I first came across Dr. Atkins’ diet by accident when I bought the previous version of his "New Diet Revolution" at a yard sale during my first year in the United States. I knew nothing of the diet, but I became instantly suspicious of it because of its approach, which, at the time, I considered mostly hype.
A few years later, my opinion of the diet changed and I actually read the book more carefully thanks to the metamorphosis of a friend of mine. Though she didn't lose that many pounds, the diet changed her looks so dramatically, I thought she'd lost a lot of weight and several dress sizes. In addition to her new figure, her skin and hair also looked much healthier and younger. She had been on disability, due to chronic back problems and pain, and usually did not get out of bed until afternoon each day. No longer the diet gave her relief and new-found energy.
Another interesting case I witnessed was that of a 57-year-old former Olympic weightlifter who decided to participate in a senior bodybuilding contest. He went on the diet and managed to decrease his body fat from 18.5 percent to 7.5 percent and never ceased marvelling at how much energy he had.
So, I've reread the book and do you know what? I didn't find it so revolutionary at all. Dr. Atkins states that consuming a high level of carbohydrates causes overproduction of insulin, leading to increased hunger and weight gain. By limiting carbohydrates and increasing fat, our bodies break down stored fat to supply energy, creating a by-product called ketones. Ketones suppress appetite: we eat less and lose weight. It’s that simple.
Big deal! Since my childhood, doctors all over the Europe would tell the patients to restrict their carbohydrate intake: "Cut out white flour, breads and sweets" was the standard formula of European health educators before the Western low-fat diet ideas made their way to Europe and that was not until the mid-’90s.
Content
Introduction
Chapter 1. Facts and FAQ
- What Is a Low-Carb Diet?
What Does Someone On a Low-Carb Diet Eat?
Why Do Low-Carb Diets Work?
Are Low-Carb Diets Dangerous?
How Does It Compare to Other Diets?
Why Are Low-Carb Diets So Popular?
Basic Facts
The Body's Fuel
Carbs and Fats
What Is the Ketogenic Diet?
Chapter 2. Atkins
Chapter 3. Carbohydrate Addict
Chapter 4. Fat Fast
Chapter 5. GO-Diet
Chapter 6. Ketogenic
Chapter 7. Neanderthin
Chapter 8. Protein Power
Chapter 9. Schwarzbein
Chapter 10. Sugar Busters!
Chapter 11. Zone
Chapter 12. FDA Dietary Guidelines For Americans
Chapter 13. How Do We Follow the FDA Recommendations?
- American Dietetic Association's Surveys
What Do People Think About The Government Dietary Guidelines?
What Are the FDA Recommendations Based Upon?
What About Carbohydrates?
What About Meats?
What the Official Guidelines Don't Tell Us
When Low-Fat Is Good
Chapter 14. Important to Know About Any Low Carb Diet
- Low Carb and Exercise
Low Carb and Kidneys
Low Carb and Potassium
Low Carb and Diary
Insulin Resistance
Glycemic Index
Dealing With Plateau
Chapter 15. Appendix
- Ketogenic Research
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Low Carb Dieting For Beginners
