Saturated Fats During The Induction Diet example essay topic

The Atkins's Diet In a society where ones' pants size measures their self worth, it is no wonder why "fad diets", have taken over in the struggle to lose weight. Over the past few decades, Hollywood has painted an unattainable image of the "perfect body". Although many celebrities physical appearance may appear healthy, the measures taken to obtain their body, can cause numerous health risks. It seems as though, every time people turn on their television, or flip through a magazine, there is a new diet claiming to "melt away the pounds". The truth is, dozens of these so-called miracle diets do take off weight- temporarily. The question people are then left with is, what diets really work?

The definition of diets is, regulated selections of foods, specially designed and prescribed for medical and / or general nutritional purposes. The purpose of diets is to promote an overall lifetime-wellness plan for good health (Larson). Recently, there has been more interest by the public, geared towards the Revolutionary Atkins' diet. Although the Atkins' diet appears to be the dream diet in the battle against the bulge, it can cause serious health problems if done incorrectly (Dr. Atkins' 72-80). The Atkins' diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, which has been attributed to the weight loss success of thousands. The Atkins' diet is based on the belief, that by increasing protein and decreasing carbohydrates, the body is forced to burn stored fat.

Many researchers, Placek 2 who study the success of diets rich in protein, believe that insulin is the hormone that makes people fat. The body is an energy machine that powers its operations mainly through the use of glucose. Glucose, which is a basic form of sugar found in the blood, is predominantly found in carbohydrates. After consuming carbohydrates, the blood-sugar levels in the body are raised. When the sugar in the blood is raised, a hormone known as insulin is secreted. The insulin then converts a portion of the glucose into glycogen, which is found in muscle tissue and the liver.

If the glycogen storage areas are filled, and there is still more glucose in the blood, that the body does not need, the remaining glucose is then converted into triglyceride. Triglyceride is the main chemical component of adipose tissue- otherwise known as the visible fat on the body (Dr. Atkins' 46-50). How does the Atkins' diet differ from other diets? Why is it that, through eating protein rich foods, and eliminating foods such as breads and pastas, that people are able to trim their waistline? The answer is ketosis. When following a low-carbohydrate diet, people force their bodies into a keto genic state, forcing them to burn stored fat.

Once a person begins the Atkins' diet, the high consumption of protein, will cause the insulin levels to become normal. At this point, the body will then begin to release ketones. These ketones, will then be released through a persons breath or urine, and is proof that their body is burning stored fat (Dr. Atkins' 52-54). Before beginning the Atkins' diet, there are a few pre-diet steps. The first step is discontinuing the use of any unnecessary medications. It is also advised, that people schedule an appointment with their primary care physician.

The purpose of this is to inform them of their overall health, prior to starting the diet. Through obtaining their cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose Placek 3 and insulin levels, people can measure their success in future medical check-ups (Dr. Atkins' 72-74). Once the proper medical precautions have taken place, people can begin what is known as the 14-day induction diet. The rules of the induction diet, although difficult to adjust to at first, are quite simple. The diet allows for no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day.

However, the carbohydrates must come from green vegetables, such as salad and asparagus. The diet does not allow any of the following: bread, pasta, fruit, grains or sugar. Even the most miniscule amounts of these foods during the induction diet, will ruin the body's goal of achieving ketosis. What this diet does allow however, is the unlimited consumption of all meats, fish, fowl, shellfish, eggs and cheese. A typical meal plan for a day, on the induction diet, would be as follows: Breakfast: a three- egg, ham and cheese omelet, two bacon slices and coffee or tea with half and half and artificial sweetener.

Lunch: a large chef salad, with the choice of oil and vinegar, bleu cheese or ranch dressing. Water, herbal tea or diet soda to drink. Dinner: a Gorgonzola-encrusted Rybeye, served with steamed asparagus, and a small salad with dressing. Water, herbal tea or diet soda.

Dessert: a 1/2 cup of sugar-free, JELLO chocolate pudding, made with heavy whipping cream as opposed to milk. Once obtaining the list of the allowed or "free foods", on the Atkins' diet, it is easy for people to design their own personal meal plan during the induction period (Dr. Atkins' 79-82). Placek 4 On the 14th day of the induction diet, it is time to measure the results. Those who follow the diet correctly, should be experiencing numerous health benefits. First, they should be losing weight easily. Second, they should begin feeling more vigorous and energetic.

Finally, they should be experiencing a decrease in headaches and body aches (Dr. Atkins' 98-101). One of the many people, who have attributed their weight loss success to Dr. Atkins diet, is Sara Williams. Sara, began the diet on August 20th, and her starting weight was 180 pounds. Sara recorded her results every week. Upon her completion of the induction diet, she had recorded a total of 10 pounds lost.

It has been 12 weeks since she started the Atkins' diet, and she has now lost a total of 30 pounds (Sara Williams). The Atkins' diet seems to be the answer to weight loss success. Why then, does it receive so much controversy? The truth is that, many physicians oppose diets rich in protein and high in fat. Because these diets are extremely high in dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, some doctors believe they can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases. The Physicians Advisory for the Atkins' Diet Alert states, "Evidence indicates that meals high in saturated fat impair arterial compliance, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events in the post prandial period ("Health Risks").

Along with the belief that high protein diets can lead to cardiovascular disease, some physicians also believe that they are one of the leading causes of kidney damage. It is believed that over time, individuals who consume high-protein diets, mainly based on the consumption of animal protein, are at a greater risk of kidney damage ("Health Risks"). Diets high in protein, result to a build up of nitrogen in the blood. The nitrogen ends up at the kidney in the form of urea.

Because the body needs to rid itself of this waste, the urea is converted into urine, which results in frequent urination. Since the body is excreting urine at a much faster pace, dehydrationPlacek 5 can result, forcing the kidneys to work harder (" American Kidney Fund"). Another concern regarding the Atkins' diet is malnutrition. Because diets rich in protein eliminate foods in which we obtain vitamins and minerals, many physicians believe that people can become undernourished.

Hence, because of the lack of vitamins and minerals, mainly calcium, some physicians also attribute Osteoporosis to such diets ("Health Risks"). With all these supposed health risks, how do people know if they should try the Atkins' diet or not? In all actuality, low-carbohydrate diets are not necessarily unhealthy diets. People can enjoy a diet, rich in protein, without obtaining any adverse health problems. Recent research studies, have even shown that ketosis is a safe way to achieve weight loss. Principal investigator, Jeff Vole k, Ph. D., stated after conducting recent studies", The metabolic process, ketosis, that results from a properly conducted controlled carbohydrate weight loss program, may prove to be as much a factor in fat loss and reduction of cardiovascular disease risk factors as calorie reduction" ("New Studies").

The real problem behind the myth that the Atkins' diet is unhealthy, is people who have started the diet, before first, researching about it. Now, the Atkins' diet forbids fruit consumption- but only during the 14-day induction period. Most people would never know that it is okay to eat fruit, in moderation, once the induction diet is complete, unless they had read Dr. Atkins' book. Fruits and vegetables, with their antioxidants and fiber, are some of the best foods people can consume to prevent certain health diseases. Carbohydrates are okay, as long as they are coming from the right foods. Eating foods such as beans, vegetables, and most fruits, cause no insulin overreaction, and can even increase one's metabolism ("Doctors Weigh").

It is all a matter of resorting to a primitive way of Placek 6 life. Our ancestors did not obtain their carbohydrate sources through starchy grains and potatoes, as we do today. Instead, they came from wild fruits and vegetables (Cordain 15-16). If people fail to research about the Atkins' diet before starting it, they will never discover that the induction diet, is not the entire Atkins' diet.

The induction diet is the two- week, high-fat, deep-ketosis stage, designed to get the body started in ketosis. Because the induction level allows for an unlimited consumption of saturated fats and red meat, it is not advised that people stay on it for any long length of time (Dr. Atkins' 102-104). Hence, this is the reason that the causes for cardiovascular diseases have been attributed to the Atkins' diet. If people continue to follow the guidelines of the induction diet, cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage and colon cancer can be health risks.

Eating a diet primarily made up of saturated fats, can be unhealthy. That is why it is essential to create a favorable balance between good fats and bad fats. Monounsaturated fats, which are found in olive oil, nuts and avocados, are considered the good fats. Some of the benefits of monounsaturated fats, is that they are known to lower blood cholesterol, as well as, prevent arteries from clogging. Saturated fats, are classified as mostly bad fats. Saturated fats are mostly found in meats and whole dairy products and typically tend to raise cholesterol (Cordain 13-14).

After completing the induction diet, it is easy to continue with on going weight loss, by means of the basic reduction diet. The body has had to adjust to a strict diet; a diet that allowed a very small amount of carbohydrates. The question now is, how do people keep the weight off. The most important things to do after the induction diet, are based on two components: increasing carbohydrate intake and eating more lean meats.

It is important to gradually increase Placek 7 the carbohydrates consumed by about five gram increments. This will insure stability in weight, until the body has achieved the maximum number of carbohydrates, able to be consumed, without gaining weight. The body mainly obtained its energy, by means of saturated fats during the induction diet. Although eating saturated fats in moderation is okay, eating bacon and eggs everyday is not. Most of the meats people consume should be lean meats such as chicken, fish, shellfish, and fowl. Other foods that should be included in a typical meal plan include: vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and even the occasional starches.

Indulging is a normal part of human behavior. However, on this diet, it is important that people be very cautious about how often they indulge. If by chance, a person on the Atkins' diet over-indulges, and gains some weight back, it is not the end of the world. In order to get back to the desired goal weight, just return to the induction diet, until the desired weight is achieved. (Dr. Atkins' 199-201). Along with gaining a new way of eating, and creating a favorable body image, people also improve their overall physical health and even increase their lifespan.

The Atkins' diet has helped thousands of people achieve their dream bodies. When done correctly, this diet can prove to be highly beneficial. Not only does it enable people to regain control of their eating habits, it also prevents the onset of future health risks, caused by extra weight. Work Cited" American Kidney Fund Warns About Impact of High-protein Diets on Kidney Health". 25 April 2002. American Kidney Fund.

10 Nov 2002... Atkins', Robert C. Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution. New York: M. Evans Inc., 1992. Cordain, Loren.

The Paleo Diet. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2002". Doctors Weigh in on ' Diet War'. Cover Stories in NYT and Time Magazine: Nutrition Experts Warn Against ' Carbophobia'; Applaud Coverage of Vegetarianism". 8 July 2002. Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

13 Nov 2002 web " Health Risks of High Protein Diets". Atkins' Diet Alert. 2 Aug 2002.13 Nov. 2002 web Jeffrey". Diets". Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. 10 Nov. 2002".

New Studies Confirm Calorie Reduction Not Only Reason Atkins Nutritional Approach (TM) Works; Other metabolic aspects of controlled carbohydrates nutrition impact on fat loss, and reduction of heart disease risk factors". PR Newswire. 26 Aug. 2002 web Sara. Personal Interview.

17 Nov. 2002.