The Structural Differences of Atkins and South Beach Diets Essay

The Structural Differences of Atkins and South Beach Diets The Atkins Diet and the South Beach Diet are both regimens that promote weight loss by increasing the intake of proteins while reducing the consumption of carbohydrates. While often grouped together under the â€Å"low-carb fad diet† label, these two diets are comparable in design, but contrasting in detail, in particular during phase one. At first glance, these diets appear to be structured alike. Both diets begin with an induction phase that lasts for at least two weeks in which every meal consists of protein rich foods (such as eggs for breakfast, chicken salad for lunch, and steak for dinner), a lot of vegetables and salads, and very few carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are one source of energy for the body typically found in starchy foods like bread, pasta, and potatoes or sweet foods like fruit. Neither diet allows fruit or the starchy carbohydrates in the first phase, but carbohydrates are consumed in small quantities mainly from the vegetables. Both diets also agree that caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Sugars are also excluded in this phase of the diets. Sugars and carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels by breaking down very quickly. By promoting low consumption of carbohydrates and sugars, these diets assert they will correct one’s metabolism (which has been damaged by unhealt hy processed foods) so that the body will once again burn fat and activate weight loss. There is a key difference in phase one despite the fact that the overall plan is laid out the same. Each book (Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution written by Robert C. Atkins, M.D. and The South Beach Diet written by Arthur Agatston, M.D.) includes a list of acceptable f... ...se one of the Atkins Diet and the South Beach Diet requires a reduction of carbohydrate intake and an increase in protein consumption. Fruits are not allowed at all, and neither are caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Protein rich foods such as eggs and meat are present in virtually every meal. Salads and vegetables also make up a large portion of the approved list of foods. The diets differ in the amount of saturated fats they recommend, and whether or not they allow nuts, a good source of unsaturated fats. Although distinct, both diets claim they can lower cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of heart disease and best of all help people to lose weight. References Agatston, Arthur. The South Beach Diet. New York: Random House 2003. Atkins, Robert. Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution. New York: Avon Books, 2002.