History of the Dr. Atkins Diet Plan

The Dr. Atkins diet plan has been around since the 1970’s, but really exploded in popularity during the 1990’s. The Atkins low carb diet plan has been credited with everything from boosting the beef industry to killing the bread industry, and just about everything in between.

Despite its enormous popularity, many medical experts say the Atkins diet guidelines are unhealthy because of the high levels of fat that are allowed, while others say that it is actually superior to traditional low fat and low calorie diets. Both sides of the discussion, though, agree that the Dr. Atkins diet plan has produced some spectacular results.

I am one of the many who have lost a lot of weight following the Atkins diet guidelines, so of course I am a believer. If you’re just looking into the Atkins low carb diet, though, I think it’s important to learn all you can about what the Atkins diet is so that you can make a good decision for yourself.

The Early Days

In 1972, Dr. Robert Atkins went against accepted medical practice by promoting the Atkins low carb diet. It was not the first low carb diet by any means, but it was the most strongly low carb around and it generated a lot of attention.

Most of the medical establishment panned the book and the Dr. Atkins diet plan as unhealthy and unwise.Dr. Atkins persisted, though, and continued to study and promote the value of low carb diet plans. In the 1990’s the United States began to embrace the low carb lifestyle to the point that it was practically the national pastime.

Low Carb Hits the Mainstream

Suddenly everywhere I looked there were articles, news stories, books and other info, all talking about the benefits of following the Atkins diet guidelines. I knew it was really something different, though, when the fast food restaurants jumped into the fray.

First one and then another began promoting their low carb offerings, from wraps to bunless burgers. These places were responding to customers who wanted a menu for Atkins diet food so they could still enjoy eating out. Even the bread industry finally began to respond with low carb versions after they saw their sales and profits drop dramatically.

The Dr. Atkins Diet Plan – Still Going Strong

Despite being labeled as everything from a fad diet to a dangerous eating pattern, the Robert Atkins low carb diet is still going strong (read Dr. Atkins NEW Diet Revolution) because it works. It is one of the few diets around where you can eat food that tastes good and is satisfying to eat.

Following the Atkins low carb diet is easier today than ever before, thanks to the many excellent resources available to help. Maybe you need some guidance or you want to do it on your own (as I did). These two resources are my favorites:

Expert Guidance & Support

At eDiets.com you can submit your personal profile to get you started on the Atkins nutritional plan. Members receive personalized menu plans, 1000 recipes and printable shopping lists. Expert diet support is available to guide you along to success.

Do-It-Yourself Atkins Diet

Getting started on the Dr. Atkins Diet Plan on your own is a snap. The best (and the least expensive) books I found was "Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution" and "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Cookbook". Another great way to get started are these "Atkins Diet Videos" which come with an easy to follow instruction manual. These videos come with a carbohydrate counter which lists common foods and their carbohydrate content.

Support Groups

Or maybe you prefer more face to face support and help. If that’s the case then check out your local community for support groups and even informal gatherings of people following low carb diet plans. Ask your friends, ask your peers, find others with whom you can share recipes, success stories and the great fun that comes from losing weight the Dr. Atkins diet plan way.

Dr. Atkins' Cause of Death Triggers Atkins Diet Debates