Low-carb diets make a lot of claims, including suggestions that the diet can prevent or reverse diabetes and heart disease. On the other hand, opposition parties argue that the diet can increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease or even cancer. I mean, Atkins died at 73 years old, compared to Jack LaLanne’s 97 years of life. Well, Atkins died from a slip-and-fall accident, not heart disease or cancer, though he did suffer a heart attack the year before his death. I am inclined to think that the diet may do more harm than good in the long-term, possibly leading to heart disease or stroke due to the buildup of cholesterol and fat in the bloodstream over decades.
I also underwent the first part of the induction phase this week, and I discovered firsthand that there is a phenomenon known as the Atkins flu. The process of eliminating the enzymes that breakdown carbs and creating the enzymes that breakdown fats has a diuretic effect that can flush fluids, as well as minerals and vitamins such as potassium and magnesium, out of the body. This can result in dizziness, lack of concentration, headaches, and other side-effects. It can also, I learned, result in severe muscle cramps and lethargy. I had ordered vitamins from Amazon.com prior to beginning the diet, but they did not arrive until the 4th day of the diet, so I felt generally unpleasant for those first few days and had a severe muscle cramp in my right calf muscle. The fact that this diet causes such significant physiological effects makes me think this is not something someone should do to his or her body. Nevertheless, the first few days were a breeze, I got to eat all of the things I wouldn’t normally be able to eat on Weight Watchers, including cheese and bacon. I also ate as much as I wanted, and according to Atkins, you should not count calories, but calories do count, and even though I pigged out, I still only came to 2,000 per day. However, by the 6th day, I was hurting for some bread or fruit.
On the 7th day, I decided this diet, at least the induction phase, was too extreme. I felt lethargic, had a terrible headache, and could not stop thinking about garlic bread and smoothies. My body was telling me something, so I gave in and had some carbs. After making myself a smoothie with a high-protein juice, strawberries, and plain Greek yogurt, I felt so much better! I also cheated and had a bit of pizza at a friend’s house that night as well. So, I am thinking skipping to stage two (which allows nuts, yogurt, and berries) is a great idea. I won’t lose weight as fast, but I think it will be more maintainable, healthy, and well-balanced.
Having tried both Weight Watchers and Atkins, I think the key to losing weight is lowering carbohydrate consumption, eating everything in moderation, having a well-balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits, and getting some exercise. My plan is to have my vitamins in the morning; a low-carb, high-protein smoothie for breakfast; a chunk of lean meat for lunch; a salad with spinach for a snack; and a chunk of lean meat for dinner. I will probably also throw in a snack of cheese and a four-bite dessert every once in a while.
