While the Atkins and South Beach Diets may have different names, each diet does share several traits in common. In addition to being weight-loss plans, they are both created by physicians, are followed in phases and involve consuming a low-carbohydrate diet. However, each diet varies in the exact foods eaten and how permanent weight loss is achieved.
History
Dr. Arthur Agatston, an American cardiologist created The South Beach Diet while working as a professor of medicine at the University of Miami. Dr. Agatston created his diet not to help his patients lose weight, but instead to reverse cardiac problems and the chronic health conditions that can accompany a heart condition. In 2004, his first diet book sharing his research was published, according to SouthBeachDiet.com.
After conducting research on the effects of carbohydrates on insulin, Dr. Robert Atkins released his "Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution" diet book in the 1970s, according to The Diet Channel. Since this time, his book has remained a staple on many bestseller lists.
Time Frame
The Atkins diet is divided into several phases. The first phase spans two weeks and is known as the induction period. During this time, a person consumes no more than 20g of carbohydrates per day. Some carbohydrates are then slowly incorporated back into the diet while following a highly structured plan extending to phase five.
The South Beach Diet follows three distinct phases. The first phase lasts two weeks and involves significant reduction of carbohydrates, such as fruits, breads, rice, potatoes, desserts and alcohol. The next phases involve incorporating more carbohydrates back into the diet, and the third and final phase also is known as the maintenance phase.
Benefits
Both the Atkins and South Beach diets promise dramatic weight loss during the first phase of each diet, with the South Beach diet estimating up to 13 lbs., according to Mayo Clinic. Then, a person typically loses anywhere from 1 to 2 lbs. each week that follows. Because the diet typically results in weight loss, this can help to reduce a variety of conditions related to obesity, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, according to USAToday.com.
Warning
Although the promise of weight loss offers numerous benefits to the dieter, there are several drawbacks associated with both the South Beach and Atkins diets. Because both involve the restriction of carbohydrates, this may present a challenge for long-term weight loss success, as cutting out most servings from an entire food group may be difficult to sustain. Because the ability to stick to a diet is important to long-term weight loss success, this consideration should be made.
Also, the Atkins diet tends to be more difficult to follow because of its five phases compared with the South Beach's three.
Features
Both the Atkins and South Beach diets recommend eating three meals per day and supplementing these meals with healthy snacks. A sample Atkins meal during the first phase includes an omelet with peppers; protein shake; salad paired with salmon; low-carbohydrate snack bar and grilled chicken with vegetables.
In comparison, the South Beach diet incorporates desserts into the daily menu as well. A typical diet may include a quiche made with spinach or other vegetables; turkey roll-ups; grilled chicken salad; seared tuna with vegetables; mixed nuts and a dessert of gelatin, pudding or custard.
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