The Atkins and South Beach Diets aim to help you lose weight by minimizing sugar and carbohydrate intake. According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, the dietary change to a low-carb diet is radical for most Americans, as half of the average American daily diet is composed of carbs. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, low-carb diets consist of foods that contain high amounts of protein and healthy fats. Proteins are used as an alternative source of energy in the body, which is otherwise primarily derived from carbs. Both diets are stringent in the first phase, then healthy carbs are reintroduced.
The Zone Diet
The Zone Diet attributes weight gain to high levels of insulin, instead of the conventional idea that it is dietary fats and foods rich in calories. It is similar to the Atkins and South Beach diet, as it too works on the premise that a high protein diet helps you lose weight. MayoClinic explains that it is a diet that focuses on the glycemic index, which was first developed to help those suffering from high blood sugar or diabetes. Foods with low glycemic index help maintain low blood sugar and insulin levels, which may lead to weight loss. Foods suggested on the Zone Diet with low glycemic index include tuna in water, fish, egg whites, cottage cheese and skinless chicken and turkey.
Protein Power Diet
The Protein Power diet focuses primarily on consumption of high protein, while limiting carbohydrate intake. Its purpose is to help you lose weight and improve your immune system. The food items recommended in the diet are eggs, fish, cheese and meat and it also allows some alcohol intake. Protein Power consists of phases with specific guidelines, which is similar to both the Atkins and South Beach diets. The final phase of all of these diet programs is a maintenance phase that is supposed to be followed for life to maintain weight that was lost.
The Hampton's Diet
The Hampton's diet also focuses on low-carb consumption. It is similar to both the South Beach and Atkins diet and functions as their hybrid version. This diet recommends the consumption of lean proteins and organic foods. It is more accommodating than Atkins as it allows you a minimal intake of some processed foods, alcohol and sugar. Talk with your doctor before drastically lowering your carbohydrate consumption, as it is an essential nutrient.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Atkins Diet; What's Behind the Claims
- Mayo Clinic: South Beach Diet
- Merck: Carbohydrates, Protein and Fats
- Northwestern University: Nutrition Fact Sheet: Atkins Diet.
- MayoClinic: Choosing a diet that's right for you
- University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign: Evaluation of Popular Diets
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