The Atkins Diet, Good or Bad for Teenagers? BY MISHAAL TOPIWALA By: Mishaal Topiwala For Teens

What is the Atkins Diet?  The Atkins diet is a low carb, high protein, high fat diet.  This diet claims that you can lose weight eating as much protein and fat as you want, as long as you avoid foods high in carbs.  The Atkins diet was originally promoted by a physician named Dr. Robert Atkins who wrote a best-selling book about the diet in  The diet was originally considered unhealthy and discredited by the mainstream because of the high content of saturated fat. However, new studies have shown that saturated fat is harmless and the diet has been revived.  Four phase approach to the Atkins diet

Atkins Diet – The Four Phase Approach Phase 1 – Induction  Eat under 20 grams of carbs per day for 2 weeks. Eat high-fat, high protein with low carb vegetables like leafy greens. This kick-starts weight loss process. Phase 2 – Balancing  Add more low-carb vegetables, nuts and small amounts of fruit back into the diet. Phase 3 – Fine-Tuning  When you are near your weight loss goal, add more carbs until the weight loss slows down Phase 4 – Maintenance  Eat as many healthy carbs as your body can tolerate without regaining weight.

Atkins Diet PROS  Great for carnivores because of the high meat content  Allowed to eat cream whereas in other diets you are restricted  Eliminates refined carbohydrates like sugar, flour  Creates a state called ketosis, in which your body burns fat as fuel.  Controls insulin release, which may be beneficial at staving off type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. CONS  Does not provide energy in the form of carbohydrates  High amounts of protein can cause issues in the kidneys  High levels of fat can cause heart disease or strokes  Will regain weight once carbohydrates are reintroduced  In the initial phase most weight loss is due to water loss

Is Atkins a Healthy Diet for Teenagers? Eating out of balance is not a good idea. Our body requires carbohydrates, proteins and fats all in moderation to keep it healthy and functioning well. Balance is getting nutrition from all the major food groups. If you eliminate one, you will more than likely gain the weight back if certain healthy eliminated foods are reintroduced. The body uses carbohydrates as the main source of energy. “Without carbohydrates, our body can break down our fat and muscle stores looking for energy. This is an inefficient form of energy for our body to use” (Kate Myserson, Nutritionist) and can form ketones which can cause much havoc within our bodies. “Proper calorie management (which means managing calories in versus out) is always a way teenager should do things because it shows them life skills in managing their weight long term. Eating healthy, balanced meals and living an active lifestyle is the only way to long term success for a teen.” (Jeremiah Forster, NASM Elite Trainer) The Atkins Diet cuts out many healthy fruits and vegetables and whole grains that are required for their various nutritional content for the body to function well