A contentious subject, Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution will no doubt spark controversy amongst its advocates and adversaries
for many years to come. In essence, the core elements of the book are to promote the benefits of adopting a low-carbohydrate (as opposed to cutting out fat) diet, lose
weight and not suffer the hunger pangs that usually accompany most diets. However, the additional slant to this new version of his nutritional plan for quick and long-term weight loss is also to promote overall health and well-being.
The first fourteen days of the plan are the most intense, in which the dieter must completely cut out all forms of
carbohydrates. During this phase, Atkins maintains that this forces the body into a fat-burning state of ketosis, during which time the liver switches from using carbohydrates for energy to fat as its fuel source. Throughout the diet, Atkins promotes and encourages vitamin and mineral supplementation to ensure that the body is still supplied with the necessary nutrients required to maintain normal metabolic function. Subsequent to the induction phase, he follows through with three stages, ongoing weight loss, premaintenance, and maintenance.
There can be moments in the book where it is difficult to distinguish established scientific fact from speculation. Atkins writes with a passion for his subject and a total belief in the efficacy and success of his diet revolution. Nontheless the book makes very interesting reading and its best-selling status is evidence of this fact.