5 Things to Know About the Atkins Diet [PLUS WIN R500 OF ATKINS FOOD PRODUCTS]

Years before Dr. Tim Noakes popularised a Low Carb High Fat Diet, Robert C. Atkins, M.D introduced the world to low-carb dieting in his Diet Revolution in 1972. That diet would become known as the Atkins Diet.

Almost everyone knows that there is a diet called Atkins, but how do you know if the Atkins lifestyle is right for you? Before you decide let’s break down the basics.

1. What is the Atkins Diet?

The Atkins Diet is a low-carb diet. The Atkins Diet is designed to “flip the body’s metabolic switch” from burning carbs to burning fat. The Atkins Diet is made up of four phases starting with a very low-carb stage (20g carbohydrates a day). As you progress through the stages you slowly introduce more carbohydrates into your diet until you find the perfect balance for your body and lifestyle. The new Atkins diet reformulated the four phases. Following the new approach, you remove carbs from your diet for the first two weeks and then slowly introduce them until you find you own carbohydrate balance – and your ideal weight .

2. Total carbs vs net carbs

The Atkins diet looks at net carbs not total carbs. Net carbs are worked out by taking the total carb count of food and subtracting the fibre amount. The reason being is that Fibre is not digested by your body but is an essential part of your diet and helps keep things moving.

3. The four phases

The Atkins Diet is made up of four phases. During the induction phase you reduce your daily carb intake to net 20 grams per day. In phase two – ongoing weight loss – you up your net carb intake to25 grams per day and slowly add additional net carb increments as you approach phase three – pre-maintenance. During pre-maintenance you want to be able to maintain your weight before moving on to phase four which is maintenance. Phase four is about maintaining your weight and eating good carbohydrates without restricting yourself.

4. Focus on proteins, good fats, healthy carbohydrates and limiting sugar

The new Atkins diet focuses on getting good carbohydrates from vegetables, fruit and wholegrains. Protein and good fats are needed for energy. The Atkins diet is against sugars and encourages removing sugars which are linked to obesity, diabetes and other health conditions.

5. It’s not only about the carbs

Robert C. Atkins, M.D was a huge advocate for not only eating less carbohydrates but also for drinking water and exercising. He recommended drinking 8 glasses of water per day to keep hydrated and avoid constipation. Since then, the concept of drinking to thirst has become popular and it’s important to listen to your body and drink more when the weather is hot or when you’re exercising more.

As most people* go onto the Atkins diet for weight loss, including exercise into your lifestyle is crucial for weight loss and overall wellbeing.

*Always consult your doctor regarding health/diet changes.

 WIN R500 ATKINS FRIENDLY SNACKS WITH ATKINS SOUTH AFRICA

Atkins South Africa wants to give you a chance to try the Atkins lifestyle, with the help of their amazing range of products for free!

They are giving one reader a R500 voucher to their online store. The Atkins online store has the perfect products to help get you started. Their store is packed with Atkins snack and dessert bars, muesli, low-carb pastas, shakes and even a bread mix.

To win: Tell us in the comments below what Atkins products from the Atkins Store you’d buy with your R500 voucher. 

Competition closes Tuesday, 20 September 2016

*Terms and conditions apply. Voucher valid for use on the Atkins South Africa online store. Valid for 3 months upon delivery. Delivery charges may apply.