Is the Atkins Diet really that expensive?

Source: Atkins Health and Medical Information Services

NEW YORK, June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- For millions of Americans, the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM) (ANA) has proven to not only help lose and maintain weight, but also to reduce the risk parameters for certain diseases and aid in a healthier way of living. And the Atkins lifestyle is flexible enough for anyone to follow regardless of their weekly food budget.

"We think it's wonderful that people are coming back to consuming whole foods and are cutting out carb-laden processed and refined foods with so much added sugar," says Colette Heimowitz, Vice President of Education and Research, Atkins Health and Medical Information Services. "One of the best aspects of the ANA is that it is a program that can fit into almost any budget. It is incorrect and damaging to characterize eating whole foods as a luxury only the rich can afford. While this notion plays into the pockets of manufacturers of processed foods, it couldn't be further from the truth. Unfortunately, by perpetuating this myth about whole foods, those parties responsible support unhealthy long-term eating habits."

So how does someone adapt a controlled-carbohydrate lifestyle to their personal income? There are endless ways says Heimowitz.

Costs can easily be controlled by incorporating a variety of protein choices into daily meals. Lower priced cuts of meat and poultry can be substituted in dishes and offer the same nutritional value for consumers following the ANA as more expensive prime cuts. Canned fish and less pricey selections such as cod and catfish are alternate protein types that help individuals control their carbs even on a budget.

Tofu is a valuable source of protein that can bring diversity to your meals while staying on a budget. Mixing tofu with chili and low-glycemic legumes and vegetables creates eclectic vegetarian dishes that add variety.

Frozen vegetables and fruits that have no added sugars can also be less expensive and still provide the same dietary value as fresh produce. Options like frozen broccoli, spinach, and berries can add flavor to any dish and still be low in carbohydrates.

Hearty stews and casseroles that include protein choices like chicken or beef along with vegetables such as squash, zucchini and eggplant can feed the whole family without spending time and money on intricate dishes.

"Resources like The Atkins Shopping Guide are invaluable in helping consumers figure out how to shop in grocery and convenience stores while staying on their personal budget," says Christine Senft, Executive Editor, Atkins Health & Medical Information Services. "Learning what to buy and what to avoid is helpful for anyone, and the Shopping Guide puts this information in an easy-to-follow format."

How consumers shop also helps control grocery bills. Buying in bulk when possible and freezing leftovers can ensure consumers get the most for their money.

"It is important for people to realize that with a little ingenuity and creativity in the grocery store and kitchen, they can reap tremendous health benefits from whole foods without the necessity of preparing elaborate gourmet meals," says Heimowitz.

The Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM) (ANA) is a scientifically validated strategy for weight control and good health based upon controlling carbohydrates. The ANA stresses nutrient-dense carbohydrates as part of a balanced eating plan that includes protein and balance of good fats, while restricting carbohydrates with the greatest impact on blood sugar. The ANA provides each person with the knowledge and tools, including the four phases of Atkins, to optimize their health and find the individual level of carbohydrate intake below which weight loss is achieved and above which weight gain occurs.