SubscribeThree Top Diets Compared
ABCNews.com has a fantastic comparison on three top diets, The Zone, Atkins and The South Beach Diet:
The Zone Diet
- The idea behind this diet is that your digestive system operates ideally when eating just two food groups: lean protein and natural carbohydrates, like fruits and fiber-rich vegetables.
- According to the Zone Diet, the ideal ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is 40-30-30, respectively.
- The five fingers of your hand should remind you to eat at least five times a day; three meals and two snacks.
The Atkins Diet
- The foundation of the Atkins Diet is a four-phase eating plan, combined with vitamin and mineral supplementation and regular exercise.
- Phase 1: Referred to as "Induction." This first step involves restricting daily carbohydrate consumption to 20 grams, obtaining carbohydrate primarily from salad and other non-starchy vegetables.
- Phase 2: "Ongoing Weight Loss" (OWL) In Phase 2, Atkins dieters add carbohydrate, in the form of nutrient-dense and fiber-rich foods, by increasing to 25 grams daily the first week, 30 grams daily the next week and so on until weight loss stops. Then subtract 5 grams of carbohydrate from your daily intake so that you continue sustained, moderate weight loss.
- Phase 3: "Pre-Maintenance." Make the transition from weight loss to weight maintenance by increasing the daily carbohydrate intake in 10-gram increments each week.
- Phase 4: "Lifetime Maintenance." Select from a wide variety of foods while controlling carbohydrate intake to ensure weight maintenance.
The South Beach Diet
- Like the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet plan is divided into phases.
- Phase 1, which lasts 14 days, is the strictest. You eat normal-sized helpings of lean protein, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and shellfish. Vegetables are also allowed, so are nuts, cheese, and eggs. The goal is to eat three balanced meals a day, and to eat enough so that you don't feel hungry all the time. A typical South Beach Diet breakfast is two eggs and lean bacon.
- Phase 2, which lasts until you reach your weight-loss goal, allows you to reintroduce some foods that are banned in phase one, such as whole-grain breads and low-fat dairy foods.
- Phase 3 focuses on weight maintenance. It should be used to maintain your healthy weight. Dr. Agatston, the cardiologist who created the diet, describes this phase as a "way of life." Should your weight begin to climb, you repeat the diet plan.
More like this in Low Carb · Oct 2, 2003
Hi, I want to comment on the south beach diet. Last year February 2003 I weighed 216 lbs,wearing a size 19/20. I decided on trying out the diet. In 12 days I lost 16lbs. From a size 19/20 i went down to size 11/12 by June. I not only dieted, but I also exercised for 2 hours a day everyday. 1 hr cardio, 1 hr muscle training & plus I was also taking xenedrine supplements. I gotta say I my self esteem went up along with my matabolism and energy I recommend the south beach diet it really works.
Replyon south beach, after the 2 weeks, i felt like 99% better, i no it works, i lost 30 pounds already. i have more energy, i lose weight even when i fall off the band wagon, and i dont feel like im on a diet. its great.
Reply"i no it works, i lost 30 pounds already. i have more energy, i lose weight even when i fall off the band wagon, and i dont feel like im on a diet. its great."
I no it works! I don't think you no much!
Reply