Guest Blog: The Re-Launch of the Atkins Diet

A new improved Atkins cheesecake

“A number of PCOS women have found success through low-carbing/a low-GI diet, so I was delighted to attend a taster evening at the Savoy this May, where meals included a 180 calorie chocolate ice cream and coffee granita dessert and a filling yellowfin tuna steak on a bed of chinese green leaves.

Most people remember Atkins as the diet that took Hollywood (and in particular the Friends cast) by storm around 10 years ago, claiming to achieve long-lasting weight loss with a low-carb, high protein diet.  Indeed, a number of dieticians recommend the Low GI diet, which is similar to the Atkins diet, but with the addition of a few slow-release carbohydrates and wholegrains added to the mix.

However, many people misread the diet as a green-light to eat as many fried breakfasts as desired, whilst cutting out carbs for life.  As a result, Atkins was (unsurprisingly) linked to heart disease, and a number of implications of being on the diet long-term were speculated.  

This year, Atkins is relaunching with a stronger healthy-eating message, and a new regime that aims to improve eating habits whilst creating pleasurable – even indulgent – meal plans.  There is also emphasis on the four stages of the Atkins diet, whereby you learn your “carb-load limit”.  The strict no-carb regime is only supposed to last two weeks, with grains and fruit being slowly reintroduced after this period until a “maintenance” load is met.  

Key changes to the original Atkins programme include:

New products this year include a Bounty-style treat bar (which really does taste like the real thing) and a new guide book to the regime.“

What type of way of eating / diet have you found works (or definitely doesn’t work) for you? Share your thoughts below!