The Atkins and South Beach Diet are both diet plans created by medical doctors, yet take different approaches to weight loss. When evaluating the best option for you, consider the types of foods you like best, how you can incorporate the diet into your lifestyle and the program you can most see yourself sticking to.
Function
Created by South Beach doctor and cardiologist Arthur Agatston, MD, the South Beach Diet was initially designed to help cardiac patients improve their overall heart health. The principal behind the diet is not focused on weight loss, but instead eating low-carbohydrate and low-fat foods that cause a person to experience weight loss as a positive byproduct.
The Atkins Diet was created by Dr. Robert Atkins. The Atkins diet was launched in the 1970s as a low-carbohydrate diet program designed to encourage weight loss, according to The Diet Channel. Instead of focusing on low-fat options, the Atkins Diet has more to do with consuming low amounts of carbohydrates.
Time Frame
The Atkins Diet involves several phases. The first phase is the induction period--a two-week period that involves consuming 20g of carbohydrates or less each day. Foods that are forbidden include milk, fruits, grains, cereals, potatoes, peas or corn. Following this time, you can slowly add 5g of additional carbohydrates, up to 40 to 90g.
The South Beach Diet involves three phases. The first is an introductory two-week phase that involves the restriction of carbohydrates, especially breads and fruits. The next phase involves adding these foods back in, including carbohydrates that are low on the glycemic index. The third phase is a maintenance phase that you can maintain for life.
Effects
You may lose up to 13 lbs. following Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet, according to the Mayo Clinic. Phase 2 dieters can expect to lose between 1 and 2 lbs. per week, while Phase 3 involves no weight loss.
Those on Atkins may lose up to 15 lbs. during Phase 1, according to the official Atkins website. Like South Beach, the next phase involves weight loss of 1 to 2 lbs. per week.
Benefits
If you need to lose 10 lbs. or more, both the Atkins and South Beach diets can help you lose weight when you follow the diet carefully. Weight loss is associated with the reduction of risk of a variety of chronic health conditions related to weight, including diabetes and heart disease. Consuming foods low in cholesterol and fat can greatly benefit the heart, keeping it free of artery-clogging cholesterol deposits.
Warning
Because the South Beach and Atkins diets require limiting an entire food group, you may be missing out on needed nutrients, such as fiber and vitamin D, which are found in carbohydrates. Also, severe restriction of carbohydrates may result in increased cravings and reduce the likelihood you can successfully sustain the diet, according to The Diet Channel.
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