Atkins Critiques

[MarlaSinger]

I was doing some research this morning on a diet for work and I happen to come across a link for atkinsexposed.org.

I got sucked right in and read most of it. Most of the critique was based on 'excessive' protein consumption, mostly meat.

I haven't personally found that I am eating more meat now than I was before. Based on most calculations, the amount of protein I should be eating on a low fat diet is the same as what I am eating now.

I did a quick calculation here and found that even during induction and now starting OWL, most days I achieve this number, and some days even a little under (mine was 76 grams.) I eat meat, and I enjoy it, but I am also getting protein from cheese and vegetables. Today for lunch I had about 3 ounces of chicken breast, 1 cup raw snow peas, 1 cup raw sliced tomatoes and 2 ounces of cheese. 20 grams of protein came from the chicken, but 18 grams came from everything else.

When I set up my custom nutrition guidelines on sparkpeople, protein was the one thing I didn't have to adjust.

What have you found? Are you eating 'excessive' amounts of meat on Atkins? It seems obvious thus far that most criticism comes from a lack of understanding (universally so, not just for this WOE.)

[yellowzinnias]

Re: Atkins Critiques

Based on your weight, 76 grams is hardly excessive. I know several athletes at the local university here who aim to eat half of their weight in protein to fuel their muscle building.

It seems the problem with the article is their assumption regarding what is excessive (just because it is more than most people get, doesn't mean it's at a dangerous level.)

I wonder what they would say about the gobs of sodium in the prepared meals used by many low-calorie dieters. To me, enough sodium to throw your sodium/potassium balance out of whack and potentially cause a heart-attack, a stroke, or other problems is more dangerous.

[pinkfusion]

Re: Atkins Critiques

I'm really surprised that they focused on the protein and not the fat.

Entering what I eat into Fit Day, I find that my protein is just fine. I struggle getting the right balance of carbs and fat. Those are the only two things that will change as you move up the rungs.

[not2late]

Re: Atkins Critiques

Oh sure....I eat an entire cow everyday and I go through at least 50 chickens a week!

Unfortunately, alot of people do Atkins that way---all the meat they can eat. So the diet gets a bad reputation.

[Carne!]

Re: Atkins Critiques

I find I have never eaten so many vegetables in my life. I was a little hungry for dinner last night and had a beauuutiful meal.... sautéed asparagus with a bit of cream sauce (parm cheese and a splash of cream) topped with a poached egg.

Even by 'standard' ideas on nutrition, the true Atkins WOE is really healthy and veggie-centric.