Eric C. Westman

This book explains the fundamentals of the Atkins diet. It also offers excellent cognitive behavioral strategies to aid in weight loss . It is well referenced, which is a pleasant surprise when compared to other diet books. However, the book falls short on several fronts.

First, I didn't think they emphasized enough how dangerous the interaction between carbohydrates and saturated fat really is. You can't have large quantities of both without seeing adverse changes in blood work and these occur after only one meal. the adverse effects are so powerful that it is actually difficult to even feed individuals saturated fat in a study because the risks to the study subject are considered almost unethical. This information is relevant when one is trying to switch between stages. Basically, one NEEDS to reduce saturated fat as one goes up in carbohydrate. Also, the Inuit Indians consumed large quantities of fish oil in addition to saturated fat. The book was not clear on the quantity of fish oil recommended.

The book also neglected to discuss the paradoxical insulin response to whey. Many individuals release a large quantity of insulin in response to whey and all foods containing wheat germ aggluten. A high insulin response to whey could counteract all the health benefits that are advertised from the low carbohydrate diet.… (altro)

My husband and I have tried the Atkins diet in the past and know without a doubt that it works. That's the positive. The negative was that you were limited to what you could eat, and you had to eat that way for the rest of your life, because if you don't stick to it faithfully, you would regain the weight, which we did.

This is the "new and improved" Atkins diet. It looks almost the same, but you are allowed a variety of foods even in the Induction stage. This looks like a plan you could easily follow for life.

There are four parts to the book:
Part 1~ Why It Works: It's All About Nutrition
Part 2~ What To Eat: How To Tailor Atkins To Your Needs & Goals
Part 3~ Eating Out, Eating In: Atkins In The Real World
Part 4~ A Diet For Life: The Science Of Good Health

There are four phases to the diet:
Phase 1~ Induction
Phase 2~ Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL)
Phase 3~ Pre-Maintenence
Phase 4~ Lifetime Maintenance

The authors use real people and their stories to help you understand how the New Atkins has helped them. There is information on low carb fast food and restaurant meals, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular health, managing diabetes, and recipes & meal plans.

To be honest I haven't tried this new approach to Atkins, but it does look easy to follow and also to stay on. I love that the induction isn't as strict. My husband has been talking about going back on the Atkins diet and if he does, he'll use this book as his guide.

*Thanks to Anna and Planned Television Arts for this review copy*… (altro)