Diet FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions. . . and Answers!)

(Note: This FAQ page is based on the comments of people who have already tried this diet, and the general message from Dr. Atkins books. This FAQ is not a report of clinical test results, or a replacement for reading the book. See the general disclaimer below.)

What is the Diet, and why is it so popular?

The diet, which comes primarily from the book “Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution”, is a mind-boggling new way of eating, which results in rapid weight loss, easy weight maintenance, virtually no hunger, and a luxurious menu. Not to mention the added health benefits of lowered cholesterol, lowered blood pressure, and increased quality of life.

What are the basics of the diet?

You cannot fully understand the logic behind the diet without reading the book. You will most assuredly doubt every word written here unless you do. So, before we give our interpretation of the book, let us say: BUY THE BOOK (You can get it from Amazon.com by clicking here). The general premise is that thousands of years ago, before the invention of Coca Cola and white bread, mankind lived mostly on protein foods, like fish, game animals, and fowl. Over the last hundreds of years, our diet has come to include more and more sweets and processed foods, which contain high levels of carbohydrates. Most diets today recommend a high carbohydrate diet. The Atkins diet is Low-Carb, high protein.

Why does the Dr. Atkins Low-Carb Diet work?

When you eat carbohydrates, your body divides it between two processes. One process creates energy from some of the carbs for your immediate use. The amount used for this process is based on your amount of physical activity. The rest of the carbs are stored for later use — as FAT. It’s the carbs you eat that make you fat, and not the fat you eat. If this doesn’t make sense, READ THE BOOK! (Buy it at Amazon.com).When you eat carbohydrates, your body divides it between two processes. One process creates energy from some of the carbs for your immediate use. The amount used for this process is based on your amount of physical activity. The rest of the carbs are stored for later use — as FAT. It’s the carbs you eat that make you fat, and not the fat you eat. If this doesn’t make sense, READ THE BOOK! (Buy it at Amazon.com).

So this is not a Low-Fat diet, too?

When you eat carbohydrates, your body divides it between two processes. One process creates energy from some of the carbs for your immediate use. The amount used for this process is based on your amount of physical activity. The rest of the carbs are stored for later use — as FAT. It’s the carbs you eat that make you fat, and not the fat you eat. If this doesn’t make sense, READ THE BOOK! (Buy it at Amazon.com).No. I’m sure you have had this experience when beginning almost any diet. The first thing they tell you to do is to drink lots of water. All of the sudden you lose 3 pounds and you’re told its all water. Well, it is, but why? Your body works hard to protect itself, and so it always makes sure it has enough water on hand based on current conditions. If you are not drinking enough, and water is scarce, your body will conserve and carry water. If water is abundant, it no longer needs to hoard it. Though he never says it in these words, Dr. Atkins point is that fat is treated the same way in your body. When you go on a low-fat diet, your body hoards the fat for fear it won’t have enough energy reserves when needed. The amount of fat you eat has little effect on most people’s weight than they think.

What foods can I eat?

How many other diets let you eat steak, bacon, sausage, fried chicken (real fried chicken. . .not the Kentucky type with all the breading), eggs. . . mostly foods that are excluded from other diets. You can even eat ice cream (a recipe is included in the Recipe section). What you leave out are most of the carbohydrates you eat, including potatoes, rice, pasta, and especially SUGAR. The first 2 days might be tough to give these things up. Beyond that, any cravings you had go away, and the diet is easy to follow.How many other diets let you eat steak, bacon, sausage, fried chicken (real fried chicken. . .not the Kentucky type with all the breading), eggs. . . mostly foods that are excluded from other diets. You can even eat ice cream (a recipe is included in the Recipe section). What you leave out are most of the carbohydrates you eat, including potatoes, rice, pasta, and especially SUGAR. The first 2 days might be tough to give these things up. Beyond that, any cravings you had go away, and the diet is easy to follow.

How long does it take?

Less time than you think, and a lifetime. There are actually four separate diets. The first is the Induction Diet. The second is the Ongoing Weight Loss Diet. The third is the Premaintenance Diet, and the fourth is the Maintenance Diet. The weight loss is fast during the induction phase, but you purposely slow it down in the succeeding phases. The maintenance part can last a lifetime, but its effortless.Please, before beginning any diet or exercise program, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR. I AM NOT A DOCTOR. In my experience, however, the diet has resulted in positive health effects for all those who have tried it. Those effects include lowered blood pressure, lowered cholesterol, lowered triglicerides and better general health.

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