With regards to calories, there are two approaches between the two diets being examined that lead to weight loss. The logic behind the Atkins diet is that by eating fewer carbohydrates, insulin levels remain at a steadier degree and cravings are subsided, thereby causing people to consume fewer calories and in turn lose weight. Despite the loss in weight however, the substitutes for these simple carbohydrates recommended by the Atkins diet are high fat, high protein foods such as butter, cheese, and meats. These foods although when eaten exclusively can lead to weight loss, there are other health problems associated with this method of dieting. An alternative to substituting simple carbohydrates with high ... ... middle of paper ... ... foods are encouraged.
These studies indicated that people lose more weight on Atkins than on a low-fat diet, but the difference was not great (Gage, 2003). According to the findings in these short-term studies people who choose to eat a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates do not suffer any major health issues. In some cases the dieters have actually improved their health by lowering their cholesterol and losing weight. For years we have been told that eating a low-fat diet and following an exercise plan is the key to losing weight and staying healthy. This approach to healthy weight loss can be a slow process but reduces the presumed risks associated with other diets, such as Atkins.
Therefore, when people go on this diet, they are allowed foods that have fat and protein in it, especially foods like meat and cheeses, yet they are not allowed certain vegetables, fruits, pastas, and breads. This diet is based on the idea that if a person does follow these strict rules and not e... ... middle of paper ... ...rily fare better than the low-fat diet after twelve months. The low-carbohydrate diet and the low-fat diet seem to have two different approaches to achieving weight loss but come up with similar results after long-term use. The low-carbohydrate diet on one hand allows people to consume foods that are higher in fat such as certain meats, while cutting out carbohydrates. The low-fat diet on the other hand allows people to eat carbohydrates, but cutting back on the fat a person consumes.
Becau... ... middle of paper ... ...st in calories. However, that connection is nonexistent and people can gain weight on low-fat diets if they are not careful. They also do not get enough of the vitamins that are only found in fat. Low-calorie diets stipulate a cutback in overall food intake. Such diets are effective but also cut back on essential vitamins.
Most of the research for this has been done with overweight people as a way to lose weight or for people with diabetes as a treatment method. Low carb diets are good for you in the short term because they reduce cardiovascular risk indicators and do not have any effect on your kidneys. One study found that low carb diets reduce markers of endothelial function. (Davis, et al., 2011) Endothelial function is associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease. (Davis, et al., 2011) Also low carb diets show a short term improvement in cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance and HDL cholesterol.
Compare and Contrast Low Carbohydrate Diets and Low Fat Diets The two most popular methods to lose weight are the low carbohydrate diets and the low fat diets. Both are in complete contrast when it comes to each diet’s food choices, the low carbohydrate diet which completely breaks the food pyramid limits a person to eating foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta and rice, while on the other hand, the low fat diet which follow the food pyramid limits a person to eat foods that are high in fat like meat, milk, and bean groups. Although each diet may sound very different from one another, they also share similarities. Both the low carbohydrate diet and the low fat diet claim that each is a good tool for weight loss. Even though their process in achieving weight loss and good health are in complete contrast; researchers found that each of the diets accomplish the same results.
One study showed that, after 12 months, dieters following the Atkins diet had regained over 30% of weight that they had lost in the first six months on the diet, dropping from 7% cumulative body weight loss at six months to 4.4% cumulative body weight loss at 12 months. This weight gain may in part be due to the difficulty dieters have in following the dietary recommendations, but if the Atkins diet cannot help dieters keep the weight off than it is no better than any other diet we have and the side effects may be worse.
The Atkins diet is the best choice for dieters looking to lose a few superficial pounds quickly because dieters on the Atkins diet lose more weight within 3-6 months and do not experience the heart disease characteristics that some accuse it of. The method of the Atkins diet is to restrict carbohydrate intake, while allowing the consumption of foods that are high in protein and fat. This method has been controversial because it contradicts the conventional food pyramid, which promotes the consumption of foods with less fat and the largest proportion of food being carbohydrates like whole wheat. The food pyramid promoters do not agree with Dr. Atkins’ promotion of foods high in protein and fat. In fact, most believe that he allows an unlimited amount of protein and fat in his diet; but this is not true.
Comparing the Atkins Diet and the Zone Diet The Atkins and the Zone Diet both view carbohydrates as one of the key nutrients in attaining a reasonable weight. The Atkins Diet reduces one's intake of carbohydrates to the bare minimum substituting them with high fats and proteins. Insulin levels within the body are maintained at a constant level with these foods. But many skeptics do not believe that the Atkins choice of food is very healthy. The Zone Diet believes in more of a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins which affects the body as a whole.
The questions I asked Brankle include: What is your opinion on fad diets? Are there any good ones? And what are some alternatives to fad diets? She replied to me a few days later by telling me that she tended to shy away from these sorts of diets unless they were supported by research and evidence that they not only worked but they also were safe to use. She continued her email only to support the research I had already found that a diet that supports drastic and often times unhealthy measures to lose weight is not a maintainable or a healthy lifestyle.