One of the most popular diets has been the Atkin's Protein Diet, named after its founder Dr. Robert Atkins. Dr. Atkins new diet says it is "the amazing no–hunger weight–loss plan that has helped millions lose weight and keep it off." (Akins, 1996) This diet sounds great, but is it too good to be true? Many health organizations and medical professionals have criticized the Atkins diet for what it does to the body and for what it does not do for the body.
             The purpose of the Atkins diet is to change your metabolism and lose weight easily by eating foods high in protein and limiting foods high in carbohydrates such as meats, cheese, and eggs, which tend to raise blood sugar levels the most. The diet works from a process called ketosis which makes the excess and stored body fat be burned, resulting in weight loss. Ketosis is one of the body's last resort emergency response. By forcing your body into the ketosis stage, it can lead to muscle breakdown, nausea, dehydration, headaches, light headedness, irritability, and bad breath. (Barnard) There is also a claim that the Atkins diet builds up toxic materials in the blood stream called ketones that when excreted over along period of time will damage the kidneys. (Davidson)
             The first bit of weight that you lose is your water weight, the carbohydrates that are in your muscles, then as you progress through the diet, you will lose some fat, but you will also lose some muscle mass. The ADA (American Dietetic Association) believes that this type of diet can have a negative long–term impact on your health. (Barnard) The Atkins diet is so high in cholesterol, fat, and total fat. The opposite of what all the health organizations recommend. The diet is also low in fruits and vegetables and whole grains, the foods that have proof of health benefits. While some of the vitamins and minerals in these foods can be obtained from supplements, others can only be fou...