The Atkins Diet first surfaced in 1972, when its founder Dr. Robert Atkins decided to test his idea about alternate ways that the body can metabolize food. Dr. Atkins understood that the body could burn both fats and carbohydrates for energy, and proposed that, by lowering carbohydrate intake, the body would naturally turn to burning its fat resources for energy. Although the diet sounds very positive, as it provides a
good way to burn fat, this diet challenged years of diet research. Previously, according to the food pyramid, complex carbohydrates, breads, and pasta should provide the bulk of daily calorie intake. Dr. Atkins turned the traditional food pyramid upside down as carbohydrates and even some fruits and vegetables were forbidden!
Due to the many dietary restrictions of the Atkins Diet, many people find that the diet is not sustainable for extended periods of time. Studies also show that dieters who choose
low-carb or
low-fat can lose the same amount of weight over a one year period.
