Dr. Atkins’ plan does indeed work quite well for many people, and I am sure it has provided major life extensions for many as well. It is far healthier than the diets most people consume.

The Atkins approach is quite close to the optimal one in that he was one of the pioneers who recognized that lower carbohydrate intake is the central solution. I have enormous respect for him for providing us a deeper understanding to the riddle most people face with weight loss.

Is the Atkins diet perfect? I don't believe so. Unfortunately, Dr. Atkins didn’t take his program far enough as he labeled all carbohydrates as bad.

We all need a certain amount of carbohydrates in our diet. The body requires a continual intake of carbohydrates to feed the brain, which uses glucose (a form of sugar) as its primary energy source. I don't advocate a zero-carbohydrate diet, as I believe we all need vegetables to achieve optimal health.

I believe that vegetable carbohydrates are quite different than grains and as such do not need to be restricted to effectively reduce weight.

The human body prefers the carbohydrates in vegetables rather than grains because it slows the conversion to simple sugars like glucose and decreases your insulin level. On the other hand grain carbohydrates will increase your insulin levels and interfere with your ability to burn fat.

My Recommended Vegetables List provides a guide to the most nutritious vegetables, and those to limit for their high carbohydrate content. In general, the greener the vegetable, the more nutritious it will be. Certain vegetables will also be better for you specifically depending on your nutritional type.

The foundational reason why the Atkins program does not succeed in the long run is that it fails to apply the reality of biochemical individuality, or in other words, your metabolic type.

In my newest book, "Dr. Mercola’s Total Health Program," you can take a short test to see what your own metabolic type is. Your individual nutritional type allows you to learn and understand what types and amounts of proteins, fats and carbohydrates are good for you and will help to gear you toward food that will leave you feeling physically and emotionally well.

In my book you will also find over 150 brand-new delicious and very nutritious low-carb recipes designed by a chef/nutrition expert that are absolutely delicious and nutritious for everyday of the year.

Plus, through Dec. 31 only, you’ll Pay No Shipping or Handling on "Dr. Mercola's Total Health Program."

Related Articles:

Reduce Grains and Sugar to Lose Weight and Improve Health

The #1 Way to Succeed on a Healthy Diet: Address Your Emotional Issues

Atkins Diet Research Proves Grains Cause Weight Gain

Add Years to Your Life by Shedding Extra Pounds

Carbohydrates

Food Companies Focus on Dr. Atkins

Atkins Diet Research Proves Grains Cause Weight Gain