5 Ways To Compare Body-for-Life To The Atkins Diet

1. Intensity Is Key to a Better Body

The Body-for-Life Diet focuses on getting a better body and improving health in a short amount of time. The premise is that you'll be less likely to get discouraged and more likely to stick with the plan because you see faster results. This intense 12-week program revolves around eating six small meals daily. The seventh day is the "cheat" day when you're allowed to eat anything you want. In addition to the diet, you must do aerobics for at least 20 minutes three times a week, train with weights for 45 minutes three days a week, and then rest for one day.

2. Food Plan Focuses More on Protein, Carbs

Body-for-Life requires you to eat 40 to 50 percent of protein, complex carbohydrates and at least two servings of vegetables per day. Fat intake must be limited to one tablespoon of unsaturated oil once a day, or three small servings of salmon throughout the week. Body-for-Life defines a portion of food as the size of your palm, a closed fist or a deck of cards. Some of the foods you can choose are turkey breast, brown rice, spinach, strawberries and fat-free yogurt. The plan also suggests drinking 10 glasses of water per day and taking one tablespoon daily of flax seed oil or the equivalent to boost wellness. Overall, your goal with the Body-for-Life plan is to eat fewer calories and burn more during exercise.

3. Atkins Diet Restricts Carbs

The Atkins Diet focuses on eating foods rich in protein and fat, while reducing carbohydrates and sugars. According to the program, limiting carbs allows your body to burn stored fat more effectively, resulting in wellness and weight loss. Four phases make up the Atkins Diet, which include reducing carbs, reintroducing them, then following a lifetime healthful eating plan. It also encourages exercise, but it does not offer a set routine to follow.

4. Meal Plan Creates Some Controversy

Some foods allowed on the Atkins program include four ounces of salmon, chicken or ham and no more than 15 net carbs of vegetables daily. What makes the Atkins Diet controversial is that it also allows you to eat rich, high-fat foods such as eggs with the yolks, bacon, Buffalo wings and crab cakes with tartar sauce. You're also free to use butter with broccoli or Brussels sprouts, and eat recipes loaded with high-fat cheeses such as cheddar, Gouda or cream cheese.

5. Get An Expert Opinion

Researchers note that the Body-for-Life Diet works if you can handle the strict workout regimen. Some experts also like the six meals a day plan, as long as you don't go overboard on calories. Weight loss is also possible with the Atkins Diet, however, researchers express concern because it seems to downplay fruits and vegetables, but promotes rich foods. Experts worry that access to these high-fat foods may raise the risk of heart disease.

Last updated on: Aug 17, 2010

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