Atkins Diet, Zone Diet and South Beach Diet

The different diets that have entered the lexicons of dieters and health conscious people are the Atkins Diet, the Zone Diet and the South Beach Diet. The common feature among any diet pattern is the different phases that the diet regime undergoes. For instance, followers of Atkins Diet would have four phases; and people who advocate South Beach Diet would have three phases to follow. However, the Zone Diet has an exception, where you do not find any specific number of phases.

Another common feature among diets is an underlying specific principle that governs the regime. The buzzword for Atkins Diet is ‘low carb dieting’ and it is no coincidence that Dr. Atkins is called the ‘Father of Modern Low Carb Diets’. Consisting of four phases such as the induction, ongoing weight loss (OWL), pre-maintenance and maintenance phase, the duration rests on the weight and response of a person who undergoes the diet. Addition of carbohydrates takes place with progression of phases, but with a caveat. You have to refrain from refined grain and sugars for a sustained result.

The Zone diet popularized by Biochemist Barry Sears centers on the theory that a 30:40 proportion of Proteins: Carbohydrates triggers natural anti-inflammatory chemicals of the type of eicosanoids. These are heart and health friendly and that's why probably Barry Sears termed this positive effect as ‘The Zone’. The Zone Diet shot to fame, when Mexican Manuel Uribe lost about 180 kg in a year. Sounds incredible! Nevertheless, it has to be believed since it’s true.

The South Beach Diet designed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiac Physician, focused on his patients symptomatic of insulin resistance syndrome, which doesn’t keep the heart fit. The diet consisting of three phases with the first phase lasting a fortnight, but excludes most of the carbohydrates and sources of saturated fats including trans fats. Gradual increase of carbohydrates with a low glycemic index is added to the regime as the phases advance further.

Check out websites for more on these plans and do yourself a whole lot of good to adopt a low-carb diet with a low glycemic index and a balanced diet regime.