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, Vegetarian Diet - to say a few of them. Of course, pro and cons have been argued for each diet. Too often a diet is judged only by rebounding weight reason. No doubt, changing the behavior of overweight is the key of any diet. The most frequent connection has been settled between Atkins diet and the new one, South Beach Diet, very popular among American celebrities lately.
Atkins vs South Beach Diet
South Beach Diet is considered a much more friendly Atkins Diet, allowing more healthy carbohydrates (whole grains, for instance) in daily meals. Atkins diet versus South Beach Diet stirred many debates. Being "soft" and easy to undertake, South Beach has been prefered by those dissatisfied with the carb restriction in Atkins diet. South Beach Diet's basic is GI, created by Dr David Jenkins. This measures how quickly food is digested and converted to energy in the form of glucose. The diet has been further developed by cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston. Avoiding highly processed carbohydrates, such as those found in baked goods, breads, snacks and soft drinks is crucial. The theory is similar to the earlier Robert C. Atkins'. Allowing more fibers and whole grains in the incipient phase, South Beach is considered somehow superior to Atkins diet. Dairy products are allowed and this is a plus. That highly increased acidity (and thus, kidney deficiency) is diminished in South Beach Diet.
Less debated is Atkins diet versus Zone Diet. Zone Diet was created by Barry Sears and has the same basis: adding carbohydrates was a very bad idea. The author believes that human being is meat eater. Introducing starchy foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, grains, people brought themselves great prejudices. Man wasn't designed to eat them; thus, he is not ready to handle this kind of food.
Comparison made between different popular diets
All the following diets have been successful for the people experiencing them. It is a matter of choice. It is thought that self-suggestion is essential in achieving the weight goal for anyone. Supposing that there are no severe health problems, each of the below diets should have positive results and losing pounds should occur.
The Pros and Cons of Atkins Diet Compare To 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 very complicated and hard to follow long-term. | Pregnant women, and children. |
| Sugar Busters | No sugar, No refined carbohydrates | Promotes eating whole grains and low-Glycemic vegetables. | Very high in protein and fat. The diet uses the Glycemic Index to decide appropriate foods. | Those with compromised kidney function, pregnant women, children, and adolescents. |
| Ornish Diet | High carbohydrate, extremely low in fat | High in fiber, vitamins and minerals, good for heart health | Very low in fat, no meat - may not appeal to many people because a very low fat diet loses it’s appeal and taste | Pregnant women due to iron availability, people who don’t cook at home most of the time, those who don’t have a lot of time to prepare food |
| Weight Watchers | Well balanced, calorie controlled diet. | You can have anything in moderation. | Most people don’t like having to eat so few calories to lose weight. | Pregnant women and children. |
| The South Beach Diet | High Protein, low fat, some whole grains and low-Glycemic foods. | Allows for some carbohydrate foods. | Too restrictive for most people. You get a lot of protein, no sugar, and few fats, so you’re always hungry. | Pregnant women, children, and adolescents. |
| The Cabbage Soup Diet | You can eat as much cabbage soup as you wish, but little else. | You lose weight very rapidly. | This diet is not for long-term or massive weight loss. | Pregnant women, children, adolescents, those with more than 10 lbs. to lose, anyone with compromised heart, kidney, or liver function, diabetics. |