Does Atkins or Gott have the right diet plan?
DEAR DR. GOTT: I started the Atkins diet three weeks ago. So far I haven’t lost anything. I’m trying to decide whether to continue. Basically it is no flour, no sugar, very restricted vegetables and no fruit. I am 72 and take medication for blood pressure, osteoporosis and cholesterol. I respect your opinion and hope you will respond.
DEAR READER: The Atkins diet is essentially a low-carbohydrate, high-protein method of weight loss. It was named after Dr. Robert Atkins, who allowed steak with bearnaise sauce, bacon, eggs, Roquefort dressing and cheddar cheese in his plan. The diet was based on the theory that obese individuals consume too many carbohydrates. Since our bodies burn fat and carbs as an energy source, carbs are used first. By reducing carbohydrates and consuming more fat and protein, our bodies will naturally lose weight by burning stored fat.
Dr. Atkins, an overweight cardiologist, first developed his diet theory in the early 1970s. His first book, “Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution,” stated that he followed his diet plan himself. At age 72, he slipped on ice while walking to work, hitting his head. This caused bleeding around the brain. Controversial reports from his medical records instead indicate a heart attack, congestive heart failure and hypertension — records his wife denies as falsehoods.
In any event, you should have seen the loss of a few pounds by now if your diet is going to work.
As I am sure you already know, I, too, have embraced a “no-flour, no-sugar diet” regimen for many years. The difference between my plan and that of Dr. Atkins is that I endorse fresh fruits and vegetables, poultry, fish, one egg a week, and lean cuts of meat.
Almost 70 percent of American adults, as well as an alarming number of children, are overweight. We have access to fast-food chains and have a hundred reasons in any given day why it is easier to eat out than prepare healthful meals at home. And, according to the American Obesity Association, those who are extremely obese have a greater than 70 percent chance of developing coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and certain types of cancer.
While my books have many recipes for delicious meals, you can take steps on your own and expect a gradual weight loss of about 1 to 2 pounds a week. Losing weight in this healthful way will allow you to keep the weight off forever.
Snack on fresh vegetables from the refrigerator that are immediately available when you feel an urge to eat. Raw carrots, broccoli, peppers and other vegetables can be stored in resealable bags or containers.
Trim the fat from your meats prior to broiling them. Make pasta and other starches an occasional treat, not a daily staple. Avoid the deli case at your local market.
Think of your diet as a positive commitment to bettering yourself. Learn to make healthier food choices when shopping. Couple this with an exercise program. This doesn’t mean you have to work out at a gym with people who don’t look as if they have to lose a single pound. Just take a walk around the block, ride a stationary bike while watching the news or your favorite TV show, or take the stairs instead of the elevator when you have a chance.
Your body will thank you for it, and you should see those pounds disappear.
Readers who would like additional information can order my Health Report “A Strategy for Losing Weight: Introduction to the No Flour, No Sugar Diet” by sending a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order for each report to Dr. Peter Gott, P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title, or print an order form from my website’s direct link: www.AskDrGottMD.com/order_form.pdf.
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Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including “Live Longer, Live Better,” “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet” and “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook,” which are available at most bookstores or online. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com.
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