understanding the Atkins Diet
by Rachel Newcombe
alternative diet options
Amongst those not yet convinced are the British Dietetic Association (BDA). They say, 'On the basis of the current evidence, we would not recommend the Atkins Diet as the best approach for healthy weight control.' Instead, if you're keen to lose weight and keep it off, they recommend a healthy low-fat diet, as well as lifestyle changes.
So instead of consuming endless high-fat foods, as with the Atkins way, the BDA recommend opting for lower-fat foods, such as skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurt and skinless poultry. Along with this, you should eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, lean meat and oily fish, and wholegrain carbohydrate cereals, such as rice and pasta. All these should be eaten in moderation, they say, and not in huge portion sizes.
The BDA also advise that, 'A realistic weight loss is about 1-2lbs per week,' and suggest that in order to achieve it and keep the extra pounds off, it's important to look at your lifestyle and the amount of activity you have each day. That means being active for at least 30 minutes a day, for example through walking, exercising or taking part in sports activities.
If you have any particular dietary needs, or require extra help with maintaining a healthy weight, it's worth considering seeing a dietitian. They can help plan a specially designed eating programme, as well as advise about appropriate diets. See help and info below for organisations that can help.
The Atkins Diet offers a very different approach to weight loss, so it's understandable that it's been the subject of lengthy debate. There's no doubt that for many people it has offered the unique approach they needed to shed their extra pounds, whilst still eating the foods they enjoy. In any weight-loss programme, though, it's important to know and understand the long-term health effects, but that's the one crucial aspect of Atkins that is currently unclear. Until we know for sure, speculation is likely to continue.
(November 2003, resources updated March 2005)
