Review of Atkins Diet, The: Atkins` Answers

Introduction

Another day another diet. The diet that has changed the eating habits of nations and put the potato growers on high alert, yes it`s the Atkins. This is sold as the gluttons` diet. You can eat and eat and still get thin.

There are many glamorous Hollywood stars that may be on this diet. Who knows and let`s face it who much cares.

This DVD is a compilation of materials previously issued on video. I know this because there are many references by Dr Atkins to pausing the tape.

Contents

There are four distinct sections each with a chapter guide.

A Health Warning

A written and spoken commentary on the health risks associated with dieting and recommending viewer gets a health check from their doctor before embarking on any diet.

Why it Works

The man himself takes us through the introduction.

How it Works

Why your body learns to burn fat.
What is a carbohydrate Dr Atkins?
Ketosois -the part that makes your breath smell.

Making it Work Forever

Adding back a low level of carbohydrates. The big bad of carbs is brought down to size. Dr A actively encourages us to bring back the good carbs including broccoli and tomatoes. Good information on the effect of carbohydrates.
Also comments on controlling your blood sugar and cravings.

Questions and Answers

Some questions from the public addressed to the suntanned Dr Atkins. Flanked by his nutritionist and his cardiologist. These questions address exercise, medication and what happens when you reach a plateau in weight loss.

Video

It is not a stunning picture but you won`t be buying it for the view. It is a very cheesey presentation-(did I mention cheese?) There are lots of pictures of the kind of food you will be filling up on. I have to say that these pictures very nearly made me a vegetarian.

Audio

To go with the pictures the music is pretty awful and can be referred to here as musac I believe. Most of the spoken word is by Dr Atkins who presents it in a pleasant conversational manner.

Features

This DVD is presented as a package and the extras included are the following booklets:

Your 108 page meal planner and low carb recipe book.

A basic diet manual for `easy to follow` instructions. This includes a questionnaire with space for you to record your measurements at the beginning of the diet. This is followed by a space for you to address various issues such as foods you cannot live without and foods you cheat with. Some information given on the DVD is repeated here such as what to do when the weight has gone.
A pocket/handbag sized carb counter to help you through the day. This has a complete breakdown of carbohydrates in a variety of foods. Again this is aimed at the American market and some foods that may be unfamiliar.

Presented in a trademark Atkins-orange cardboard wrapper and declared to be everything you need to lose weight on Atkins! What a shame they don`t include Jamie Oliver.

Conclusion

Dr Atkins looks fit and well in this film. Alas all the dieting in the world didn`t save him from an icy pavement in New York. Probably due to his untimely death this package feels rather cobbled together.

This is basically a complete guide to encourage you to use the Atkins diet. It might be considered as an alternative to wading through the rather long paperback currently clogging up the bookshelves. Presented in a conversational manner it attempts to cover all the issues and possible controversies surrounding the diet. Atkins featured in a recent Horizon programme in the UK, the conclusion being that despite everything that was said it was because people were following a low calorie diet they lost weight. There are no quick fixes despite the claims of all and sundry. Any diet involves changing eating patterns and weight only stays off if your the eating habits are healthy and permanent.

It is not for me because the sheer acres of dead cow put me off and I have a feeling if this DVD is purchased it will sit on the shelf. It is all down to your freedom of choice but if you are serous about the diet then reading the book is the cheaper option.