is important to drink lots of water, and get plenty of sleep. Put these two things together with a good healthy eating and exercise plan and you are well on the way to getting rid of those unhealthy pounds.

On a final note try to remember everyone is different, and that means they will lose weight at different rates, even though they may follow exactly the same process. Don't compare yourself to someone else just continue to follow your own weight loss goals it will happen for you if you are persistent and stay focused.

Weight Loss Myths

Common Myths About Weight Loss

There is so much talk about how to lose weight that it can be sometimes a little difficult to decide which the facts are and which is pure fiction.  Here are a few of the most common myths about weight loss.

You Need To Exercise!

The only way to lose weight is with a radical exercise program - myth. The best way to lose weight and maintain your healthy weight is to make small changes to your diet and lifestyle which you can adopt for the future. Losing weight begins in the kitchen not in the gym. By all means you should incorporate some activity into your life but you've still got to watch what you eat. Eat less, move more, lose weight and feel great.

It Is To Expensive To Buy Fresh Food.

Healthy foods cost more than unhealthy foods; I can't afford to lose weight - myth. The truth is that it is often cheap to eat a healthy diet than it is to buy pre-packed, processed foods. You will pay a lot more for a ready meal which is high in salt and fat than you would have to pay to buy the ingredients fresh and make it yourself.

A Crash Diet Can Work.

The best way to lose weight is by starving yourself - myth. The fact is that you are unlikely to sustain any weight lost due to a crash diet, as soon as you start eating again you are likely to pile the weight back on again plus a few extra pounds. Crash diets are so difficult to maintain that as soon as you start to eat again you often eat more than you actually need. The best way to lose weight is to adopt a healthy eating lifestyle whereby you can lose weight slowly and keep it off without ever feeling hungry.

Snacking Is The Enemy.

You must stop snacking to lose weight - myth. It isn't the fact that people take a snack that's the problem; the real problem is what they choose to snack on. Lots of people need to snack between meals to keep their energy levels up, particularly those people with an active lifestyle. Many snacks are high in sugar and fat so avoiding things like chips, cookies and chocolate and replacing them with things like fruit or vegetables means that you can enjoy a snack without gaining excess weight.

Water Can Help!

Drinking lots of water will help you to lose weight - myth. Although this one is almost true! What happens is that the water keeps you hydrated (very important for your health) which stops you from getting the urge to snack. People who are thirsty can often mistake the signs for hunger and reach for something to eat when in actual fact a calorie free glass of water would have done the trick.

There are many more weight loss myths which I'm sure you've heard of, this is just a snapshot of some of the most popular misconceptions which people have about how to lose a few pounds. Remember that adopting a healthy eating and exercise program is really the only way to lose weight healthily and maintain the new you.

Your Teenage Daughter and Weight Loss

Helping Your Teen to Lose Weight

You probably remember what it was like to be a teenager. You probably felt awkward, embarrassed and weren't sure how to feel about your developing body, especially if you were a girl. That is why it is important for you today, as a parent, to do what you can in order to help your daughter if she wants to lose weight. Here are some ideas you can use to make sure that you help her lose weight while remaining supportive.

Make Yourself a Resource for Your Teen.

The first thing you want to do is to make sure that she knows that weight loss isn't your idea. It can be very damaging to a teenager for her parent to feel that she is "fat". You have to make sure that she views you as a supportive person in her life, not as a taskmaster or someone who finds her unattractive. Make sure she knows that you love her at any size, and that you are there to help.

You definitely want to have a talk with your family doctor, to rule out any health conditions which could cause extra weight. This is also a good time to ask about calorie requirements and whether any supplements are acceptable, in case your daughter wants to use some.

Monitor the food in your house and any diet changes by your teen.

Next, you have to help her get her diet under control. If one person in your home is trying to lose weight, it is only considerate to make sure that you and everyone else try to eat as healthy as possible as well. Losing weight does not mean that you have no appetite, just that the food you eat is nutritious and nourishing. Therefore, try to cook in a more healthy way as much as possible.

This is also a good time to mention that you need to make sure that she does not develop an eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are very dangerous disease that millions of girls succumb to every year. Don't let your daughter be one of them. Keep your eyes on her actions as much as you are able to. Impress upon her that she needs food to function in her life.

Impress that a good amount of physical activity is necessary.

After you help with her diet, you need to get her exercising. Most teenagers don't like exercise unless they're athletes. The only time they run they are in gym class. Therefore, it's important that you talk with her about what physical activities she enjoys. She may want to try rock climbing, or she might like dancing. Physical activity is something that will help her whittle away the pounds.

Help her to set goals, and reward her for them. This can be a fun thing that just the two of her do. Let her dictate her own goals, within reason. And then, be her cheerleader, ready to celebrate when she meets her goals. Remember, don't reward with food.

Finally:

Weight loss is a journey, so soothe her when she feels disappointed. Use the advice in this article to make sure that your daughter loses weight in a safe way that leaves her very happy.

The Hidden Dangers of Rapid Weight Loss

Yes, There Are Dangers To Rapid Weight Loss.

Weight loss is a big issue for an important part of the American population. Even from young age we are subject to temptations such a fast food, sweets and carbonated soft drinks, which are poor in nutrients but rich in sugar, preservatives and empty calories. Once an individual passes a certain weight limit, controlling it becomes practically impossible. This is where the diet struggle begins.

Experience shows that many overweight people want to shed their pounds as fast as possible. The most determined ones will starve themselves, hoping they will regain the looks they once had. Those persons ignore the fact that by starvation, the body is deprived of those nutrients that are needed to support life. This is how they can develop severe anemia or other nutritional illnesses. When this happens, they resort to doctors who put them back on real food. Soon, they return to their unhealthy eating habits and the pounds return, many times even in bigger numbers.

What is it considered rapid weight loss? Traditional diets state that everything that's more than 2 pounds a week is considered rapid. The calculation is based on the conversion of pounds into calories. If a weight loss program assumes a calorie deficit bigger than 1000 calories per day, it will be very hard to compensate with exercise, therefore the person won't be able to secure the minimum amount of nutrients the body needs.

It's funny what people would do to lose a few pounds as fast as a couple of days. They have short term objectives. For instance, a person might want to lose a three-four pounds from Monday to Sunday, because they are going on a date or to a party and they want to wear a certain outfit they love. For that matter, the person would starve them-self for five days, without considering the harm to their body or metabolism. If they do not make sure to drink enough water, they might also experience dehydration. This is a big price to pay for simply fitting into a piece of clothing.

A long term low protein diet will cause malnutrition. It will also lead to diminishing the muscular mass because the body will consume its own protein when it doesn't find it in the food. Protein is found in muscles. When you lose weight, you want to get rid of the fat, but keep your muscular mass intact. This is why you need a minimum protein intake no matter what diet you choose.

Experience shows that rapid weight loss significantly increases the risk of developing gallstones. This risk occurs whether or not the weight loss is intentional. If it is unintentional, a visit to a physician is recommended as soon as you notice it, even if you were overweight, so losing weight without doing anything for it seems awesome.

There might be situations when rapid weight loss is actually needed and recommended by a doctor. Weight loss surgery, for instance, may require the patient to lose a significant amount of weight in order to become eligible. However, such cases will always be closely monitored by doctors, so the risk of developing secondary conditions is minimized.

If you were just thinking to start some rapid weight loss diet, consider talking to your doctor first. Your body will thank you.

The Power of An Apple a Day

An Apple A Day...

It has been a common saying throughout the years that an apple a day can help keep the doctor away. Well, a few new studies have shown that an apple a day can also help reduce the risk of some pretty serious health problems. Recent studies have shown that an apple a day can help battle or reduce the threat of obesity, diabetes, lung diseases, cancer, strokes, and heart attacks. The article the summed all of this up was not clear on if there are certain apples that do this, or if it is all types of apples. Apples are naturally high in sugar, some more than others, but nevertheless they are good piece of food to include in your diet. For more information, you can read the full article here.

Easy Dietary Changes for Losing Weight

Losing weight isn't rocket science, in fact it is surprisingly easy once you know how and develop some new habits. Yes, making changes to your diet can be tough at first, but with some minor adjustments and time you'll be able lose some weight and improve your over all well-being. The tips below are not extreme and some are just common sense.  Follow these healthy eating tips and you could soon get closer to your weight loss goals.

1. Eat more starchy foods - many think that starchy foods like potatoes, rice and pasta are fattening but they do actually contain fewer calories on a gram for gram basis than fat. Choose wholegrain rice and pasta, eat your potato skins (not the appetizer but the actual potato skin) and try to include something starchy in every meal. You'll feel full for longer which will help to keep you from snacking later.

2. Eat plenty of fruit and veggies - the recommendation is to eat at least five portions of fruit and veg every day but realistically speaking how many people actually do that? Even with the best of intentions many people find it easier said than done. Fruit juice can count as one portion just so long as it is 100% pure and unsweetened, apart from you can always chop a banana or sprinkle a few strawberries onto your breakfast cereal and reach for a piece of fruit for a mid morning snack instead of a cookie.

3. Eat plenty of fish - fish is good for you and is literally packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. You should try to eat fish at least twice a week with one of those being oily fish for the fantastic Omega 3 fats they provide.  There's a great choice of oily fish including salmon, trout, mackerel, fresh tuna, herring, pilchards and sardines. Frozen and canned fish does count but remember that some canned fishes have a high salt content, which leads to our next weight loss tip.

4. Cut down on the salt - even people who don't sprinkle salt over their plate can still be getting too much salt. Many soups, breakfast cereals, breads and sauces have already got lots of salt added.  Salt raises blood pressure and high blood pressure increases your chances of having a stroke or heart disease.

5. Eat breakfast -I'm sure plenty of people who want to start a diet or are dieting have heard this over and over again. Some people think that skipping breakfast will help them to lose weight, but in actual fact this is very far from the truth. Eating breakfast is actually helpful for people who want to lose a few pounds. Healthy breakfasts include whole meal cereals with a little sliced fruit and low fat milk, alternatively how about some whole wheat toast. Also try to eat something that is high in protein, like Greek yogurt or hard boiled eggs. Eating items that are high in protein for breakfast will help energize you and make your feel fuller longer!

6. Drink plenty of water - this helps to stop us from becoming dehydrated. We should drink more than a liter of fluid each day - water, fruit juices and milk all count but steer clear of sodas and fizzy drinks. When you consume water, you are not only keeping your body hydrated, but you are also helping it rinse out toxins. Water can also help you feel full. Sometimes we you feel hungry, your body is just thirsty for water. If you're bored with water, try adding some lemon or lime.

7. Cut out alcohol - if you seriously want to lose a few pounds then this is one important step - alcohol is laden with empty calories. You get no goodness from it but it sure helps to pile on the pounds. If you do want to have an alcoholic drink you should choose a glass of wine over beer every time. A glass of red wine is also said to have some other health benefits, but lately those have been questioned.

Following a few of these simple tips and guidelines really will help you to lose weight, but remember that there is no magic button to make the weight fly off. Weight loss needs to take place in a healthy safe manner and takes time. This is not a diet, it is subtle lifestyle changes which can help you to lose weight and keep it off!

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All About Superfoods!

For some time now, health conscious people and dieters have been focusing on "superfoods", but what are they? Well you can read my short post here for a quick definition and some examples.

Superfoods are easy to shop for, delicious to eat, and you probably are already eating some or all. With some minor adjustments and creativity, you too can change or alter your diet with superfoods. These types of foods can have a great impact on your weight and over all well-being.

Enjoy!  

To the superfood post.