Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. and Celebrity Chef and New Mom Donatella Arpaia Host the Launch of "The New Atkins for a New You Cookbook" in New York City

NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Atkins™, the original and leading low-carb weight loss plan based on an extensive scientific body of research, in partnership with celebrity chef, restaurateur and new mother, Donatella Arpaia, today hosted a luncheon in New York City to launch the cookbook, "The New Atkins for a New You Cookbook: 200 Simple and Delicious Low-Carb Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less," by Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc., vice president of nutrition and education at Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. The cookbook, published by Touchstone, recently hit shelves at bookstores nationwide and will debut on The New York Times best-seller list on Sunday, January 22.  It is the latest cookbook to incorporate the proven, delicious, and satisfying new Atkins Diet™ by explaining the essentials and offering more than 200 tasty Atkins-friendly recipes that have never before been published in print or online. 

The partnership between Chef Donatella Arpaia and Atkins was officially announced at the cookbook launch event.  "As a rule, I have always tried to follow a low-carb lifestyle – especially since (like millions of other Americans) I tend to be slightly hyperglycemic. During my pregnancy, I tried to find comfort in carbs, but ended up gaining 50 pounds! I wasn't happy with how I looked, I was fatigued and knew something had to change. Shortly thereafter, I started the Atkins Diet and dove into the plan head-first. I've already lost a noticeable amount of pounds and inches." She added, "Atkins' new cookbook fits perfectly with my busy lifestyle as a new mom – the recipes can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and allow me to eat delicious, satisfying meals. Of course, like any chef I always add my own signature twist to any dish I prepare!"

Chef Arpaia is most notably known as a recurring judge on Food Network's "Iron Chef America," "Next Iron Chef" and a regular contributor to the "Today" show. She was recently named both "Hostess with the Mostest" by Zagat and one of the "Most Powerful Women in Manhattan" according to the New York Post.

Chef Arpaia presented several cooking demonstrations, showcasing some of her handpicked favorites from the new Atkins cookbook. The recipes she prepared included Sauteed Onion, Black Olive and Goat Cheese Pizza, Shaved Fennel Salad with Lemon Dressing, Roasted Ginger-Tamari Salmon Steaks and Crustless Ginger Cheesecake with Lime-Sour Cream Topping.  Attendees nibbled on appetizers ranging from vegetarian to non-dairy to proteins, providing guests with a myriad of delicious and satisfying foods to sample.

"The recipes featured in the new cookbook, including those that were served at today's luncheon, showcase the variety of balanced, delicious foods that are at the heart of the Atkins Diet and can be easily adapted for any lifestyle. We are thrilled to join hands with Donatella and are confident this way of eating will get her to her goal weight and sustained weight maintenance," said Heimowitz.  "The Atkins Diet is designed to 'flip the body's metabolic switch' from burning carbs to burning fat. Graduated carb introduction helps avoid blood sugar and insulin spikes, which cause hunger and cravings resulting in overeating and weight gain," she added. Heimowitz, who authored the cookbook, provided guests with in-depth information regarding the more than 80 published, peer-reviewed studies conducted over the past several decades supporting the safety and efficacy of the Atkins Diet.

Throughout the event, attendees were re-introduced to the new Atkins Diet. Heimowitz educated attendees about the diet's long-term, well-balanced plan that teaches individuals to find their personal carb balance. Atkins dieters say they have fast initial weight loss – up to 15 pounds in the first 2 weeks. It is a time-tested and scientifically validated plan. Recently, Atkins.com re-launched its free online community resource center offering millions of registered community members even more customizable online tools and support.

"The New Atkins for a New You Cookbook" retails for $19.99 and is available wherever books are sold. Visit www.AtkinsCookbook.com to learn more.

Photos from "The New Atkins for a New You Cookbook" launch event are available HERE.  

About Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. is a leader in the $2.4 billion weight control nutrition category, and offers a powerful lifetime approach to weight loss and management. The Atkins Diet focuses on a healthy diet with reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and added sugars and encourages the consumption of protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables and good fats. Backed by research and consumer success stories, this approach allows the body to burn more fat and work more efficiently while helping individuals feel less hungry, more satisfied and more energetic.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., manufactures and sells a variety of nutrition bars and shakes designed around the nutritional principles of the Atkins Diet™. Atkins' four product lines: Advantage®, Day Break™, Endulge™ and Cuisine™ appeal to a broad audience of both men and women who want to achieve their weight management goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Atkins products are available online at atkins.com and in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit atkins.com.

SOURCE Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.