New Atkins – the original low-carb programme is back, but not as we knew it

The original low-carbohydrate eating plan, the Atkins Diet, has been reformulated and launched as the NEW Atkins Nutritional Approach.

A scientifically-based method to safely and effectively lose and manage weight - supported by more than 80 peer-reviewed studies worldwide - the New Atkins approach is followed by celebrities worldwide, including Kim Kardashian and Sharon Osbourne.

The refreshed approach has been developed in conjunction with the Atkins International Science Advisory Board (SAB) – comprising experts in the fields of nutrition, metabolism, physiology and food science – to create a programme which trains the body to burn fat rather than carbohydrates by eating a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods including lean protein, fibrous vegetables, fruits, dairy, natural fats, whole grains and legumes.

Managing Director for Atkins Nutritionals New Zealand, Richard Sullivan, says the plan has been tailored to promote improved health – not just to shed kilos.

“The premise of the programme revolves around carbohydrate control,” says Sullivan.  “Carbohydrates and fat provide fuel for the body, and when carbohydrates are available the body chooses them first to transform into energy, with excess carbohydrates stored as fat.

“When carbohydrates are carefully restricted, the body burns fat for fuel instead – including stored body fat – allowing people to lose or maintain weight.”

Numerous studies have shown that a scientifically sound low-carbohydrate diet, such as the New Atkins Nutritional Approach, also has a favourable impact on cholesterol and other cardio-metabolic markers, especially in individuals with metabolic syndrome.[1]

Compared with the original Atkins Diet, this rejuvenated approach is particularly user-friendly. There’s no need to attend group meetings, weekly weigh-ins or purchase expensive meal plans to achieve success – although New Atkins low carbohydrate, low sugar bars and shakes are available at leading supermarkets and online as convenient snacks or supplements to satisfy “sweet” cravings.

New Atkins participants find they’re not hungry as they’re eating “real” whole foods, there’s no calorie counting, the “do’s “ and “don’ts” are simple to learn and there’s plenty of flexibility; with individuals able to choose which phase of the eating plan to begin according to their personal needs.

The New Atkins Nutritional Approach comprises four key phases:

·       PHASE 1 – INDUCTION - (two weeks) – for those who have lost weight in the past only to regain it, for those with 12+ kilograms to lose, inactive metabolisms and those seeking rapid weight loss (20 grams of carbohydrates permissible daily). During induction, New Atkins followers will enjoy lean protein, leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and green beans, as well as fruits such as avocado and tomatoes.

·       PHASE 2 – ONGOING WEIGHT LOSS – for those with less than 6 kilograms to lose and those willing to lose weight more slowly (25 grams of carbohydrates permissible daily, increasing gradually over several weeks). During this phase low sugar fruits such as strawberries, blueberries and rockmelon are introduced, as well as seeds and nuts.

·       PHASE 3 – PRE-MAINTENANCE - for those within 4 kilograms of their goal weight, or those keen to maintain weight and boost energy levels (increase total daily carbohydrate intake by 10 grams every week or several weeks). Additional dairy – such as yoghurt and milk, and root vegetables – such as pumpkin and carrots are introduced during Phase 3.

·       PHASE 4 – LIFETIME MAINTENANCE - begins once goal weight has been maintained for a month, promotes weight stability and high energy levels (continue to consume the number of grams of carbohydrates that enable weight maintenance and appetite control – maximum of 120 grams of carbohydrates daily). By the fourth and final phase no food groups are excluded.

There’s also a wealth of support available to participants via the New Atkins Australasian website (www.atkins.com) which features recipes and a meal planner, recipe guide and an on-the-go carbohydrate counter, as well as top tips and advice from the experts.

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[1] To view a comprehensive suite of supporting scientific data visit www.au.atkins.com/science/articles