This paper explores the well-known Atkins Diet, as it also places a strong regulation on macromolecule consumption, specifically carbohydrates, in order to assist with the weight loss process. A review of available literature will be used to investigate: the history of the diet, necessity of macromolecule consumption, the impact this has on the individual biochemical pathways (glycolysis/gluconeogenesis) and the microbiome as a whole, as well as overall success rates and long-term health complications/benefits. Additionally personal statements from various individuals who have experience with the diet, myself included, will be incorporated into a holistic analysis of the effectiveness and longevity of the Atkins weight-loss strategy.

My thesis was designed as a creative project. My overall mission was to develop an idea that involved both my major in marketing and minor in health and wellness. My topic was how to start... a start-up business. My business, PEAK4U, is a professional fitness center that provides classes in therapeutic yoga, meditation, Physical Therapy, massage, and personal training. The customers are other business entrepreneurs who would like to provide their service at our facility. I obtained an LLC, Articles of Organization, and started a bank account for PEAK4U. I located a space to house all of these activities where I charge 25$ per hour no matter what service they provide. I have created a website that provides all the information on our instructors, classes, products we sell, and an area where instructors can apply online. This idea has been developed over my four-year academic career at ASU. A few of my honors classes here at Barrett have given me the knowledge in how to start a business. With the help from my director John Dietrich and my committee member Tiffany Gray, I was given insight from both the business and fitness sides on how to create this business. This thesis was designed to help finance doctorate school in Physical Therapy and help me to gain experience in a field that I am passionate about. Overall, the creation of this business was not very time consuming because our entrepreneurs are accountable for creating their own marketing, but must pass it through me for approval.