The Truth About Low Carb Diets

Whether it's Atkins, the South Beach or some other low-carb plan, as many as 30 million Americans are following a low-carb diet.

Advocates contend that the high amount of carbohydrates in our diet has led to increasing problems with obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. Critics, on the other hand, attribute obesity and related health problems to over-consumption of calories from any source, and lack of physical activity. Critics also express concern that the lack of grains, fruits, and vegetables in low-carbohydrate diets may lead to deficiencies of some key nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, folic acid, and several minerals.

Any diet, weather low or high in carbohydrate, can produce significant weight loss during the initial stages of the diet. But remember, the key to successful dieting is in being able to lose the weight permanently. Put another way, what does the scale show a year after going off the diet?

Let's see if we can debunk some of the mystery about low-carb diets. Below, is a listing of some relevant points taken from recent studies and scientific literature. Please note there may be insufficient information available to answer all questions.

- Differences Between Low-Carb Diets

There are many popular diets designed to lower carbohydrate consumption. Reducing total carbohydrate in the diet means that protein and fat will represent a proportionately greater amount of the total caloric intake.

Atkins and Protein Power diets restrict carbohydrate to a point where the body becomes ketogenic. Other low-carb diets like the Zone and Life Without Bread are less restrictive. Some, like Sugar Busters claim to eliminate only sugars and foods that elevate blood sugar levels excessively.

- What We Know about Low-Carb Diets

Almost all of the studies to date have been small with a wide variety of research objectives. Carbohydrate, caloric intake, diet duration and participant characteristics varied greatly. Most of the studies to date have two things in common: None of the studies had participants with a mean age over 53 and none of the controlled studies lasted longer than 90 days.

Information on older adults and long-term results are scarce. Many diet studies fail to monitor the amount of exercise, and therefore caloric expenditure, while participants are dieting. This helps to explain discrepancies between studies.

The weight loss on low-carb diets is a function of caloric restriction and diet duration, and not with reduced carbohydrate intake. This finding suggests that if you want to lose weight, you should eat fewer calories and do so over a long time period.

Little evidence exists on the long-range safety of low-carb diets. Despite the medical community concerns, no short-term adverse effects have been found on cholesterol, glucose, insulin and blood-pressure levels among participants on the diets. But, adverse effects may not show up because of the short period of the studies. Researchers note that losing weight typically leads to an improvement in these levels anyway, and this may offset an increase caused by a high fat diet. The long range weight change for low-carb and other types of diets is similar.

Most low-carb diets cause ketosis. Some of the potential consequences are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and confusion. During the initial phase of low-carb dieting some fatigue and constipation may be encountered. Generally, these symptoms dissipate quickly. Ketosis may also give the breath a fruity odor, somewhat like nail-polish remover (acetone).

Low-carb diets do not enable the consumption of more calories than other kinds of diets, as has been often reported. A calorie is a calorie and it doesn't matter weather they come from carbohydrates or fat. Study discrepancies are likely the result of uncontrolled circumstances; i.e. diet participants that cheat on calorie consumption, calories burned during exercise, or any number of other factors. The drop-out rate for strict (i.e. less than 40 grams of CHO/day) low-carb diets is relatively high.

What Should You Do? - There are 3 important points I would like to re-emphasize:

- The long-range success rate for low-carb and other types of diets is similar.

- Despite their popularity, little information exists on the long-term efficacy and safety of low-carbohydrate diets.

- Strict low-carb diets are usually not sustainable as a normal way of eating. Boredom usually overcomes willpower.

It is obvious after reviewing the topic, that more, well-designed and controlled studies are needed. There just isn't a lot of good information available, especially concerning long-range effects. Strict low-carb diets produce ketosis which is an abnormal and potentially stressful metabolic state. Under some circumstances this might cause health related complications.

The diet you choose should be a blueprint for a lifetime of better eating, not just a quick weight loss plan to reach your weight goal. If you can't see yourself eating the prescribed foods longer than a few days or a week, then chances are it's not the right diet. To this end, following a moderately low fat diet with a healthy balance of fat, protein, carbohydrate and other nutrients is beneficial.

If you do decide to follow a low-carb plan, remember that certain dietary fats are associated with reduction of disease. Foods high in unsaturated fats that are free of trans-fatty acids such as olive oil, fish, flaxseeds, and nuts are preferred to fats from animal origins.

Even promoters of the Atkins diet now say people on their plan should limit the amount of red meat and saturated fat they eat. Atkins representatives are telling health professionals that only 20 percent of a dieter's calories should come from saturated fat (i.e. meat, cheese, butter). This change comes as Atkins faces competition from other popular low-carb diets that call for less saturated fat, such as the South Beach diet plan. Low-carb dieting should not be considered as a license to gorge on red meat!

Another alternative to "strict" low-carb dieting would be to give up some of the bad carbohydrate foods but not "throw out the baby with the bath water". In other words, foods high in processed sugar, snacks, and white bread would be avoided, but foods high in complex carbohydrates such as fruit, potatoes and whole grains, retained.

With all of the conflicting studies and fuzzy interpretation of information, it's no wonder that confusion reigns when it comes to the value and safety of low-carb diets. It seems like heated debates are raging everywhere!

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Atkins vs South Beach Low Carb Diet - Low Carb Diet Plans

Compared to the rest of the diet plans, the first two weeks are by far the most difficult. The first two weeks of the diet typically yields the most weight lost. It is the first two weeks in which dieters must focus on removing the carbs from their diet that they are used to. It is not unusual for them to lose between 7 and 14 pounds in this two week time frame. After the initial 2 weeks on the diet, most people lose about 1/2 to 3/4 pounds each day. The amount of weight you have to lose, your metabolism and how well you follow the diet impact this continued weight loss result.
The South Beach Low Carb Diet and Atkins have approaches that are different from each other. Atkins does not have fat intake restrictions, but does elminate the intake of complex carbohydrates. The South Beach Low Carb Diet restricts the intake of saturated dats while eliminating carbohydrate consumption.This means that the dieters must pass on butter and fatty meats.

Counting grams of Carbs

Followers of Atkins count every single carbohydrate that goes into their mouth after discounting the number of fiber grams. South Beach dieters, on the other hand, don't have to count carbs and there are no limitations on non-starchy vegetables. Instead of counting carbs, you would just keep track of portions -- how many and how large. Also, it allows good complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and only disallowing white, refined starches. Atkins virtually eliminates any kind of starch.

Which diet is easier to follow?

For most people, I would say that the South Beach diet is going to be the easiest diet to stick too in the long run. Atkins might seem like a great plan since you can eat all kinds of meat and butter and fatty foods, but most dieters will ultimately find its complex carb restrictions awfully punitive. Also, this is certainly more heart friendly based upon what we know about saturated fats nowadays.

Atkins and the South Beach Low Carb Diet have been widely used for a long time. Both diets vary in several ways. Dieters choosing between the two plans usually decide based on the specifics of them.

Source: South Beach Low Carb Diet Weight Loss, Low Carb Diet Plans, Atkins Diet at goarticles.com

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How to Cook Low-carb Long Term

Beyond the South Beach Diet - How to Cook Low-carb Long Term - Author: Stephanie Larkin

The South Beach Diet is one of the most popular diets in decades. All over the world, people are taking off weight by stripping carbs and, in the process, learning to eat healthier meals. One of the true beauties of South Beach is that it teaches you a whole new way of eating for a healthier, happier lifestyle. Eating healthy the South Beach way requires an adjustment in your cooking styles, too, though. Once you learn to cook low-carb, you'll find it easier to maintain your new weight and your new healthier lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you put it all together.

1. Invest in a good cookbook.

The third phase of the South Beach diet is a lifetime maintenance plan that lets you eat a wide variety of healthy foods. If your recipe repertoire was based on high-fat meals with creamy sauces and processed foods, you'll need to build up a stock of new recipes. The South Beach Diet book is a good start. It contains a lot of easy to cook recipes that will get you started on building a new repertoire of healthy meals. You'll also find dozens of South Beach cookbooks on the market that will give you some ideas on the best ways to put your new-found food savvy to use.

2. Think fresh!

Processed foods are the very antithesis of healthy low-carb eating. Even processed meats are packed with fillers that add in carbs and calories without offering anything in the way of nutrition. Try to shop the outside aisles of the supermarket - fresh fruits and veggies, meats and dairy - and avoid all the filler meals in between.

3. Learn simple cooking methods.

Learning to cook the South Beach way is surprisingly simple - a lot simpler than the techniques you probably use for cooking now. Steaming, poaching, braising, roasting and grilling involve very little prep time. If a recipe calls for dredging in flour or dusting with breadcrumbs, throw it out. You'll learn a whole new appreciation for real, whole foods when you cook them simply.

4. Color your plate pretty.

A healthy plate is full of vibrant, brilliant colors. When you prepare a plate for yourself, think in color. Deep green, dark orange and bright red vegetables are low in healthy carbohydrates, minerals and vegetables. White potatoes, rice and breads are not. Your best bet is to eat your veggies when they're at their peak of color - before overcooking robs them of their minerals and vitamins.

5. Spice it up!

Spices are a great way to brighten up flavors in your foods. There's a whole world of spices at your fingertips, and learning to use them can really wake up your plate and your palate. Learning about the spices used in various regional cuisines can help you turn a meal from bland to POW with just a few shakes of the spice bottle. Some spices and spice combinations to try are:

• Curry isn't just for Indian food anymore. A sprinkle of curry (use a light hand!) can really wake up the flavor in a fresh fruit salad, especially when you add a dab of vanilla.
• Cinnamon is an unusual and delicious spice addition to chicken dishes.
• Lemon grass oil adds a tart edge to salads and vegetables. Just a dash added to the olive oil when you sauté chicken also brightens the flavor and really wakes up your taste buds.
• Rosemary gives everything an earthy, sharp flavor that is the perfect foil for poultry and pork.

6. Add a little garnish to your life.

Garnishes are more than just pretty things on your plate. Fresh herbs, slices of fruit and strips of raw vegetable are more than a treat for your eyes. They add a healthy balance to your diet as well. Choose edible garnishes - a slice of lemon can be squeezed over fish or chicken to brighten flavors, for instance.

The most important things to remember about cooking low-carb for the long term are these:

• Skip the white foods. They're almost always processed
• Cook simply. Cooking low carb is usually quick, easy and uncomplicated.
• Use olive oil for dressings and sautéing.
• Get colorful. The more color there is on your plate, the healthier your meal will be.

About the Author:

Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics involving health and healthy living similar to what consumers read in Cooking Light Magazine

Article Source: Weight Loss Articles, South Beach Diet Articles at ArticlesBase.com - Beyond the South Beach Diet - How to Cook Low-carb Long Term

The Atkins Diet, A Quick Review

South Beach Diet : The Atkins Diet, A Quick Review by Ricardo d Argence

Whichever way you turn, someone is hyping a new diet that will make you reach all of your weight loss goals. Some have been established to be beneficial and others have ended up being harmful for your health. This brings us to the Atkins diet, what is it and can it work for you?
Dr. Robert Atkins finished medical at Cornell University in 1955. Some years later, he found himself overweight and looking for answers. He based his currently popular diet program on a diet something like what he saw in the Journal of American Medical Association. He first published Dr Atkins Diet Revolution in 1970.

He has changed his diet a little over time, but has never changed from the central ideals of the plan. The diets focus is on eliminating carbohydrates from the western diet.
This diet will restrict the consumption of carbs, as you no doubt imagine. The central tenet of this diet is that carbs are what cause you to be heavy. There are 4 phases of the diet with each phase building onto the next.
Induction. The most restrictive is the first phase. It is advised to do this stage for two weeks, however, Atkins maintains that you can continue this particular stage for months. Carbohydrates are limited to 15-20 grams per day of which 12-15 must come from leafy vegetables. Small amounts of cheese and generous amounts of meats and essential oils are allowed by this diet. The objective of this stage is to render the system into ketosis and add healthy portions of fiber into your meals.
Ongoing Weight Loss. In phase 2, the carbohydrate count will gradually increase until weight loss occurs at a reasonable pace of about 1 or 2 pound each week. While it is acceptable to increase the amount of carbohydrates ingested per day by five grams, vegetables are the first to be increased so as to help determine how much of an adjustment can be made before you start to put on weight. Dieters should stay within this stage until 5 to 10 pounds away from their goal.
Pre Maintenance. This is when the pounds don't fall off as quickly, Atkins says that the last 10 lbs or so should take 1-3 months to disappear. Dieters should use the method in phase 2 and add carbohydrates in at as much as ten grams per day again to the point that they are able without gaining weight,during this phase.
Maintenance. Consider everything that you learned from the past phases and be consistent with a healthy program to stay at your best weight. Make sure you don't return to your bad dietary habits when you reach the end of your diet.
But, you must be warned about ketosis. This condition happens when the blood levels of ketone are elevated. The liver's normal response to a low carbohydrate diet is to convert fat into fatty acids; expect this to happen. Usually the body relies on glucose taken from the carbohydrates that you eat, but when there are no carbohydrates the body starts to use stored fat in place of this. Your will be aware of ketosis in your body when your have a metallic taste on your tongue and your breath smells foul.

Medical professionals are divided in their opinion on ketosis. There is still some controversy, but there are those who believe that it needlessly stresses the liver and can destroy muscle tissue.
For many people the diet does work. Just in the first phase, people can net a ten to fifteen pound loss in as little as a week. Just like any diet, the outcome will be much better if you exercise because it raises the metabolism and helps you to avoid cardiovascular disease.

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Some Facts About the Atkins Diet

South Beach Diet : Some Facts About the Atkins Diet by Ricardo d Argence

It appears that everywhere you look someone claims to have diet that will make all your fantasies come true. There are some that have been show to be good while others are downright dangerous to your overall health. This brings us to the Atkins diet, what is it and can it work for you?

Some years after he finished medical at Cornell University in 1955, Dr. Robert Atkins found himself overweight and looking for answers. Atkins made is diet plan similar to one that he had seen in the Journal of American Medical Association. He first published Dr Atkins Diet Revolution in 1970.

Through the years, he changed his plan a little but he never got too far away from the diet's basic principals. The diets focus is on eliminating carbohydrates from the western diet.
The entire diet revolves around the idea that carbs are the main cause of being overweight. As you can see the diet limits your intake of carbs. here are four steps in this plan, each step building on the one before.
Induction. The first part is definitely the most limited. The suggested time to stay on this phase is two weeks, but Atkins states that you it is safe to stay at this phase for months. Carbohydrates are limited to 15-20 grams per day of which 12-15 must come from leafy vegetables. This part of the diet will also let you eat little amounts of cheese, large amounts of meat and essential fats. At this stage, the goal is to put the body into ketosis and add some healthy fiber to the diet.
Ongoing Weight Loss. The second phase is to gradually increase the intake of carbs until a sustainable weightloss of 1-2 pounds per week is achieved. Carbohydrates will increase by five grams each day from a special food list, but vegetables can be eaten depending on how much carbohydrates are in them, without putting on weight. Dieters stay in this phase until they are within five to ten pounds from their goal.
Pre Maintenance. Weight loss can begin to slow at this time. 1-3 months is the time that Atkins recommends loosing those last 10 pounds or so. Dieters will use the method in phase two and add carbohydrates so much as ten grams per day, again to the point that they are able without gaining in weight.
Maintenance. Here is when you take all that has been learned from the previous phases and continue on a healthy plan in order to stay at your best weight. Prevent the typical end of diet mentality and going back to bad habits.
Now, let's talk about ketosis. When the amoutn of ketones in the blood are elevated, this is called Ketosis. This normal response of your liver happens when you decide to go on a strict carbohydrate diet. Your liver will work for you in converting the fats into fatty acids. Under normal conditions, your body uses glucose made from carbs that you eat. When that supply runs out, then your body will start to burn its stored fat. You can be pretty sure that your body is in ketosis state when you notice that you have foul smelling breath or a metal taste in your mouth.
Medical professionals are divided in their opinion on ketosis. While the debate is far from over, people have stated that it stresses the liver unnecessarily and can be destructive to muscle tissue.

For a large number of people, the diet does work, the first phase alone can reduce your weight ten to fifteen pounds in a week. As with any diet, the results will be multiplied with excercise in order to increase your metabolism and help to prevent heart disease.

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Do you desire to lose some pounds? we have for you the best diets and Fat Loss Systems to Burn Belly Fat and get that look you desire.Factura electronica

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Will the Atkins Diet Really Work for You?

South Beach Diet : Will the Atkins Diet Really Work for You? by Ricardo d Argence

It seems every time you turn around someone has the diet that will make all your weight loss dreams come true. Some have been proven good and others have turned out to be dangerous to your health. This brings us to the Atkins diet, what is it and can it work for you?
Dr. Robert Atkins finished medical at Cornell University in 1955. Some years later, he found himself overweight and looking for answers. Atkins fashioned his now popular diet plan from a similar diet that he had read about in the Journal of American Medical Association. He first published Dr Atkins Diet Revolution in 1970.
Over the years, he revised his plan somewhat but never strayed from the diets core principals. The diets focus is on eliminating carbohydrates from the western diet.
The whole diet revolves around the idea that carbohydrates are the main cause of you being overweight. As you would imagine this means, the diet will restrict the intake of carbs. The diet is broken down into four phases each one building on the last.
Induction. The first phase is by far the most restrictive. The recommended duration of this phase is two weeks, but Atkins says that you can safely remain on this phase for months. Carbohydrates are limited to 15-20 grams per day of which 12-15 must come from leafy vegetables. This phase of the diet also allows for small amounts of cheese, generous amounts of meat and essential oils. The goal of this phase is to put the body into ketosis stage and had healthy amounts of fiber to the diet.
Ongoing Weight Loss. Phase 2 consists of slowly raising the carbohydrate intake until weight loss is being achieved at a more reasonable level, 1-2 pounds per week. Carbohydrates are to be increased at five grams per day and still from a safe list of foods, vegetables first determining how many carbs can be ingested without gaining weight. Dieters are to stay in this phase until they are five to ten pounds from goal weight.
Pre Maintenance. This is the time when weight loss slows even more, Atkins recommends loosing the last ten pounds or so over a 1-3 month period. During this phase, dieters should use the method in phase 2 and add carbohydrates in at as much as ten grams per day again to the point that they are able without gaining weight.
Maintenance. Take all that has been learned from the previous phases and continue on a healthy plan to maintain your optimum weight. Avoid the common end of diet mentality and return to bad habits.
Ketosis. This condition occurs when there are elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood. This happens when the liver converts fat into fatty acids, a normal response of the liver to a diet that is extremely low in carbohydrates. Normally the body depends on glucose from the carbohydrates in your diet, when they are absent the body will begin to burn fat stores instead. You know your body is in ketosis state when you have a metallic taste in your mouth or bad breath.
Medical professionals are divided in their opinion on ketosis. Some say that it unnecessarily stresses the liver and can cause destruction of muscle tissue, however that debate is far from over.
For many people the diet does work, the first phase alone can net a ten to fifteen pound loss in as little as a week. As with any diet, the results will be exponentially multiplied with exercise in order to increases the metabolism and help to prevent cardiovascular disease.

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The Zone Diet is Less Restrictive Than Diets Like Atkins

South Beach Diet : The Zone Diet is Less Restrictive Than Diets Like Atkins by Jon Sager

A man named Barry Sears created the fad diet called the Zone diet. It's planned as a permanent diet to be eaten throughout a person's life. The diet relies on balancing hormones, but is still a low carbohydrate diet even if less restrictive than diets like Atkins.
The zone diet relies on a 40 to 30 to 30 balance of calories from carbs, proteins and fats. Television studies have concluded that the diet can work. Some of the studies even showed an increase in muscle mass while on the zone diet. In addition, people found the zone diet the easiest to maintain of all the low carb diets.
The zone in zone diet refers to a hormone balance in which insulin levels are perfect, glucagen levels are perfect, and thus the body releases various anti-inflammatory chemicals similar to aspirin but without side effects. Sears also said the diet would help make the heart healthier. The body also becomes more efficient as a result of the zone diet, meaning it stops storing fat. Thus, with no fat stored, and with stored fat used as energy, the body loses weight. Fatty acids such as omega 3 were later added in the form of supplements such as fish oil.
The zone diet calls for the following: a hand full sized piece of meat, as many vegetables as you can eat, and just enough carbs to maintain mental clarity.
This zone diet has a famous weight loss case in its files, that of the man who weighed over 1200 pounds. He had tried every diet and even liposuction, but after 24 months on the zone diet he lost about 400 pounds. Now he continues to follow the zone diet as he consumes 2000 calories daily, broken up between six meals.
Give the zone diet a try, but be careful.

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Problems with the Atkins diet?

South Beac Diet : Problems with the Atkins diet? by moshayediKevin

The Atkins diet is a weight loss diet plan based on consuming high levels of protein and low levels of carbohydrate. Atkins Diet is probably the most successful diet plan of the last few years. It is a popular weight-loss approach among celebrities and the public. Like the other diet plans, Atkins diet plan also has many advantages and disadvantages. Rapid weight loss is the main criterion that motivates people towards Atkins diet. Atkins diet is more effective, healthier and beneficial. Many reports and studies prove the validity and safety of this high-protein diet. The Atkins diet makes you lose weight quickly, because in many ways it's more restrictive.
There are also some problems with Atkins diet. Atkins diet is difficult to follow as people needs to follow severe diet restrictions. Since Atkins diet limits many delicious foods, most people just drop out before reaching the fourth maintenance level of the diet plan. Though Atkins diet is safe and effective, it seems to be an unhealthy way of losing weight. This high-protein, high-fat diet could cause a lot of health problems. Studies reveal that weight loss from the Atkins Diet may involve muscle loss rather than body fat. Another potential problem is that whether the weight lost by Atkins diet is sustained over a longer period than six months. Research is still being carried out to find the long-term health effects of Atkins diet. Scientific studies show that Atkins diet raise cholesterol levels in a considerable number of individuals, as it is a low-carbohydrate diet. Moreover, as Atkins diet recommends high protein intake, high levels of fats in protein foods increase the bad cholesterol level.
There may be health dangers with Atkins diet. Atkins diet may lead to risks on bone mass, kidney function, arterial function and exercise tolerance. The diet may have very harmful effect on the kidneys. As Atkins diet is a diet very low in fruits and vegetables, it is very low in fiber, and so it is not good for digestive health. With minimal fruit and vegetables included in the diet, it may even pave way for coronary heart disease and cancer. People who have kidney or liver or heart disease find Atkins diet to be problematic because it would be putting more strain on those organs. High protein diets like Atkins diet can be dangerous to individuals suffering from renal or liver disorders, as the kidneys fail to function properly. Studies reveal that this low carbohydrate high-protein diet may cause permanent loss of kidney function in anyone with reduced kidney function. Other studies have shown that this meat-heavy diet significantly increases the risk of colon cancer and osteoporosis. On the whole, Atkins diet typically accelerates calcium losses and leads to heart problems, kidney abnormalities, osteoporosis, and other health problems.
Atkins diet is a very different approach to the recommended weight loss methods. Atkins diet will make you lose weight as it severely restricts your calories. If you want follow Atkins diet for two weeks and lose weight, it probably won't do you any harm. But Atkins diet is not good for long-term diet as it doesn't include many fruit and vegetables. Moreover, the biggest disadvantage of the Atkins diet is that although it helps in losing weight quickly, the weight may return back over six.

About the Author
Kevin Moshayedi is an expert author, who is presently working on the site about hydroxycut fat burner,Body building supplements. He has written many articles in various topics. For more information about creatine. Visit our site imedmart.com

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So Just How Does This Atkins Diet Work?

South Beach Diet : So Just How Does This Atkins Diet Work? by Jon Sager

The short name for the Atkins nutritional approach is the Atkins diet. It was the brainchild of the doctor named Robert Atkins. He had gained a great deal of weight while he attended medical school. Atkins read about a low-carb diet in one of his medical journals. He perfected it and released it to the public.Dr. Atkins had rather radical theories about the nature of weight gain as expressed in the Atkins diet. He held that saturated fats weren't as bad as people claim. The carbohydrates are the culprits. In Atkins theory eating too little fat make things even worse. Carbohydrates are used to make up for the lack of fat in low fat foods. Dieters were being tricked into eating foods that would cause them to gain more weight.The Atkins diet changes this. By cutting out carbohydrates people would burn stored body fats. That's the goal of weight loss. The goal wasn't necessarily to take in fewer calories. Dr. Atkins held that your diet could actually help you burn calories. Dr. Atkins claimed that his diet would result in the body burning an extra 950 calories each day. That sounded good but it wasn't true.In addition to claims of weight loss, Dr. Atkins said his Atkins diet could help people with type 2 diabetes. As opposed to type 1 diabetes, type 2 is often closely associated with diet and people who weigh too much. Therefore, by means of losing weight a person on the Atkins diet would be addressing their type 2 diabetes. But the Atkins diet is also low in carbohydrates, which must be avoided with type 2 diabetes regardless of caloric intake, so by means of this aspect of the diet Atkins claimed those who suffer type 2 diabetes would no longer need medication such as insulin. The jury is still out in the medical world as to the causes of type 2 diabetes. So while science agrees with Atkins that lowering intake of Carbohydrates will help with the disease, it would disagree that the step alone would remove the necessity for medicine.So just how does this Atkins diet work? It consists of four steps or phases which are induction, ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance and lifetime maintenance. The details of the induction phase is as follows.The Induction phase is the most difficult phase of the Atkins diet. It lasts for about two weeks. During this phase carbohydrates are severely limited, only up to 20 grams per day. The goal is to enter a fat burning metabolic phase called ketosis when the body, starved of glucose, will begin converting stored fat into fatty acids needed to power the body. Weight loss of 20 pounds over this period isn't uncommon that's a staggering amount.Learning the ideal carbohydrate levels for weight losing and for day to day intake after the weight loss ends are the purposes of the final three phases in the Atkins diet. Millions of people are still losing weight on this diet â€" but beware the dangers of taking in too much fat.

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Atkins Grapefruit Diet:: What is It?

South Beach Diet - Atkins Grapefruit Diet:: What is It? by Francisca Cahyaningsih

The Atkins Grapefruit diet is a diet plan, not endorsed by the estate of Dr. Atkins, that plays on the popularity of the grapefruit diet and the Atkins diet name. A closer look into this diet shows that it may not be all it claims to be.

First of all it's pretty difficult to find information on the Atkins grapefruit diet plan. Hard to find information is a pretty good tip off that a con job is being perpetrated. This is what the Atkins grapefruit diet seems to do in an attempt to get people to associate it with two supposedly effective diets.

Does the Atkins grapefruit diet have anything to do with the actual Atkins diet? The answer is no, not only is there no mention of the Atkins Grapefruit Diet on the Atkins web site, but there is no fruit of any kind mentioned in the list of allowed foods in the Atkins diet Induction phase.

Here is what can be eaten in the induction phase:

Fish of all kinds All fowl such as turkey and chicken All sorts of shellfish Any meat such as beef or pork Any style egg Cheese Vegetables A variety of herbs and spices Butter, lard, any oils Drinks low in carbohydrates such as diet soft drinks

Notice one thing - fruit is not on that list. Grapefruit and other fruits such as fruit juices are specified in other phases of the Atkins diet. The Atkins grapefruit diet, however, relies on grapefruit to a much greater degree than would be allowed in the original Atkins diet.

There's a lot of grapefruit in the Atkins grapefruit diet - up to 18 carbs. Even the most generous phases of the Atkins diet, when it comes to grapefruit, recommends limiting intake to below 8 carbs per day. the two diets just don't mesh.

Most reasonable people would look directly at the Atkins site the moment they heard of the Atkins Grapefruit Diet. When they found no mention of that diet on the site, a red light would go off and an alarm would sound.

In general remember this. Any diet that relies too heavily on one food, such as grapefruit on a grapefruit diet, is unhealthy in any but extremely short periods. The philosophy of the Atkins Grapefruit Diet is counter to that of the Atkins diet.

About the Author
Francisca Cahyaningsih is an internet writer who has generated many articles published in the internet. She now actively writes articles for http://www.answer5wh.com . Francisca is also a bachelor of English Education Study Program, a singing coach and both Javanese and Balinese dancer. Francisca currently resides in Indonesia with her husband and son.

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South Beach Diet and the Atkins Low Carb Plan

South Beach Diet Articles : South Beach Diet and the Atkins Low Carb Plan. by Angie Murphy

Our Review:
The Atkins Low Carb Diet is based on eating very few carbs, and this is especially true during "Phase 1". We believe that it's one of the strictest low carb diets on the market, especially during "Phase 1".

There is no mistaking this program for anything other than a very strict low carb plan, since it only allows 80 carb calories per day during the first phase (20 grams of net carbs is approximately 80 carb calories per day)........and that's less carbs than you'll find in a large apple, since even a large apple has slightly more carbs than that.

Phase 1 of the Atkins Diet is now listed as 'optional' -- but even if Phase 1 is skipped we still believe that the overall carb limitations make it a very strict low carb diet.
This program is probably not for the faint of heart, since only truly committed dieters will probably be able to withstand Phase 1 of this program.

What about the South Beach Diet?
The South Beach diet is also a fairly strict low carb program (especially during the first phase).....though perhaps not as strict as the Atkins program.
...But it's our opinion that the South Beach plan is too strict (limits carbs too much) to be practical for everyday dieters -- especially during phase 1 with the severely reduced carbs and other rules forbidding many foods.

For example, we've observed that the higher carb foods (on the South Beach menu) are severely limited in portions during the first phase of the diet -- and this prevents a normal amount of carbs from being eaten during the first phase.

In fact, most of the foods which dieters are allowed to eat in "unlimited portions" (during phase 1) are protein foods and super-low-calorie vegetables.
For example, the South Beach menu allows unlimited lettuce during phase 1 --- but yet it limits the portions of "tomatoes" and "onions" and "peanuts".
Additionally, the "sweet snacks" which are allowed on the South Beach menu are limited to a mere 75 calories per day during phase 1.

So even though the South Beach plan allows "sweet snacks" -- they are severely limited to just 75 calories per day........and that's less calories than a single large cookie contains.
So although the South Beach program is not as strict as the Atkins diet, it's our opinion that both diets are fairly strict low carb programs -- and we believe that both plans will be fairly difficult to follow for average dieters who are not truly committed, especially during Phase 1.
Also.......both of these diets seem to have no "end" in sight -- since both the Atkins plan and the South Beach diet never allow dieters to return to a normal carb lifestyle (where carbs don't have to be closely watched).

Both of these diets do gradually allow more and more carbs to be eaten as time goes by of course (as time goes by the rules are relaxed a bit), but even after 6 months dieters are still told to watch their carb intake to some degree each day, and both diets seem to require a lifetime commitment of some sort.

So it's a permanent lifestyle change which is required by these diets, and many dieters may find it difficult to never be able to enjoy their favorite carb-filled restaurant meals (which can be eaten completely "as served", and without any restrictions).

So overall we think that both diets are not very practical for average dieters who are not 100% committed to making huge sacrifices for the long term, since we believe that many people will find it difficult to modify their entire lifestyle permanently. We therefore recommend against using the South Beach and Atkins programs for most people, for the reasons outlined above.
End of Review.

We've created a new Fat Burning Diet which is called the Idiot Proof Diet, and it has no specific limits on portions (it also allows 3 cheat days every 11 days where anything can be eaten, making the diet more practical for everyday dieters).
Thousands of people are losing weight each week using this new diet.
Http://www.losefat4idiots.org

About the Author
Texas realtor that lost 20 lbs,even with my busy schedule.
http://www.losefat4idiots.org

Source : South Beach Diet plan, Atkins Low Carb Plan, South Beach Diet articles at www.goarticles.com

Atkins Diet Plan - Lose 10 Pounds Fast With The South Beach Diet

Atkins Diet Plan - Lose 10 Pounds Fast With The South Beach Diet by Robert Adkins

The South Beach Diet is similar to the Atkins Diet in that it has an initial two week phase I period that drastically reduces carbs. The difference between Atkins and South Beach is that there are good carbs and bad carbs. The glycemic index of a food is what counts. The glycemic index is how much a food increases blood sugar compared to the amount that same quantity of white bread would increase blood sugar. It is possible to lose 10 pounds fast with the South Beach Diet.
A spike in the blood sugar or glucose, signals the pancreas to make more insulin. The insulin's job is to get the sugar out of the blood stream into the organs for energy or into storage. The body stores glucose as fat. Keeping the blood sugar from spiking means less insulin is produced which means the sugars are absorbed slowly resulting in a steady level of decreasing sugar levels rather than a rush. Low blood sugar leads to cravings for sugary foods and over eating. And the cycle starts again.

Bad carbs spike the blood sugar. Good carbs don't. Good carbs are those from foods which contain a lot of fiber, such as whole grains or contain fiber and water such as fruit. The body takes longer to digest the good carbs so they enter the blood stream more slowly.
The longer food takes to digest the better. For example a piece of raw broccoli is better than cooked because your body has to work harder to digest the raw broccoli. The faster carbohydrates are digested, the more quickly they're turned into sugar - glucose, and the more likely they will be turned to stored fat.

Fiber, protein and fats slow down the digestive system which means the blood sugar rises slowly and falls slowly. The tendency to over eat is diminished and the onset of hunger delayed.
The South Beach Diet limits fats and oils and encourages the consumption of lean cuts of meat and low fat cheeses. Vegetables and fruits are allowed after the initial phase I - two week period. Whole grains can be added back including whole grain bread. White breads, cookies, cakes, rice, potatoes, and sugar are off limits except for special occasions.

The South Beach Diet is a change in eating patterns for life, but other than the forbidden processed foods, white flour, and sugar, the diet is reasonably manageable. After the initial stage where you can lose 10 pounds fast, it allows a broader selection of foods than the Atkins diet.
************************************ This is not intended to be medical advice. See your doctor before starting any weight loss program ***********************************

About the Author
Free Backlinks
Sing along with MJ. Michael Jackson's Songs And Lyrics

Source : South Beach Diet Plan, Atkins Diet Plan articles at www.goarticles.com

South Beach Diet and the Atkins Low Carb Plan

South Beach Diet Articles : South Beach Diet and the Atkins Low Carb Plan Author: Dom Tass

The Atkins Low Carb Diet is based on eating very few carbs (especially during phase 1), and we believe that it's one of the strictest weight loss plans on the market, and it's probably one of the hardest to follow low carb programs ever created.

There is no mistaking this program for anything other than an extremely strict low carb plan which will sap your energy very quickly, since it only allows 80 carb calories per day during the first phase. That's less carbs than you'll find in a decent sized apple.

This program is not for the faint of heart.

What about the South Beach Diet?

The South Beach diet is also a fairly strict low carb program (during the first phase), though perhaps not quite as strict as the Atkins program. But we also believe that the South Beach plan is too strict to be practical for everyday dieters, since it's no picnic either and it has the potential to sap your energy during phase 1 with the severely reduced carbs.

For example, we've observed that the higher carb foods (on the South Beach menu) are severely limited in portions during the first phase of the diet and this prevents a normal amount of carbs from being eaten during the first phase.

In fact, the only foods which dieters are allowed to eat in "unlimited portions" (during phase 1) are protein foods and super-low-calorie vegetables.

For example, the South Beach menu allows unlimited lettuce during phase 1 but yet it limits the portions of "tomatoes" and "onions" and "peanuts".

Additionally, the "sweet snacks" which are allowed on the South Beach menu are limited to a mere 75 calories per day during phase 1.

Can you believe that? Only 75 calories of sweet snacks per day? That's almost ridiculous.

So although the South Beach plan allows so-called "sweet snacks" they are limited to just 75 calories per day (that's less calories than a typical cookie contains).

So although the South Beach program is not as strict as the Atkins diet, it's our opinion that both diets are fairly strict and we believe that both are difficult to follow for average dieters.

Plus, both diets seem to have no "end" in sight since both the Atkins plan and the South Beach diet never allow dieters to return to a normal carb lifestyle (where carbs don't have to be closely watched).

These 2 diets do gradually allow more and more carbs to be eaten as time goes by of course, but even after 6 months dieters are still told to watch their carb intake to some degree each day.

So it's a major lifestyle change which is required by these diets, and many dieters will find it difficult to never be able to enjoy carb filled restaurant meals which can be eaten completely "as served".

So overall we think that both diets are not very practical for average dieters, since we believe that most people will find it difficult to modify their entire lifestyle forever. We therefore strongly recommend against using the South Beach and Atkins programs.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/south-beach-diet-and-the-atkins-low-carb-plan-221474.html

Atkins Low Carb Diet Versus South Beach Diet Review

Atkins Low Carb Diet Versus South Beach Diet Review by Elliot Jarves

The Atkins Low Carb Diet is based on eating very few carbs especially during the first phase. We believe that it's one of the strictest weight loss plans on the market today, and it's probably one of the hardest to follow low carb programs ever created.

There is no mistaking the Atkins Diet for anything other than an extremely strict low carb plan which will sap your energy very quickly, since it only allows 80 carb calories per day during the first phase. That's less carbs than you'll find in a decent sized apple.

This program is not for the faint of heart.

What about the South Beach Diet?

The South Beach diet is also a fairly strict low carb program during the first phase. Though perhaps not quite as strict as the Atkins program. But we also believe that the South Beach plan is too strict a regimen to be practical for everyday dieters, since it's no picnic either and it has the potential to drain your energy during phase 1, with the severely reduced carbs.

For example, we have observed that the higher carb foods (on the South Beach menu) are severely limited in portions during the first phase of the diet -- and this prevents a normal amount of carbs from being eaten during the first phase.

In fact, the only foods which dieters are allowed to eat in "unlimited portions" (during phase 1) are protein foods and super-low-calorie vegetables.

For example, the South Beach menu allows unlimited lettuce during phase 1 --- but yet it limits the portions of "tomatoes" and "onions" and "peanuts".

Additionally, the "sweet snacks" which are allowed on the South Beach menu are limited to a mere 75 calories per day during phase 1.

Can you believe that? Only 75 calories of sweet snacks per day? That's almost ridiculous.

So although the South Beach plan allows so-called "sweet snacks" -- they are limited to just 75 calories per day (that's less calories than a typical cookie contains).

So although the South Beach program is not as strict as the Atkins diet, it's our opinion that both diets are fairly strict -- and we believe that both are difficult to follow for average dieters.

Plus, both diets seem to have no "end" in sight -- since both the Atkins plan and the South Beach diet never allow dieters to return to a normal carb lifestyle (where carbs don't have to be closely watched).

These 2 diets do gradually allow more and more carbs to be eaten as time goes by of course, but even after 6 months dieters are still told to watch their carb intake to some degree each day.

So it's a major lifestyle change which is required by these diets, and many dieters will find it difficult to never be able to enjoy carb filled restaurant meals which can be eaten completely "as served".

So overall we think that both diets are not very practical for average dieters, since we believe that most people will find it difficult to modify their entire lifestyle forever. We therefore strongly recommend against using the South Beach and Atkins programs.

End of Review.

About the Author
To further investigate and compare Diet Programs that have been proven to work while staying healthy, Visit--->> http://diet.profitsdomain.com

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=591382

The Atkins Diet Vs The South Beach Diet

The Atkins Diet Vs The South Beach Diet by Johnny Moon

If you are trying to lose weight or even if you aren't, you have probably heard of the two famous diets: the Atkins Diet and the South Beach Diet. The Atkins Diet was created by a doctor named Dr. Robert C. Atkins in 1972. He wrote a best-selling book entitled Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution that increased the popularity of the diet.

The South Beach Diet was started by a Florida cardiologist named Dr. Arthur Agaston in the mid 1990s. He wrote the best-selling book entitled The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan in 2003.

SIMILARITIES

Structure Of Programs

The structure of both the Atkins Diet and South Beach Diet are very similar. Both programs include a 2 week initiation phase that severely restricts the type of food that participants can eat. Carbohydrates are slowly added in the second phase of both programs. Once participants reach their desired weight, they enter into what is called a maintenance phase. The long term plan involves eating normal portions.

Restriction Of Carbohydrates

Both diets also restrict the number of carbohydrates participants eat daily. They believe that carbs are the main cause of weight gain in individuals. Dieters following the Atkins and the South Beach Diet are recommended to avoid trans-fats whenever possible. In addition, they both differentiate between "good" and "bad" carbohydrates. Bad carbohydrates include highly refined foods such as white flour and sugars. Both programs encourage people to eventually lose their cravings for carbohydrates.

Individual Carbohydrate Levels

The two diets also promote finding the individual carbohydrate level that works best for each individual dieter. The creators of both programs believe that this level varies for each person.

DIFFERENCES

Principal Causes Of Weight Gain

The Atkins Diet is a high protein and high fat program that focuses on the belief that weight gain is normally caused by the resistance to insulin. Consequently, participants are restricted to eating less than 20 grams of carbohydrates daily. The main goal is to encourage individuals to change from sugar-burning to fat-burning.

The South Beach Diet is a high protein program that works on the premise that excess weight is often caused by the number and types of carbohydrates consumed, especially carbs that are highly processed. Highly processed carbs cause a rise in a person's insulin level which results in higher cravings for carbohydrates. The main goal is to promote low-sugar carbs or ones that don't cause a person's blood sugars to rise or fall as quickly.

Type Of Recommended Fats

The Atkins Diet suggests people eat a variety of fats, including a healthy balance of Omega 6's and 3's. This program allows a higher number of saturated fats such as butter than the South Beach Diet.

The South Beach Diet recommends people each a minimum of saturated fats including eliminating items such as butter or dark meat. This program recommends the use of healthy fats such as olive and canola oil.

Carbohydrate Counting

Another difference exists in the manner in which the two programs deals with carbohydrate counting. Followers of the Atkins Diet must count all carbs that are digestible. This means counting every single gram of carbs daily.

On the other hand, the South Beach Diet does not place a limit on the number of non-starchy vegetables a person can eat. Followers of this program count carbohydrates by monitoring the size and number of portions which is easier than the Atkins' method. This diet promotes healthy snacking, rather than calorie counting. Dieters are advised to eat regular portions that are just large enough to satisfy their hunger.

About the Author
Johnny Moon recommends reading more about the South Beach Diet and the Atkins Diet

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=569685

The Atkins Diet Vs The South Beach Diet

The Atkins Diet Vs The South Beach Diet by Johnny Moon

If you are trying to lose weight or even if you aren't, you have probably heard of the two famous diets: the Atkins Diet and the South Beach Diet. The Atkins Diet was created by a doctor named Dr. Robert C. Atkins in 1972. He wrote a best-selling book entitled Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution that increased the popularity of the diet.

The South Beach Diet was started by a Florida cardiologist named Dr. Arthur Agaston in the mid 1990s. He wrote the best-selling book entitled The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan in 2003.

SIMILARITIES - South Beach Diet and Atkins Diet

Structure Of Programs

The structure of both the Atkins Diet and South Beach Diet are very similar. Both programs include a 2 week initiation phase that severely restricts the type of food that participants can eat. Carbohydrates are slowly added in the second phase of both programs. Once participants reach their desired weight, they enter into what is called a maintenance phase. The long term plan involves eating normal portions.

Restriction Of Carbohydrates

Both diets also restrict the number of carbohydrates participants eat daily. They believe that carbs are the main cause of weight gain in individuals. Dieters following the Atkins and the South Beach Diet are recommended to avoid trans-fats whenever possible. In addition, they both differentiate between "good" and "bad" carbohydrates. Bad carbohydrates include highly refined foods such as white flour and sugars. Both programs encourage people to eventually lose their cravings for carbohydrates.

Individual Carbohydrate Levels

The two diets also promote finding the individual carbohydrate level that works best for each individual dieter. The creators of both programs believe that this level varies for each person.

DIFFERENCES - South Beach Diet and Atkins Diet

Principal Causes Of Weight Gain

The Atkins Diet is a high protein and high fat program that focuses on the belief that weight gain is normally caused by the resistance to insulin. Consequently, participants are restricted to eating less than 20 grams of carbohydrates daily. The main goal is to encourage individuals to change from sugar-burning to fat-burning.

The South Beach Diet is a high protein program that works on the premise that excess weight is often caused by the number and types of carbohydrates consumed, especially carbs that are highly processed. Highly processed carbs cause a rise in a person's insulin level which results in higher cravings for carbohydrates. The main goal is to promote low-sugar carbs or ones that don't cause a person's blood sugars to rise or fall as quickly.

Type Of Recommended Fats

The Atkins Diet suggests people eat a variety of fats, including a healthy balance of Omega 6's and 3's. This program allows a higher number of saturated fats such as butter than the South Beach Diet.

The South Beach Diet recommends people each a minimum of saturated fats including eliminating items such as butter or dark meat. This program recommends the use of healthy fats such as olive and canola oil.

Carbohydrate Counting

Another difference exists in the manner in which the two programs deals with carbohydrate counting. Followers of the Atkins Diet must count all carbs that are digestible. This means counting every single gram of carbs daily.

On the other hand, the South Beach Diet does not place a limit on the number of non-starchy vegetables a person can eat. Followers of this program count carbohydrates by monitoring the size and number of portions which is easier than the Atkins' method. This diet promotes healthy snacking, rather than calorie counting. Dieters are advised to eat regular portions that are just large enough to satisfy their hunger.

Atkins Low Carb Diet Versus South Beach Diet Review

Atkins Low Carb Diet Versus South Beach Diet Review by Elliot Jarves

The Atkins Low Carb Diet is based on eating very few carbs especially during the first phase. We believe that it's one of the strictest weight loss plans on the market today, and it's probably one of the hardest to follow low carb programs ever created.

There is no mistaking the Atkins Diet for anything other than an extremely strict low carb plan which will sap your energy very quickly, since it only allows 80 carb calories per day during the first phase. That's less carbs than you'll find in a decent sized apple.

This program is not for the faint of heart.

What about the South Beach Diet Plan?

The South Beach diet is also a fairly strict low carb program during the first phase. Though perhaps not quite as strict as the Atkins program. But we also believe that the South Beach diet plan is too strict a regimen to be practical for everyday dieters, since it's no picnic either and it has the potential to drain your energy during South Beach diet phase 1, with the severely reduced carbs.

For example, we have observed that the higher carb foods (on the South Beach menu) are severely limited in portions during the first phase of the diet -- and this prevents a normal amount of carbs from being eaten during the first phase.

In fact, the only foods which dieters are allowed to eat in "unlimited portions" (during phase 1) are protein foods and super-low-calorie vegetables.

For example, the South Beach diet menu allows unlimited lettuce during phase 1 --- but yet it limits the portions of "tomatoes" and "onions" and "peanuts".

Additionally, the "sweet snacks" which are allowed on the South Beach diet menu are limited to a mere 75 calories per day during phase 1.

Can you believe that? Only 75 calories of sweet snacks per day? That's almost ridiculous.

So although the South Beach diet plan allows so-called "sweet snacks" -- they are limited to just 75 calories per day (that's less calories than a typical cookie contains).

So although the South Beach diet program is not as strict as the Atkins diet, it's our opinion that both diets are fairly strict -- and we believe that both are difficult to follow for average dieters.

Plus, both diets seem to have no "end" in sight -- since both the Atkins plan and the South Beach diet never allow dieters to return to a normal carb lifestyle (where carbs don't have to be closely watched).

These 2 diets do gradually allow more and more carbs to be eaten as time goes by of course, but even after 6 months dieters are still told to watch their carb intake to some degree each day.

So it's a major lifestyle change which is required by these diets, and many dieters will find it difficult to never be able to enjoy carb filled restaurant meals which can be eaten completely "as served".

So overall we think that both diets are not very practical for average dieters, since we believe that most people will find it difficult to modify their entire lifestyle forever. We therefore strongly recommend against using the South Beach diet and Atkins diet programs.