A recent study comparing four popular diet regimens proved Atkins to be the healthiest and most effective approach to weight loss.  

Researchers compared the data of a large group of overweight women following the Atkins diet, the low fat and high carbohydrate (LEARN) diet recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Zone (reduced carbohydrate approach), and the extremely low in fat, high carbohydrate approach of the Ornish diet. 

Women who followed the Atkins plan had a significant drop in triglycerides, one of the unhealthful blood fats linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Their blood pressure also dropped the most of the four groups, a finding that the researchers think may relate to their slightly greater weight loss. Those in the Atkins group also experienced the largest increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), a protective type of cholesterol.

Most important, the Atkins group did not develop the soaring levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that some experts have thought might result from eating a diet rich in saturated fat and cholesterol found in fatty cuts of meat, butter and cream.

"This is the best study so far to compare popular diets," said Walter Willett, chair of the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, because of its size, duration and the small number who dropped out. The findings confirm, he said, that reducing carbohydrates, "especially those with refined starch and sugar like that found in the U.S. diet, has metabolic benefits." It also shows that replacing these carbohydrates with either fat or protein "can improve blood cholesterol fractions and blood pressure," he said.

The Atkins approach to weight loss is phenomenal.  First of all, it is simple to follow, which is of great importance to our busy lifestyles.  The simple rule of getting rid of all refined carbohydrates keeps one from the plaque of refined sugars and high-fructose corn syrup, a major cause of today's obesity epidemic.

Protein is particularly satiating and keeps hunger at bay.  It also keeps your body anabolic (in a state of muscle building and repair) and burning more calories - 24 hours a day.  Muscle loss due to dieting is a major downfall of most diet plans and ultimately results in a gain of body fat, especially after one returns to their "normal" eating habits.

It is important to remember that fat does not make you fat.  Excess calories make you fat.  Quality fats ensure optimum performance of your body because they promote a healthy heart and vascular system, assist in the production of vital hormones, improve blood lipid levels, reduce stress and inflammation, lubricate organs and joints, and improve the health of your hair, skin, and nails. 

Dr. Atkins also emphasizes the importance of drinking water, which will reduce one's desire to drink sugar-laden colas and juice drinks.  If you think you are hungry, try drinking a glass of water.  You may find that you're not hungry at all, simply thirsty.  Water will also increase your physical and mental performance, reduce subcutaneous water retention, and help maintain proper muscle tone and functionality.

See my book, "Ms. Muscles Cookbook and Targeted Optimal Nutrition Guide," for great recipes and more sound nutritional advice.