Precautions for the Atkins Diet
Although the Atkins Diet is a time-tested method for losing weight, that does not mean that it is entirely without drawbacks. Every diet has its pros and cons, and the trick to effective dieting is understanding those negatives to find the right diet for you. What follows are the basic items that you should understand before choosing to embark on Atkins.
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Kidney and Liver Disease
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As a low-carb diet means that you will be subsisting on higher levels of both fat and protein, individuals with preexisting kidney or liver conditions should beware before blindly engaging in the Atkins Diet. While increased protein intake poses little to no problem for individuals who are otherwise in good health, those who have preexisting conditions or a family history of kidney or liver trouble should consult with their doctor before beginning on Atkins.
Endurance Trainees
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If you are an individual who enjoys endurance activities, or prolonged strength training sessions, Atkins might not be the best plan for you. Glycogen is your body's main fuel source used to power endurance activities, and is primarily created through digestion of carbohydrates. On an ultra-low carb diet, your body will be naturally low in glycogen, which will compromise your performance in athletic endeavors.
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Mental Gymnasts
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If you work in a high pressure field that constantly demands complex mental gymnastics for success (such as a flight controller or surgeon, you might be better off avoiding the Atkins Diet. While on the Atkins Diet, as your body makes the switch into a ketogenic state, you will experience difficulty concentrating and perpetual brain fog. These symptoms will abate over time, but if you work in a high-stress, high-pressure field where time is of the essence, avoiding Atkins might be your best bet.
Nutrient Deprivation
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Being extremely low in carbs, Atkins cautions against the consumption of many fruits and vegetables to achieve a transition into the fat-burning state known as ketosis. Although your overall carb limit will increase beyond the initially recommended 20 grams the longer you are on the program, even 40 grams of carbs is a trifling amount when considering how many fruits and vegetables the body needs to attain a sufficient level of vitamins and minerals. Thus, if you are likely to "spend" your carb allocation on nutritionally empty carbs instead of on fruits and veggies, Atkins is not the plan for you, as this could lead to nutrient deprivation over time.
Avoid Faux Low-Carb Foods
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If you are the type that is lured in by the "siren's song" of purported low-carb frankenfoods, like low-carb bread and ice cream, Atkins might not be the plan for you. Although these foods are technically low-carb according to labeling regulations, the sugar alcohols contained in these products will negatively affect your body composition in the same way as higher-carb foods. Thus, you must be mentally prepared to avoid these frequent temptations if you hope to maximize your time on Atkins.
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