Since warm weather is on its way (let’s hope), many of us are thinking about trimming down a bit. For the next few blogs, I would like to offer up some opinions about some of the more popular diets out there in the hopes that everyone will do their own additional research and make informed decisions about the best eating plan for themselves. First up: the Atkins diet, which allows meats of all kinds and dairy, but severely limits carbohydrates so that the body goes into ketosis. Diets that are high protein (largely meats) and low carbohydrate will always have a few loyal followers who will lose a bunch of weight and cause those closest to them to consider, at least for a moment, whether they are sound strategies for losing weight. We all know someone who has gone on Atkins—but has anyone ever stayed on it? Not usually. However, here are the pros and cons as I see them for the Atkins plan (which I do NOT recommend):

Pros:
• eating lower carbohydrates does give the pancreas a rest
• controlling insulin levels is an important factor in weight loss
• during the first few days, one might enjoy high energy and alertness
• weight comes off quickly

Cons:
• weight generally comes back on, leading to on-again-off-again yo-yo dieting which is not good for the metabolism

• nutrients are depleted quickly due to typically low intake of vegetables

• joint pain and systemic inflammation increases resulting from overly acid condition of the body

• we cannot possibly make enough protease (digestive enzyme) to digest as much meat as one typically eats on this diet—this leads to indigestion, bloating, heavy feeling in stomach and possibly undigested food particles getting into bloodstream setting off immune reactions to the “invader”

• the liver gets stressed from all the fats ingested (and from being in the state of ketosis)

• severe constipation from lack of fiber is typical

• stresses the kidneys (removing excess nitrogen from blood stream)

• hormone levels get out of balance from xenoestrogens, antibiotics, pesticides + other hormones in dairy and meat that is not certified organic—this is exacerbated when the person is constipated and all these toxins are reabsorbed through the colon while matter sits there longer than it should

Stay tuned for more Pros + Cons of popular diets out there and then I’ll tell you my best advice for healthy weight maintenance. Here’s a tip: if you focus on dark leafy greens, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, seeds + nuts—you’ll be off to a great start!