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The Atkins Diet Low Carb High Protein

The diet is based on the theory that overweight people eat too many carbohydrates. Our bodies burn both fat and carbohydrates for energy, but carbohydrates are used first. By drastically reducing carbohydrates and eating more protein and fat, our bodies naturally lose weight by burning stored body fat more efficiently.

In a paper published last week in the Nutrition Journal, researchers from SUNY Downstate Medical Center show that low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets can be expected to be more effective for weight loss than low-fat diets.

Dr. Robert Atkins re-introduced his 1970s low carb diet program (known in the '70s as Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution). The book, now known as Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution has flooded the market, producing what can only be termed "low carb mania" in the United States and abroad. Millions have tried his diet, and his books have been on the bestseller lists for a decade.

While many following the Atkins plan will never suffer any serious or major side effects, probably due to inability to adhere to the diet long term, a great many have suffered serious consequences. For one thing, we know that extremely high protein diets, like Atkins, can lead to acidic urine. Acidic urine leaches calcium from the body, which significantly increases one's risk for osteoporosis and kidney stones.