Weight Loss and a Well Balanced Diet Essay -- Health Nutrition Diet Ex

Weight Loss and a Well Balanced Diet When choosing a diet, more than just weight loss should be considered. In addition, other health factors should be looked at as well. The Atkins diet, being a low carbohydrate diet, does not take into account factors other than weight loss and puts participating subjects at risk for long and short-term health problems. In contrast, the most healthy and effective way of losing weight is to reduce fat and simple carbohydrate intake. Instead, a healthful diet should consist of complex carbohydrates, and good proteins, to include fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. By eating these foods that are low in fat and simple carbohydrates, weight loss, healthy circulation, and overall health can be achieved. Diets consisting of a balance between complex carbohydrates and good proteins bring the best results in weight loss, despite a slower result than low carbohydrate diets such as the Atkins diet. Weight loss is accomplished by burning more calories than one consumes. With regards to calories, there are two approaches between the two diets being examined that lead to weight loss. The logic behind the Atkins diet is that by eating fewer carbohydrates, insulin levels remain at a steadier degree and cravings are subsided, thereby causing people to consume fewer calories and in turn lose weight. Despite the loss in weight however, the substitutes for these simple carbohydrates recommended by the Atkins diet are high fat, high protein foods such as butter, cheese, and meats. These foods although when eaten exclusively can lead to weight loss, there are other health problems associated with this method of dieting. An alternative to substituting simple carbohydrates with high ... ... foods are encouraged. In addition to these very serious, life-threatening diseases, a study, funded by the Atkins Center for Complimentary Medicine was conducted that showed constipation in 70% of the people on the Atkins diet, headaches in 54%, and hair loss in 10% of the subjects. These health problems are due to the lack of nutrients and balance in the Atkins diet. In contrast, a diet low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates provides fiber to help with healthy digestion, and other nutrients to promote healthy growth in all areas. There is more to dieting than losing weight. Diets such as the Atkins diet that is high in fat and protein may drop poundage, but ultimately lessen one’s health. Whereas by practicing a low fat, high complex carbohydrate diet, more balance is achieved nutritionally, which leads to long-term health advantages.