How to Eat Fat and Lose Weight With Dr. Atkins' Diet

Although low-fat diets are currently being touted as the best way to lose weight and prevent many chronic illnesses, fat consumption in the United States has actually declined during the past few decades, while obesity, heart disease and many chronic illnesses have been on the increase. Also, carbohydrate consumption - primarily of the refined variety - has increased. I believe fat is not the major culprit.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Butter
• Chicken
• Cream
• Eggs
• Fish
• Butter

1. Get down to basics. The Atkins diet stresses fresh foods. It is not a high-fat diet.

2. Eliminate junk food. Some of the largest sources of fat in traditional diets are junk foods and convenience foods. On the Atkins diet, you may well end up eating less fat than you did before, even though you are eating a larger amount of meat, fish, fowl, eggs and butter.

3. Eat less. On a low-carbohydrate diet, you actually eat less than on a low-fat diet.

4. Read up on scientific studies. There is much scientific evidence to refute the claim that fat is the primary cause of heart disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses.

5. Indulge - eat butter, cream and the skin on the chicken.

6. Avoid hydrogenated fats. Hydrogenation occurs when vegetable oil is changed from a liquid to a solid. This changes the chemical bonds so that the fat is no longer healthy to eat. Margarine is a common example of a hydrogenated fat.

7. Avoid heating vegetable oils to high temperatures. This can alter their bonds.

8. Control your blood sugar. The basic Atkins diet program has been very helpful in stabilizing the blood sugar of diabetics.

9. Curb your cravings. Many people find that their food cravings come under control with the Atkins diet.

10. Explore the statistics. Saturated fat is supposed to be the bad guy right now. But statistics show that between 1910 and 1970, the proportion of butter consumption drastically decreased, from 18 pounds per person in 1910 to only 4 pounds per person in 1970. Consumption of margarine and other refined vegetable oils, which are polyunsaturated fats, rose 400 percent. Heart disease has increased drastically during this time.

Tips & Warnings

• The Atkins Center believes that obesity, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension, all of which have been increasing dramatically over the years, are not linked to the amount of fat in the diet. Instead, these conditions are caused by blood sugar disturbances and insulin disorders caused by excessive refined carbohydrate consumption. The average American now eats 150 pounds of sugar a year, up from less than 10 pounds in the 19th century.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[MissWorld]

on 8/5/2007 I always feel better [physically and emotionally] when I have less carbs! Atkis is the diet for me.. and it works with PCOS perfectly.

[SkinnyMamma]

on 5/14/2007 About cholesterol levels... I've never heard of anyone having this problem with their lipids being abnormal after a low-carbohydrate diet. I understand that this diet may not be for everyone, but it seems like the person who wrote the above comment is touting another diet plan. Do your research.

on 9/13/2006 Yes, the Atkins diet really works! I lost 30+ lbs over a period of 1 year. However, after that year I had my annual physical and my cholesterol shot up to the point where medication was advised by my MD. I refused the medicines and changed my diet to Weight Watchers. My cholesterol is now with-in normal limits. Please, anyone on this diet for an extended period, check with your physician and ask for lab work to determine your levels.

on 3/12/2006 You can eat sugar free Jell-O with whipped cream which only has 2-3 carbs per tablespoon. This saved me a lot from cheating.

on 3/26/2006 This diet is a rush for me. Every day that I go without carbs makes me feel awesome. I have been on this for about 2 years altogether and I will always eat this way!