The South Beach Diet is thought to be a more friendly version of the Atkins' diet. Dr Barry Sears' Zone Diet has similar aspects to Atkin's Diet in that it also aims at carbohydrate reduction. Atkins' - South Beach -  Zone Diet  There are many diets and each of them has its own supporters. Macrobiotic Diet, Low-Fat Diet (also called Ornish Diet), Zone Diet (low glycemic Diet), Weight Watchers Diet (calorie-restricted), Blood Type Diet, South Beach Diet, Dukan Diet, Vegetarian Diet , Grapefruit Diet - to mention just a few. Of course, each has it's supporters and critics. Too often a diet is judged purely by it's effects on the dieter's weight. No doubt, changing the behavior of overweight is the key of any diet. There are many comparisons made between the Atkins' diet and the  South Beach Diet. Atkins' vs South Beach Diet South Beach Diet and Atkins diet have in common one thing: both begin with a 2 weeks initiation phase which drastically restricts carbohydrates. South Beach Diet's basic premise is the GI, created by Dr David Jenkins. This measures how quickly food is digested and converted to energy in the form of glucose. This has been further developed by cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston. The South Beach Diet bans bad carbs (those with a high glycemic index including refined flour products, potatoes, pasta, and white rice) are banned. Good carbs with a low glycemic index (like whole wheat products and wild rice) are allowed. By allowing more fiber, variety and whole grains  the South Beach is considered more user friendly. The other point of difference is that the South Beach Diet doesn't allow saturated fats such as butter, fried food and sausages, as does the Atkins' diet .

Atkins' Diet vs Zone Diet

Sear's Zone Diet is based on the premise that the digestive system operates best when eating just two food groups: lean protein and natural carbohydrates (these ones being found in foods like fruits and fiber-rich vegetables). The dieters must follow the prescribed  ratio: 40% low-density carbohydrates (from fresh fruits and vegetables), 30% protein and 30% from favorable, dietary fat. As you can see, the Zone Diet encourages consumption of fruit and vegetables and low-fat protein (like fish), contrary to Atkins' recommendations.  Refined carbohydrates are discouraged in both dietary plans. ’

The pros and cons of Atkins' Diet vs other popular diets

Diet	How They Eat	Pros	Cons	This diet isn't for
Atkins' Diet	High protein, Low carbohydrate, High Fat	During weight loss, there is a reduced feeling of hunger and great increase in energy. PMS and moodiness disappears. Women's monthly cycles are less painful. Weight is lost quickly.	Vitamin supplementation is required.  Allows for no refined breads or sugars ever.	Those with compromised kidney function, lupus, pregnant women, children, and adolescents
Zone Diet	Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats must be eaten in a precise ratio, and meals and snacks are eaten at precise times	High in fruits and vegetables, Very balanced diet. You can get needed nutrients.	Difficult rules to follow for eating. The eating patterns are a little complicated and may be difficult to follow long-term.	Pregnant women, and children.
South Beach Diet	Low carbohydrate,  low fat protein	Recommends eating fewer foods packed with saturates and replacing some of these foods with heart-healthy monounsaturates; Weight loss is fast; It's easy to follow; You won't get hungry.	The carbohydrate restriction in the first two weeks may leave you feeling weak and wobby; Hunger throughout 14 days; Bad Breath; Headache for 2 to 7 days; Fatigue 2 to 7 days; “No Fruit” allowed first 14 days; limited food choices; constipation, sticking to portion; sizes; expensive.	pregnant women, little children, those with compromised kidney function.