The Atkins Diet: High in Protein, Low in Carbs

This year, summer begins on June 21st, 2018. However, with May right around the corner, it'll feel like it's here even earlier than that. Soon enough, we'll be sporting summer fashion trends such as sandals and shorts. If you're dedicated to losing some weight before the official mark of summer, there are various diets out there to test out. One of the most popular fad diets currently available is the Atkins diet. In this post, we'll go over some of the details of the Atkins diet to give you a feel of whether or not it's right for you.

Here's a bit of background: the Atkins diet has been around for a while now. How long, exactly? Well, about a few decades. Here are a few characteristics of the diet to consider:

• It is high-protein
• It is high in fat
• It is low in carbohydrates

After reading this, you might be a little confused about the "high in fat" part. After all, a diet that is high in fat can't possibly be successful, right? It turns out that certain fats such as saturated and trans fats aren't good for you, but the Atkins diet allows monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats include nuts, avocados, peanut butter, and olive oil. Polyunsaturated fats include salmon, vegetable oils, and seeds.

Since this diet is low in carbohydrates, that means you'll have to sacrifice the following:

• White bread
• Sauces with added sugar
• Pasta
• Cookies
• Cakes
• Candy
• Soft drinks such as soda

If you choose to follow the Atkins diet for the first time, you're in luck. According to MedicineNet, the Atkins diet is the most nutritionally balanced it's ever been during the course of its existence. However, there is a slight disadvantage to this diet that is worth noting: although weight loss has been reported within three to six months of using the Atkins system, it doesn't appear to last longer than that. If you're looking for a long-term weight loss solution, the Atkins diet might not be for you.

High-protein and low-carbohydrate diets have not been studied fully to determine their level of safety, which is another reason you might want to reconsider the Atkins diet. Many people turn to the Atkins diet without the supervision of a doctor or nutritionist, which can make it more hazardous in terms of health.

Although we're strong advocates of looking your best and feeling your best, it's always a good idea to consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns about a specific diet. In the meantime, you can read up on the Atkins diet on their official website to gain a better understanding of what to expect.