Answer: The Atkins' Diet in our humble, but expert opinion is a Diet Disaster. There are long-term scientific studies that say a low carbohydrate, high protein diet is hazardous.

During the first 5-12 days the weight loss is nothing but water and lean muscle tissue. Eventually, you will lose some fat, but you will also sacrifice a great deal of muscle. In the end you will have up to 70% less muscle and this will leave you with a slower metabolism. Like most diets, this positions you to gain the weight back plus another five or ten pounds.

There are two positive components of this approach. One, people don't eat refined carbs and two, they eat more vegetables. You will often hear Atkins' supporters saying, "I know someone who has dropped their cholesterol with this approach." Well, let's face it, if you go from eating steak, bread, potatoes and ice cream to meat and several servings of vegetables per day, of course your cholesterol will drop. But guess what, you don't need to be on the Atkins' diet to increase your servings of vegetables per day and experience healthier blood cholesterol!

People who follow long term high protein diets like the Atkins' diet may be at risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, bone loss, kidney failure and cardiac and liver abnormalities. They may also increase their risk of osteoporosis, gastrointestinal disorders and colon cancer. Simply put, our bodies are not designed to eat excessive protein and saturated fat. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to this unhealthy approach to weight loss.

Lastly, if you want to spot a fad diet, ask yourself this question: "Can I live the rest of my life eating this way?" I am sure that in this case your answer will be no. Balanced nutrition, exercise and a positive mental attitude are keys to living a healthy lifestyle and keep the fat from coming back!

>>Find out more about the Atkins' Diet (click here)

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