Atkins vs. South Beach diet

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-16-2003
Atkins vs. South Beach diet
2
Tue, 10-28-2003 - 4:43pm
Hello everyone! I'm from the Atkins board, and so far my weight loss is going well! I've been on Atkins for 3 months and I love it. The reason I'm posting here is because my best friend is considering eating low carb. The thing is, he doesn't want to eat low carb for weight loss, but just because he knows that he feels so much healthier when he's eating low carb. I thought about maybe suggesting that he start at a higher phase of Atkins, but the first thought I had was that maybe he try the SBD. I just think it would be easier for him to follow because from what I understand, it's not as strict as Atkins. I'm really quite uneducated about the SBD, though, so could someone perhaps enlighten me about what exactly it involves, and how it differs from Atkins? I would really appreciate it, since I told my friend that I would do some research for him to help him get started. Thanks a lot in advance! ~Sabrina
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-18-2003
Tue, 10-28-2003 - 5:07pm
Welcome to the board! I was on Atkins for almost 5 mths prior to SBD. I've been on SBD almost 2 wks. So, here's what I know about them in a nutshell. SB stresses lots of lean protein vs. Atkins encourages fatty proteins. SB stresses "good" carbs like items with whole grains and lots of fiber which could include whole wheat breads, slow-cook oatmeal, crackers, beans, and fruits on the low end of the glycemic index. Atkins stresses low carb of all kinds. SB is more concerned with how the food affects the blood sugar level. Low glycemic is always best. First two weeks, phase 1 is meant for clearing out the carb cravings with SB. This is true of Atkins also, however, getting the body into ketosis is also important for Atkins. Ketosis is not important with SB. Having foods that spike the blood sugar, like fruit is encouraged at specific times of day so that the blood sugar doesn't take quick jumps. For instance, have your fruit, but have it with or following a meal. I am really enjoying the SBD. I feel like I have so much more variety, which is what I was looking for when I left the Atkins WOE. I hope I didn't confuse you! Good luck!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-18-2003
Tue, 10-28-2003 - 5:13pm
Sabrinajoy, I forgot to say that on SBD, you can have skim milk, cottage cheese, and yogurt. I beleive the only one you can have on Atkins is cottage cheese and on a very limited basis.