What is the difference between South Beach and Atkins?

South Beach and Atkins are two types of diets for people who desire to lose weight. Both South Beach and Atkins are very similar in that both propose a reduction in the intake of carbohydrates. Both diet regimens are organized almost in the same way. Both diet plans are structured on the claim that someone can start losing weight by eating as much fat and protein as possible but with a great reduction in carbohydrates intake.

The first period for both diet plans start by avoiding certain types of foods, and this goes on for 14 days, after which you move to the second phase, and finally the maintenance phase. The major difference between both diet regimens is that Atkins proposes the intake of any kind of fat product you can lay your hands on, while South Beach is specific on the types of fats you can take. South Beach does not advise saturated fat intake. Monounsaturated fats are usually advised.

Both diets have the integral focus of decreasing or eliminating carbohydrates. South Beach also concentrates on lessening the intake of saturated fats such as butter and red meat. Atkins emphasizes the importance of eating more monosaturated fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, as well as omega-6 fatty acids. It also emphasizes the significance of balancing the intake of both. South Beach proposes carb portion counting, while Atkins counts daily carbs eaten by the gram.

South Beach involves simpler carb counts, and it is not persistent about limiting non-starchy vegetables in the count. Atkins uses the carb ladder, while South Beach uses the glycemic index. Atkins also advises the intake of a balance of various fat sources, unlike South Beach, which limits butter intake and only focuses its attention on the consumption of omega 3's.

Two of the more popular diets are the South Beach and Atkins diets. South Beach diets are known for having low carb foods, but they are not strict about it. They say that you will lose at the most seven pounds within the first week of the diet. They have established this diet so that you can keep the weight off for the rest of your life. They say it is affordable. Atkins seems to have been around more often than the South Beach diet.

They say that this diet is geared toward those who need to lose a lot of weight compared to the South Beach diet. They have many options to choose from including snacks and full meals.