Lower Insulin Levels
With the lack of carbohydrates, your insulin levels are lowered. When insulin levels are high, the food you eat is converted to body fat, as triglycerides. When carbohydrates are limited or nonexistent, you produce less insulin, and the metabolism looks for other fuel to burn, dipping into the fat reserves.
Ketosis Process
Because it is lacking the main energy source and more fat is not being stored, your body goes into ketosis, which means it is burning fat that is not being replenished by the things you are eating daily. When the body burns your fat stores, ketones are released, which are a natural appetite suppressant as well. Ketosis is reached by limiting carbohydrates to less than 40 grams per day.
Cravings Reduced
Because of the more nutritious and flavorful foods you can have on Atkins and the lack of insulin production, your cravings are reduced. Insulin production causes your blood sugar levels to experience highs and lows, which cause food cravings. The ketones and lower insulin levels stop cravings, so you eat less and stay satisfied longer. It also eliminates false hunger pains.
Better Health
Because you are burning fat and cleaning it from the system, you will feel less fatigue, depression, joint aches, headaches and will also have improvement in your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Unlike other diets, you still maintain good energy levels, and your system balances out as your metabolism becomes more effective.
Better Sleep
The amino acids from the high protein foods in the Atkins diet increase the dopamine receptors, which are responsible for pleasure and contentment, making it easier to get a good night's sleep. Some dieters report the difference eliminates the middle-of-the-night food cravings they previously experienced because of fluctuating blood sugar levels.
Downside Effects
You may not be getting enough fiber and other nutrients. Carbohydrates are what help you during prolonged exertion such as prolonged physical activities that demand high energy levels or long distance running. Also, because it alters some body functions, like blood pressure, you may need to see a doctor if you are on any medications because it could alter dosages or adversely affect the condition.
Once you go off of the Atkins diet and fail to stay on the maintenance portion, you may gain back all of the weight when you return to eating the same amount of carbohydrates as before. In fact, some dieters reporting gain more than they lost when they returned to previous eating habits. How does the Atkins diet affect your body? It depends on how strictly you adhere to the diet.
Tags: Atkins diet, blood pressure, blood sugar, blood sugar levels, energy levels, food cravings