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 and Atkins diet have in common one thing: both begin with a 2 weeks initiation phase which drastically restricts carbohydrates. Given the fact that both of them are appealing to the dieters, Atkins diet and South Beach Diet stirred many debates. 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.
On one side, with South Beach, bad carbs with a high glycemic index (refined flour products, potatoes, pasta, and white rice) are banned but good carbs with a low glycemic index (like whole wheat products and wild rice) are allowed. Therefore, allowing more fibers and whole grains in the incipient phase, South Beach is considered more friendly.
On the other side, South Beach Diet doesn't encourage saturated fats such as butter, frid food, sausage, like Atkins diet does (Atkins claims that saturated fats are fine as long as carbs are avoided).
Atkins Diet vs Zone Diet
Zone Diet induces the theory 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 are urged to respect a proper ratio: 40% low-density carbohydrates (from fresh fruits and vegetables), 30% protein and 30% from favorable, dietary fat. As you can see, Zone Diet is encouraging an increased consumption of fruit and vegetables and low-fat protein (like fish), contrary to Atkins recommendations. Likewise Atkins, the adherents are told to avoid refined carbohydrates.
| 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. |
| 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 choises; constipation, sticking to portion; sizes; expensive. |
pregnant women, little children, those with compromised kidney function. |