If you are confused about all the Low Carb terminology and the diversity of the Low Carb diets, you are not alone. Many who have decided to go Low Carb find it difficult to choose the right plan for them. How can a person choose between the Atkins diet vs South Beach diet? Or The Zone diet vs the Protein Power diet? Or even between the Schwarzbein Principle vs the Neanderthin?
The Atkins diet and the South Beach diet are indeed the most popular ones, so I'll address their main differences in this article. However, if you are seriously thinking about going Low Carb, there are a variety of plans that should also be explored. Remember that choosing the right diet for you before you start your plan, will greatly increase your chances at successful weight loss as well as helping you keep the weight off permanently.
Let's review some generalities about these two plans. Dr. Arthur Agatstone is an M.D. in South Beach., Miami, hence the diet's name. Dr. Agatstone developed his diet initially to help pre-diabetic and high cholesterol patients. He noticed that weight loss was a nice side effect of his recommendations and that prompted Dr. Agatstone to write his famous book. The main purpose of the South Beach diet is to keep insulin and glucose levels even at all times as well as lowering bad cholesterol and triglycerides. This is achieved by avoiding refined carbohydrates, saturated animal fats and trans-fatty acids. Most vegetables are permitted as well as fish, poultry, eggs and seafood amongst other foods. Drinking lots of water is encouraged too. Bread, pasta and grains, as well as sugar, dairy and fruit juice are not allowed.
Dr. Robert Atkins, M.D. originally developed the Atkins diet in 1972. It has had several reviews since. Over 20 million people have already welcomed the diet as a way to lose weight. Dr. Atkins goal was to provide people with a lifetime nutritional philosophy, not just with a quick fix. That is why his plan is based on a series of steps to help people modify their daily diets by controlling their intake of refined carbs, like bread, starchy vegetables, pasta, rice and cereal; as well as encouraging people to increase the consumption of meat, fish, turkey and chicken. Dr. Atkins also emphasized the importance of taking nutritional supplements, as well as exercising and taking regular tests for blood sugar levels, cholesterol and triglycerides.
Pretty similar plans, aren't they? So which one is best? Let's continue exploring the Atkins diet vs South Beach diet...
One of the most critical differences between these plans is related to the consumption of fats. While South Beach advises to reduce dairy products and red meat, Atkins advises on the consumption of a variety of fats including red meat. Unlike South Beach, butter is allowed in Atkins. Also, Omega-3 fatty acids are allowed in South Beach but Omega-6 fatty acids are not mentioned in this diet plan. In comparison, both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids should be balanced according to the Atkins plan.
Another difference lies in the way carbs are counted in both diets. Atkins recommends counting all carbs that do not contain fiber, as well as counting carbs by grams per day. South Beach on the other hand, suggests Carb counting according to the portions per serving, and puts no limit in the consumption of non-starchy veggies.
There are a few other minor differences, but these are the main ones. Remember that the secret to success with any diet lies in these simple steps... choosing the right diet for you, sticking to the plan, exercising, and committing to a lifetime of habit changing behavior... are you ready for this type of commitment? Will you choose the Atkins diet vs South Beach diet or the other way around? Maybe you'll even consider another Low Carb plan... Whatever works for you personally, that should be the best diet for you. Do some research. Become familiar with your options. Ask questions. Consult with your physician before you start any plan. Your health is your most valuable asset. Take time to decide what's best for you, and you'll be pleased with the results you'll eventually get.
Atkins? South Beach? The Zone? Confused yet?
The Low Carb Guide will help you decide what diet plan is the best for you according to your health, lifestyle and budget!
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