Atkins Diet Tips

The Atkins diet has become the Band-Aid or the Q-Tip of low carb diets. This means that when most people think of a low-carb diet, they usually think of the Atkins diet. This is for obvious reasons, since no other low-carb diet has ever received such attention and publicity like the Atkins diet has since the early 1970’s.

In terms of low-carb diets, potential dieters actually have several different low-carb diets to choose from other than the Atkins diet. Though each of these diets is essentially based upon the same principle, they all also offer their own unique approach to the idea of low carb dieting. Some low-carb diets keep track of other nutrients besides carbohydrates, while others simply count carbs. Some low carb diets are very restrictive on the number of carbs and the types of foods that can be consumed, while others provide a little more freedom of choice to their participants.

As far as low-carb diets are concerned, four of the most popular or commonly used diets include the Atkins diet, the South Beach diet, the Zone diet, and the Sonoma diet.

The Atkins Diet: Developed by Dr. Robert Atkins in the early 1970’s, the Atkins diet is based upon the idea that if the number of carbohydrates is decreased to levels near 20 grams per day, the body will be induced into burning fats in order to obtain the energy needed to carry-out daily activities. Typically, the Atkins diet is divided into 4 phases, which include the strict induction phase, as well and the ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance, and maintenance phases. Individuals lose most of their weight during the induction phase, but over time and as they become more familiar with their body and the number of carbs it needs, the diet can be slowly adjusted to fit their needs.

The South Beach Diet: The South Beach diet is similar to the Atkins diet, only it is a little more lenient in terms of the amount of carbs that can be consumed as well as the source of those additional carbs. While Atkins restricts the consumption of whole grains and leafy greens, the South Beach diet does not. Consisting of three phases, the South Beach diet essentially discourages individuals from eating “bad” carbs, and encourages them to eat “good” carbs.

The Zone Diet: The zone diet is often considered a better-balanced low-carb diet. Success in using the Zone diet depends on a balanced ratio of carbs, fat, and proteins. By carefully maintaining this balance, the Zone diet helps control the insulin levels of a person’s body. No meal or snack is actually forbidden by the zone diet, as long as this balance exists. In the Zone diet, carbs are kept at low levels, but daily meals are not dominated by either fats or proteins. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts are all a part of the diet, as are high amounts of water.

The Sonoma Diet: The Sonoma diet was actually developed from the concept of the Mediterranean diet. Essentially, this diet is concerned with managing portion sizes, and also has a developed list of what are known as “power foods”. Carbohydrates are not necessarily regulated, but they are restricted during the initial phase of the diet, much like Atkins and South Beach.

Related Information:

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Sample Atkins Diet Recipes
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