New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great.

6 Comments

1. Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Man says:

   March 11, 2010 at 1:45 am

   In my first-look at the brand new “Atkins diet” book from Atkins Nutritionals, I’m happy to say that advocates of a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb nutritional approach will have a lot to cheer about. Unlike the December 2008 release of The All-New Atkins Advantage: The 12-Week Low-Carb Program to Lose Weight, Achieve Peak Fitness and Health, and Maximize Your Willpower to Reach Life Goals by Dr. Stuart Trager and Colette Heimowitz which advocated “lean protein” and lots of vegetables as the basis of the world’s most popular low-carb diet, this new book gets back to the roots of what the good Atkins name is really all about.

   Three of the most well-known and highly-respected researchers of carbohydrate restriction were charged with penning an updated Atkins diet book that would be simpler to follow and completely backed by the latest science. The result of those efforts are culminated in the book release “New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight Fast and Feeling Great Forever.” Written by the perfect trio of today’s brightest low-carb scholars — Dr. Stephen Phinney from the University of California-Davis, Dr. Jeff Volek from the University of Connecticut, and Dr. Eric Westman from Duke University — it aims to set the record straight about why low-carb works, what you need to do to make it work, adapting it to your busy lifestyle, and then providing the evidence that proves what they say about the Atkins lifestyle is valid.

   This is a book that has been sorely needed on the market ever since the untimely death of the late, great Dr. Robert C. Atkins in 2003. And the authors acknowledge the forward-thinking that Dr. Atkins possessed so many years ago when he started using his low-carbohydrate plan on patients and they hope to carry on his legacy for many years to come by sharing the amazing research that is now confirming much of what he taught people struggling with weight and health problems. They share a wealth of science in this book through the 50+ references to real scientific data that has been conducted on carbohydrate-restriction in just the past few years. Much of this information may be new to the public since it has not received a lot of attention in the press. But the good thing is they present the information in such a way that the general public will easily understand and implement these dietary changes into their own weight and health regimen.

   Anyone you know who thinks the Atkins low-carb diet is just some passing “fad” that is not backed by any substantive studies needs to know about this book. Even for people who have read the 2002 edition of Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution, Revised Edition this new version contains a whole new way to look at low-carb living like you’ve never seen it before because the authors made it easy-to-understand and instituted subtle improvements to make the plan more effective than any of the other Atkins imitator books that have come along in recent years.

   This new Atkins will shock the naysayers (that is, if they actually READ this one!) when they learn you consume lots of healthy non-starchy veggies on it, can implement some basic strategies for greatly reducing or preventing the common negative symptoms associated with starting low-carb, have a great guide for knowing when to transition from phase to phase of the diet, will find a detailed explanation of making this a permanent weight maintenance plan, have the ability to customize the plan to your specific dietary wants and needs, and that eating low-carb on the go isn’t as impossible as some people think. This really is a new way of looking at healthy low-carb living from a new perspective.

   The contents are broken down into four main parts:

   PART I outlines all the nutritional mechanics of Atkins low-carb eating. The authors help you determine if the Atkins approach is right for you, clearly explain that this program is not meant to completely eliminate carbs, just limit them, identify the various health improvements that one could expect by following the plan, share what the four phases are and why they are important, define the “Atkins Edge” that comes when you put your body into fat-burning mode, give the mechanism behind why food becomes energy and is stored as body fat, reveal the damning role that most carbohydrates play in healthy living and discover the right ones you should be consuming, uncover the unique role of protein in the Atkins diet and give reasons why this plan is not high-protein as is often erroneously claimed, and share the evidence behind why consuming dietary cholesterol and fat, especially saturated fat, should become your diet’s best friend.

   PART II gets into the nitty gritty of the diet by showing you what you are supposed to eat and tailoring it to your specific health goals. The authors help you focus intently on looking at the net carbs of the foods you consume, insure you are getting an adequate amount of protein in your diet daily, understand the amazing benefits of fat when you greatly reduce your carb consumption, learn the benefits of consuming fiber-rich foods like the “Foundation Vegetables” that are essential on the Atkins plan as they always have been, how to keep the added sugar and refined carbohydrate out of your menus, supplement your diet with the appropriate vitamins to obtain optimal health, and find the appropriate level of exercise that will fit within your specific physical fitness capabilities.

   Tools for making yourself successful are also included in this section, including setting goals, finding support, planning meals, making appropriate lifestyle changes, keeping a food log, and participate in online web sites and blogs. They even show how you can make your Atkins diet vegetarian or even vegan if you so choose and even a “Latin Beat” version for the growing Hispanic population dealing with obesity and diabetes. Specifics for following Phase 1 Induction, Phase 2 Ongoing Weight Loss, Phase 3 Pre-Maintenance, and Phase 4 Lifetime Maintenance are also included with more information than you’ve ever seen before about doing it right along with some common pitfalls that may sabotage your efforts along the way. As long as I’ve been studying low-carb over these past six years, never have I seen a book so clearly demonstrate the details of the Atkins way of eating in such a concise manner.

   PART III is dedicated to helping you live the Atkins life in the real world by arming you with ways to make virtually any restaurant into your own personal low-carb restaurant with appropriate substitutions and changes. The authors recognize the necessity that many people have to eat out as part of their job, so they provide an alphabetical listing of restaurants with both the approved “Thumbs Up” choices as well as the “Thumbs Down” selections to avoid. Additionally, various styles of restaurants like Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and more are Atkins-ized just for you! A section of recipes and an extensive set of low-carb meal plans is also included for making various low-carb sauces, flavored oils, salad dressings, marinades and rubs, and broths to complement your Atkins meals.

   PART IV is all about the science that support low-carb living for health. While the media and the so-called health “experts” out there enjoy mocking the low-carb diet as an unhealthy and unbalanced nutritional plan, the authors explain that nothing could be further from the truth. They provide compelling evidence that demonstrates heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome, and cancer is improved by low-carb and actually made worse by low-fat diets. The process of how the “fat-storing” hormone insulin works is noted as well as why saturated fat isn’t the great danger that it has been made out to be. The long history of low-carb diets is also revealed to show that this isn’t just some here today, gone tomorrow eating plan — it’s been with us for many generations! Finally, the authors identify diabetes as “the bully disease” and that Atkins is the answer for the millions suffering from it.

   I have only but scratched the surface of what “New Atkins for a New You” contains, but hopefully my review has whet your appetite to pick up a copy for yourself. It would be well worth adding to your low-carb library for people who are concerned about not just weight loss, but radically improving their health for the better long-term. That’s what livin’ la vida low-carb did for me back in 2004 when I not only lost triple-digit weight following these principles, but I’ve seen an extraordinary turnaround in my health that reversed the negative trend that the rest of my family is suffering from, including losing a brother at the age of 41 to morbid obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. You can read more about some of the things I’ve learned about healthy low-carb living in my book 21 Life Lessons From Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb: How The Healthy Low-Carb Lifestyle Changed Everything I Thought I Knew.

   Also, be sure to listen to my March 1, 2010 “Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb Show” podcast interview with co-author Dr. Eric Westman about this new version of Atkins at TheLivinLowCarbShow dot com slash shownotes for more information about this incredible new Atkins book that you’re gonna be hearing a lot about in 2010 and beyond. This could be just the beginning of restarting the revolution that the Dr. Atkins himself began nearly four decades ago! Anyone who thinks the Atkins diet is going away anytime soon is delusional. Atkins low-carb living is here to stay and change people’s lives…forever!
   Rating: 5 / 5
2. MN Lean! says:

   March 11, 2010 at 4:35 am

   I got my book recently also and am loving it. There were always “gaps” in the previous attempts at this topic even by Dr. Atkins. This book puts sustainable low carb dieting into perspective. I love the addition of real science and now know why I feel so good on low carb. I am looking to loose another 30 pounds that have crept back on and will use the book to get back on a program that literally saved my life a few years back.

   My doctors were impressed that I lost so much weight, brought my triglycerides down and ELIMINATED my need for insulin. After hearing the low fat garb from the dietician my own research brought me to Atkins and low carb. It was truly a God send for me.

   Thanks for the great new book that is so easy to read and understand!
   Rating: 5 / 5
3. Danielle5770 says:

   March 11, 2010 at 5:56 am

   I just wanted to share with anyone who is considering buying the book and was wondering if it was worth it. I have all the Atkins books and this one rocks on all levels:

   I finished reading the new Atkins book.
   
   I thought it was very well done. Don’t know who formatted and wrote it but it was easy to follow and understand. I liked that so much information is organized for easy reference at your fingertips.

   I especially liked the explanations on Fats (Pufas, Mufas etc.) really helped clarify some confusion for me. It’s also helpful to know what to buy and use when grocery shopping.

   The last section discussed inflammation and I thought it was great info, again, to help clarify misconceptions. Most low carb diets do not discuss inflammation, yet it is a big player in many diseases including leptin and insulin resistance. I read a lot and there are varying opinions regarding inflammation and how to reduce it through diet. Most authors of course do not encourage Atkins. I liked that they explained it and backed it up with science. They didn’t just give their take on it.

   Overall the book just helped me to reconfirm that this is definitely my way of eating for life. Not just weight wise but for overall health. Kudos to the Atkins team that helped put this out. It is by far the best book on how to do the plan leveraging the orginal writings from Dr. Atkins with new scientific information.

   It addressed so many issues that come up regarding low carb as a way of life. It also was helpful to “see” how the plan should work.

   The only thing that was missing was MORE RECIPES!
   
   Perhaps that’s something they might consider as their next project. It would be nice to see recipes from our forum partners who are creative with applying the Atkins lifestyle and turning it into flavorful foods.

   I think this is definately a hit!
   Rating: 5 / 5
4. Steven Parker says:

   March 11, 2010 at 6:46 am

   The most exciting nutritional medicine development in recent memory is the fact that saturated fat consumption is not a significant cause of heart disease and premature death. The same goes for for total fat and cholesterol. When enough physicians, nutritionists, and dietitians learn this, low-carb eating will take off like a rocket.

   For those unfamiliar with the Atkins diet, it is designed for weight loss via high fat consumption and major carbohydrate restriction. Protein intake is a bit higher than average. As long as carbohydrates (carbs) are kept low, other foods are mostly unlimited. Atkins has four phases. As you graduate from one phase to the next, more carbs are allowed, adding some carb sources before others (the Carb Ladder).

   Atkins has been around for years. It’s not just a weight-loss diet; it’s a lifetime way of eating.

   Doctors Westman, Phinney, and Volek are leaders in low-carb nutritional science. The last time Atkins peaked (2003), we didn’t have the scientific studies backing up safety of the diet. Now we do, in large part thanks to these guys.

   Physicians see beaucoup patients with overweight-related medical conditions. We’re not going to recommend a diet that causes heart attacks, strokes, and other major medical complications. Published research over the last eight years has established the relative safety of very low-carb diets, particularly Atkins. Low-carb diets may even be healthier than the low-fat, high-carb diet that has been recommended by U.S. public health authorities for the last forty years. Come to think of it, our current obesity and diabetes epidemics started around that same time.

   The book covers nutrition basics, day-to-day practical application of Atkins eating, recipes and detailed meal plans, and the science behind the program.

   What’s New Since 2002′s Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution, Revised Edition?

   1) adaptations for vegetarians and vegans
   
   2) adaptations for Latinos
   
   3) coffee is now OK
   
   4) more flexility, such as the option to skip Phase 1 (induction)
   
   5) focus on adequate protein intake, based on your height
   
   6) emphasis on getting enough omega-3 fatty acids
   
   7) no emphasis on supplements and low-carb products sold by Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.
   
   diet journals (a personal record of your weight-loss journey) are recommended
   
   9) eliminate or minimize “induction flu” and constipation (in Phase 1) by eating at least 1/2 teaspoon of salt daily [I'm skeptical.]
   
   10) discussion of the trendy omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio
   
   11) favor monounsaturated fatty acids (e.g., olive oil, canola oil) over certain polyunsaturated fats, as in oils from corn, soybeans, sunflower, cottonseed, and peanuts
   
   12) no mention of testing urine for ketosis
   
   13) more discussion of psychological aspects of weight

   The lack of ads for Atkins Nutritionals products is welcome and refreshing. Too many of the official Atkins books read like infomercials, which diminishes credibility.

   A vegetarian or vegan “Atkins diet” is just not something I can visualize.

   What Could Have Been Done Better?

   1) no specific amounts given for these recommended supplements: calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fats, multivitamin, magnesium and other minerals (except “no iron”). [Is the idea to encourage a visit the official Atkins website?]
   
   2) little guidance for physicians who are to advise diabetics doing Atkins. Few physicians are familiar enough with the program to make the necessary changes in particular diabetic medications.
   
   3) little discussion of the constipation and leg cramps that often accompany very low-carb diets.
   
   4) the hype on the cover: “How would you like to LOSE UP TO 15 POUNDS IN TWO WEEKS!” [To their credit, the authors note that such results are not typical.]
   
   5) nearly all the measurements are U.S. Customary. Metric users are out of luck.
   
   6) four phases seem a bit much. The beauty of Atkins Phase 1 is its simplicity.

   My favorite sentence: “White flour is better suited to glue for kindergarten art projects than to nutrition.”

   My least favorite sentence: “We can’t stress strongly enough that the best diet for you is one composed of foods you love.” I love apple pie and Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, but they won’t help me manage my weight.

   The only error I found worth mentioning is minor. The authors state that the American Heart Association recommends consumption of fish three times a week. The official policy is still “at least twice weekly.”

   The book is very practical and easily understood by average people. Most will skip the science chapters at the end. I know the basic Atkins program works at least short-term; many of my patients have done it.

   In summary, the book has nearly everything you need to be successful with the Atkins diet.

   As far as I know, there are no comprehensive long-term studies (e.g., 10+ years) regarding health outcomes of Atkins-style eating. In other words, does Atkins have any effect on longevity, cancer, heart attacks, strokes, etc.? But very few of the popular diets have these data either. The best researched ways of eating in this respect are the Mediterranean diet and vegetarian diets.

   -Steve Parker, M.D., author of The Advanced Mediterranean Diet: Lose Weight, Feel Better, Live Longer

   Rating: 4 / 5
5. J. Thrower says:

   March 11, 2010 at 9:12 am

   Years ago I gave the Atkins diet a try and lost 65 pounds at a fast rate, unfortunately like many, I never moved past the first phase of the program and went back to my old ways of eating. Over time I gained all the weight back and then some. At 275 pounds at the start of July, I decided to give it another try. I picked up my 2002 version of the Atkins book and started reading it. I also went to the [...] website and discovered a wonderful forum community that I visit each day to communicate with others living this lifestyle. Much to my surprise I discovered throughout the years more research and studies had been performed I was now suppose to eat more vegetables than I previously thought, not near as much protein. I took the knowledge from both sources and have now dropped 76 pounds, am eating healthy whole foods, and am never hungry or lacking energy. Not to mention I look pretty good. In fact, with the motivation I get from my new size and from members on the forum, I recently started exercising much more.
   
   The great thing about this book is the fact that it brings all the information past and present into one easy read book. Written so everyone can understand the process and the science behind this program. If you are overweight and truly want to do something about it, buy this book and start a new lifestyle. Don’t believe the hype throughout the years about low carb dieting being the death of us all. Look what low fat – high carb dieting has done to the world. My doctor told me as far as he knows nobody has every died from eating to many vegetables and reasonable amounts of protein. Pick up this book and change your life!
   
   Rating: 5 / 5