Tackling Obesity With New Dietary Concepts: Atkins, South Beach, Mediterranean & Paleo - Essay Sample

Introduction

Historically, obesity has been regarded to be a consequence of an imbalance in caloric intake versus expenditure. Due to the growing incidence of obesity globally, it has become clear that people should turn to dietary concepts such as South Beach, Mediterranean, Paleo, and Atkins (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). Atkins dietary concept contains low carbohydrates, mainly from simple sugars causing the body to initiate insulin resistance that aids in battling obesity and metabolic disorder (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). A low carb meal limits carbohydrates such as those create in sugary foods, pasta and bread (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). It is high in protein, fat and healthy vegetables. Since, insulin is a strong stimulator of lipogenesis and inhibitor of lipolysis, reducing insulin levels with meals such as Atkins allows the body to fully utilize the stored body fat for energy (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). The paper will analyze Atkins as a dietary concept that helps prevents diabetes and obesity, and explain one of the eleven food allergens.

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Part One:

The background of the Atkins dietary plan is to reduce the level of carbohydrates. The Atkins 20TM comprises of a four-step process starting with a two-week initiation phase with carbohydrates restricted to 20g Net Carbs per day for a week (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). The carbohydrates are obtained mainly from low-glycemic, nutrient-dense, fiber-rich carbohydrates such as leafy green salads and other non-starchy greens (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). Aside from eating 20g of leafy green salads, the client will be mandated to consume 4-6oz of protein at each meal and sufficient fat to feel satisfied (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). The protein is obtained from a variety of sources such as meat, fish, eggs, and most importantly vegetable-based proteins like "tofu". The client will be restricted from consuming dairy products since it has high carbohydrate content, hence calcium supplementation is suggested.

The second part of Atkins' dietary plan is dubbed "progressive weight loss phase". In this phase, the client will take carbohydrates in the form of 25g fiber-rich foods Net carbs daily for the first week (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). The carbohydrate content is further augmented each week with 5-gram increments until weight loss starts to take effect (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). The third phase is "pre-maintenance", as a culinary expert, my goal will help clients to transition effectively from grappling with weight loss to weight management through augmenting daily carbohydrate intake by 10g increments each week for several weeks to sustain weight loss (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018).

The last phase is termed as "lifetime maintenance". The main concentration is placed on sustainable lifestyle changes in order to help the client maintain a lower weight (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). Atkins dietary plans have also been seen as an effective meal concept to reduce the cardiovascular risks evident in people with type 2 diabetes (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). Since it allows the body to fully utilize the stored body fat for energy, thereby augmenting glucose concentration, and lipid profiles in the body (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018).

A research was done on 85 Westman colleagues with obesity and type 2 diabetes who received either a low carbohydrate diet (Atkin diet) or low glycemic diet over 24-week trial (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). The results show that those who got low carbohydrate diet lost more weight (11.2 kg) in comparison to those in low-glycemic group (6.8kg) (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018). Diabetes type 2 symptoms were either decreased or eliminated in 95% for the individuals in low carbohydrate group, then 64% in low glycemic group (Apovian, Brouillard Young, 2018).

Part Two:

The chosen allergens include; fish. Examples of daily menus incorporating my allergen include low-carb veggies like leafy greens with salmon fish fried in coconut fat. Shrimp salad with some olive oil, and ground beef-stir, with veggies. One recipe I have been able to create is salmon with butter and vegetables. My seven-day Atkins menu for a week.

In conclusion, at the end of my eating habit log, I was able to notice changes in my weight. I successfully lost almost 10 pounds within that week, but what helped me most is combining my eating plan with daily physical exercise (Gunnars, 2018). It is important for people with obesity and diabetes to ensure they follow effectively the four different phased of Atkins diet within a period of 2 weeks to ensure they sustain their weight loss effectively and also alleviate the augmented symptoms of diabetes type 2 (Gunnars, 2018). Finally, I would continue with the diet meal plan, since weight management is essential, and the Atkins diet plan is the best option.

Apovian, C., Brouillard, L., Young, L. (2018). Clinical Guide to Popular Diets. Retrieved from: https://cpncampus.com/biblioteca/files/original/8435b5dd48509ecf78c203062d51651a.pdf

Gunnars, K. (2018). A low-Carb Meal Plan and Menu to Enhance your health. Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-carb-diet-meal-plan-and-menu

Gunnars, K. (2018). The Atkins Diet: Everything you need to know. Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/atkins-diet-101