Southbeach Vs. Atkins

Nurses General Nursing

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Ok, I am seeking opinions from others who have information regarding the pros and cons of these two types of diets. They seem so similar. Any advice or comments??

Specializes in Psychiatry.

Now I enjoy the right kinds of fats found in olive oil, nuts, avacodo, canola oil, etc>>

Same here. :-) I love sunflower seeds and almonds are great too. Someone online had mentioned that they order garlic almonds. I've been searching for those but haven't found any yet.

Right now, eating an apple with all natural peanut butter. lol

Kelly

Specializes in Psychiatry.

But the premise foe EITHER diet is its not a diet of the week, its a lifestyle change. Nobody needs the amount of carbs we all eat, that's what got us here to begin with>>

So true. I was taught it was healthier to eat low fat growing up.

Now changing our eating style to low carb, even my skin looks healthier. Definitely more energy too.

Kelly

Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

A co-worker of mine is on the South Beach diet and from what I can tell, it is more restrictive than Atkin's. Both diets restrict carbs, but SB always restricts fat much more than Atkin's. She is very dedicated and has lost the last eight pounds that had eluded her for a long time, but I sure couldn't see staying on a plan like that for an extended period of time. It also cycles, with the first phase being most restrictive.

Originally posted by mercyteapot

A co-worker of mine is on the South Beach diet and from what I can tell, it is more restrictive than Atkin's. Both diets restrict carbs, but SB always restricts fat much more than Atkin's. She is very dedicated and has lost the last eight pounds that had eluded her for a long time, but I sure couldn't see staying on a plan like that for an extended period of time. It also cycles, with the first phase being most restrictive.

Technically, you're right. You can't have all the different kinds of fat on SB as you can on Atkins. The carb selections after the first two weeks of this eating plan are less restrictive...and the selections are wholesome and not processed as they can be on Atkins.

I have been on SBD for 4 months now. I am eating healthy, balanced meals. I wouldn't have believed I wouldn't miss the refined carbs, but I don't. I feel better than I did before SBD. I'm sticking to it. Have lost 23 pounds, but the health benefits are the real bonus. :)

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

How is South Beach's "induction" period, as compared to Atkins? Can you give me a brief rundown of it? I did Atkins last year and lasted exactly 10 days. Lost 4 lbs, but felt like crap and was craving carbs something FIERCE. I'm just wondering how SB compares in the first few weeks.

Originally posted by KellyMarie37

But the premise foe EITHER diet is its not a diet of the week, its a lifestyle change. Nobody needs the amount of carbs we all eat, that's what got us here to begin with>>

So true. I was taught it was healthier to eat low fat growing up.

Now changing our eating style to low carb, even my skin looks healthier. Definitely more energy too.

Kelly

Its really weird going from the low fat era to a high fat diet isn't it? lol I STILL have a hard time with that sort of thing. I find that i eat LESS on a low carb diet, but heavier foods i guess. And the energy level is AMAZING. But honestly low fat diets have never worked with me. EVER. I was always hungry, always craving things, never losing. Just goes to show you how different all human bodies and dietary needs are different eh?

Originally posted by klone

How is South Beach's "induction" period, as compared to Atkins? Can you give me a brief rundown of it? I did Atkins last year and lasted exactly 10 days. Lost 4 lbs, but felt like crap and was craving carbs something FIERCE. I'm just wondering how SB compares in the first few weeks.

I don't know about the SBD induction, but i'm curious about what you say about how you felt. When i first tried Atkins, i had to reinduct and start the whole thing over after 3 days cuz i realized i was doing some wrong things. I was drinking way too many diet sodas which causes sugar cravings, i wasn't taking the vitamins which is a MUST to take at least a MTV, and i was not adding enough fat into my dishes so i was not satisfied. After reading and researching i started over again and did much better. I'd say after about a week, the cravings left me and i felt MUCH better. But it did take some time. But i did crave carbs the first few days of induction while my body was "detoxing". What kind of things were you doing during this induction phase?? :)

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
Originally posted by SnowymtnRN

I don't know about the SBD induction, but i'm curious about what you say about how you felt....What kind of things were you doing during this induction phase?? :)

I felt physically ill for the first week. Dizzy, headaches, nauseated, just unwell. I know that was detox and carb withdrawal (too much insulin). Those feelings did go away after a week, but the carb cravings continued, and I finally succumbed.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
Originally posted by klone

I felt physically ill for the first week. Dizzy, headaches, nauseated, just unwell. I know that was detox and carb withdrawal (too much insulin). Those feelings did go away after a week, but the carb cravings continued, and I finally succumbed.

I did the Atkins induction and lasted 13 days, so I almost made it. I craved fruit, I would have killed for a peach or an apple during those last few days. But it was an excellent way to stop the bad carb eating.

Specializes in Psychiatry.

Its really weird going from the low fat era to a high fat diet isn't it? lol I STILL have a hard time with that sort of thing. I find that i eat LESS on a low carb diet, but heavier foods i guess. And the energy level is AMAZING>>

Yes, it was strange to start eating the good fats. I was so conditioned into thinking that all fat was bad.

I also eat less, not as hungry either. I LUV the extra energy. It's been a couple years now and it's definitely been a positive change for me.

Also helped me lose weight when I quit smoking and keep it off. :-)

Kelly

Originally posted by 3rdShiftGuy

I did the Atkins induction and lasted 13 days, so I almost made it. I craved fruit, I would have killed for a peach or an apple during those last few days. But it was an excellent way to stop the bad carb eating.

Hey Tweet, are you still low carbing it? I know what you mean, i have little boys who love fruit and to SEE them eating it almost was TOO much for me! lol Made me want to chew my own arm off, but once i got over that induction period, i was much better! lol

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
Originally posted by klone

How is South Beach's "induction" period, as compared to Atkins? Can you give me a brief rundown of it? I did Atkins last year and lasted exactly 10 days. Lost 4 lbs, but felt like crap and was craving carbs something FIERCE. I'm just wondering how SB compares in the first few weeks.

http://weightloss.about.com/cs/diets/a/aa060403a.htm

About.com has a good link that answers some of these questions. I've loaned my book out so I can't help you right now. The SBD allows for more salads, things like nuts, whereas Atkins induction's allows for only a couple of cups of salad and no nuts.

I think either "induction" phase is o.k. in that it gets rid of bad carbs. As I've stated I think for long-term health the SBD with it's emphasis on lean meats, healthy fats, whole grains and healthy low glycemic carbs is a very good way of eating. Much better than the latter phase of Atkins in my opinion. Although Atkins does encourage healthy veggies, avacodoes, etc. So it's not all bad either.

To me a healthy diet is one that includes lean meats, legumes, soy products like tofu, nuts and seeds, healthy oils, and lots and lots of variety of veggies and lower glycemic fruits of a variety of colors. Very little processed foods. These are the cornerstone of a healthy diet.

Eating low carb isn't good enough. For me anyway. There are societies that eat lots of carbs, yet don't have the obesity and chronic illnesses we have. Diets such as the Mediterrian diet and Asian diets seem to have one thing in common: lots of vegetables and fruits, and healthy fats.

The word is not out yet in nutrition. The latest buzz is insulin control. Seems like it was always changing. :)

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