What is the New Atkins diet, how does it work, is it safe and are there any success stories?
IF you are trying to lose weight in preparation for your summer getaway, it can be hard to know which diet is for you.
One that is favoured by multiple celebrities is the New Atkins diet, with focuses on cutting out carbohydrates from your diet.
What is the New Atkins diet?
The famous New Atkins diet works by turning your body into a fat-burning machine.
Its theory is that if you cut carbohydrates out of your diet completely, your body will start burning fat for energy.
During the first phase of the diet, designed for rapid weight loss, you’re on a protein-rich meal plan with no restrictions on fat and a daily carbohydrate allowance of 20-25 grams.
Throughout the next three phases, the weight loss is likely to be more gradual and regular exercise is encouraged.
More carbohydrates are introduced to your diet with the aim of working out what your ideal carbohydrate intake is to maintain a healthy weight for life.
Phase one is designed to help you lose up to 15 pounds in two weeks, reducing to 2-3 pounds during phase two.
How does the New Atkins diet work?
The New Atkins diet, limits carbohydrates (sugar) intake, meaning that the body burns fat for fuel instead.
The theory is that the diet allows for steady fueling, which means that the body can run off constant energy supplies during the day.
This results in less hunger and cravings during the weight loss period.
With its diet of red meat, butter, cream, cheese and mayonnaise, it’s one of the weight loss plans that appeals most to men.
Is the New Atkins diet safe?
The amount of processed meat, red meat and saturated fat in this type of diet is an issue, as is the advice to add salt, which all contradict current health advice and could increase the risk of heart disease.
Some could still find it complicated and time consuming, but the promise of initial rapid weight loss may appeal to and motivate some.
Like the Dukan diet, initial side effects can include bad breath, a dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness, insomnia, nausea and constipation from cutting out carbs, and potential for lower fibre intake.
Are there any success stories of the New Atkins diet?
was responsible for her ditching the pounds when she said realised her size was stopping her from getting roles in image-obsessed Hollywood.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian is thought to have lost more than 4st to transform her to her goal, pre-baby weight of 9st 9lb.
Other celebrities who are said to be fans from the carb-free diet are Jennifer Aniston and Renee Zellweger.
Is yo-yo dieting healthy?
Fad diets have continued to divide nutrition experts - some believe there are clear benefits, while others worry that the temporary fixes can have lasting impacts on your health.
Dr David Allison said serial slimmers live longer than those who simply remain fat.
Speaking at the world’s largest science gathering, he revealed only 10 per cent succeed in losing a clinically meaningful amount of weight and keep it off.
But he said tubby Brits should not give up hope – and simply try another slimming regime.
Despite this, another Brit scientist criticised yo-yo dieting – saying fans end up flabbier in the long run.
