HEALTH FOCUS: The Atkins Diet Craze: Does it really work?

	A 4-phase plan combines exercise with healthy cuisine.

The new Atkins low carb diet is the new weight loss program thousands of Americans are following to fight the growing obesity problem, eat healthier and live longer. In fact, “low carb food options” are popping up in grocery stores, restaurants and even in beer products.

According to Atkins, “the corner of the Atkins philosophy is a four phase eating plan in conjunction with vitamin and mineral supplementation and regular exercise.”

So why are Americans embracing the Atkins Diet? Obesity has become a huge concern regarding adolescent age children and other related health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

As a result, health-conscious people are looking for viable alternatives to eating healthier and losing weight. To gain a more personal perspective or how the Atkins Diet works, BFM interviewed Tanya Keys, a Case Manager Assistant at Children’s Hospital in Washington DC and a thirty something single mother of a teenage boy.

She spoke to us about the Atkins low carb diet and how determined she is to lose weight and maintain a healthier diet and exercise program.

Black Family Magazine: What are some of the contributing factors you think are causing the obesity problem and health issues in America, particularly in the African-American community?

Tanya Keys: It’s simple. We eat too much. We eat later in the night because of time constraints and most of all African-Americans have historically eaten foods saturated with fat, high carbohydrates, fried foods, etc. But we were more active in the old days, especially southerners that worked in the fields to earn a living. Now, with the progress we have made as a people, new technology and working indoors, we have become less active and definitely lazy.

BFM: When did you begin the Atkins diet?

TK: I began the diet last year and I was working out at the gym everyday for an hour. I did fall off my diet but I recently started again.

BFM: Did you begin to see results?

TK: Yes I did. Actually, it is true with the first 12 days you lose 10 pounds. Within the first two months you are suppose to lose 52 pounds. A friend of mine actually lost 60 pounds within the first two months.

BFM: Is it hard sticking to the diet?

TK: The first week is the hardest. Like anything else, it’s hard sticking to something that actually shocks the body into feeding it differently.

BFM: Like most diets, they tell you to consult a physician first. Did you consult your physician and did he agree for you to try the Atkins diet?

TK: Yes, he actually monitors me but some doctors do not like the diet because of the high consumption of meat.

BFM: What exactly is the Atkins diet?

TK: It is a low carb diet in which you are allowed only 20 carbohydrates a day, all the meat you can eat, all green vegetables and some fruit but it depends on the stage of diet your on.

BFM: What are the foods you can and cannot eat?

TK: No starches, no bread, no sugar, and all the meat you can eat. You can drink diet sodas and definitely drink all the water you can. No juices for the exception of grapefruit juice.

BFM: What is the weight loss goal you set for yourself?

TK: I am definitely looking forward to losing the 52 pounds in the next two months.

BFM: Do you feel confident in reaching that goal?

TK: I do. It’s hard. My family and friends are very helpful and encouraging. I want to lose this weight for my health, my son and myself. In fact, my son who is 13 years old tried the diet and lost weight to play summer league football.

BFM: Do you recommend this diet for children?

TK: I wouldn’t recommend it but please consult a physician if your child is obese to help them lose weight and form better eating habits. Kids are becoming alarmingly overweight because we just simply stop cooking. Everything today is fast, larger and more expensive. But you cannot put a price on your health. Like the commercial says, it’s priceless.

BFM: Thank you very much Tanya for your time and honesty. We hope our readers were a little more enlightened about the Atkins diet from your personal perspective, good luck and please keep us informed of your progress.

TK: I will. Thank you.

For more information about the Atkins diet, visit Atkins online.

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