As much as restrictive diets can bring certain benefits to the body, they must be followed very carefully. The Atkins diet, for example, only offers a cut or reduction in carbohydrate consumption, which helps a lot for those who need to lose weight. However, is it really productive and can it be indicated for everyday life?

How does the Atkins diet work?

Like other restrictive food lines, the Atkins diet takes the initiative to repeal certain foods and increase consumption of others to achieve certain ends. Atkins diet was created in 1972 by cardiologist Dr. Robert C. Atkins. the ketogenic diet, which induces ketosis, a process in which, thanks to the lack of carbohydrates, the human body begins to break down fats to generate energy. That's why it became popular as a diet to lose weight.

“The initiative is to have a greater consumption of foods rich in fat and protein, which make you feel fuller for longer. The diet also guarantees the use of body fat reserves as a source of energy, in the absence of foods rich in carbohydrates, which usually have this functionality. It is divided into 4 stages. The restriction of carbohydrates, in particular, is quite severe in the first few days, allowing the consumption of proteins and fats of any kind”, adds the professional.

Can the Atkins diet really bring benefits?

Although it promises a more immediate calorie burn, the Atkins diet, as the case may be, can be harmful to health, especially when done without supervision. According to the nutritionist, it is essential to be careful with this type of food. “Before putting this diet into practice, it is essential to consider some of the harm it can cause, such as: increased cholesterol, which can increase the chances of a cardiovascular event; viable growth of urea, which can compromise renal functionality; By determining sufficient nutrition, an unaccompanied diet also increases the dangers of malnutrition of relevant vitamins and minerals.”

If the objective is to continue the Atkins diet, the nutritionist highlights several measures that must be adopted: “For you to be successful, it is essential to follow up with a nutritionist. Furthermore, carbohydrate restriction could not be so severe and the evacuation of ultra-processed (nutrient-poor) products is important. Foods and fats must be chosen for their nutritional quality and periodic tests must be carried out to control functions”, adds Luciana.

The Modified Atkins Diet is a Healthier Version

Did you know that the original format of the Atkins Diet was somewhat questionable and therefore needed to be changed over time? 

The format of the initial diet greatly restricted the consumption of fruits and vegetables and allowed the independent consumption of foods such as bacon, sausage and lard for our body. That's why it was modified - due to suggestions to restrict dietary fat, especially saturated fat, since this excess is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular pathologies

“The current term used to refer to this new format is the Modified Atkins Diet – which, with follow-up, has shown improvement in epilepsy and seizures. Mainly in boys, it brought good responses in the procedure with more control and reduction of crises. it is still used to contribute to weight loss, for each of the complications that a dietary change of this degree can produce, medical and nutritional monitoring is essential ”, he incorporates.

Second diet of the moment as the goal is to burn body fat, the most important thing is to change habits. In the situation of the Atkins diet -which can be exercised, as long as it is accompanied by a nutritionist-, there are some essential guidelines: “The most important recommendation is to exclude only refined carbohydrates, such as flour and sucrose and cereals. fruits, greens and vegetables, and meat and fats come in a greater proportion of oils and coconut milk, butter, cream and cream, as many of these fats are saturated, it is essential to be accompanied by a nutritionist, so that they are in a correct recommendation daily," he concludes.

I'll leave the Mediterranean diet here.

*The content of this publication has been written for informational purposes only. At no time can they serve to facilitate or provide diagnoses, treatments or suggestions from a professional. Consult your trusted specialist in case of doubt and ask for their acceptance before starting any method.