Low carb diets are becoming popular as more and more people realise the advantages
of the low carb approach for health and weight loss. This
section gives an overview of the most popular low carb diets.
Atkins Diet
Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution is the best selling low carb
diet, and its been around the longest. The Atkins diet is
designed for faster weight loss (although it doesn't work
that way for everyone) and its the lowest in carbohydrates
of the top low carb diets. Atkins is also the diet that conventional
nutritionists love to criticise, because, unlike the other
top low carb diets, it encourages ketosis (a sign that your
body is burning fat for energy).
Carbohydrate Addicts
Diet
The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet (CAD) is like being on Atkins
for breakfast & lunch, (but without counting carbs, because
you're restricted to a specific list of low carb foods) and
then being on the Zone for dinner. CAD recommends that dinner
is a balanced meal, (which also makes dinner planning easier!).
Protein Power diet
Protein Power gives the best explanation of the importance
of protein in the diet, and also of the importance of fiber,
and why you don't have to count fiber carbs. Similar to Atkins,
but without the emphasis on ketosis / lipolysis. Protein Power
is the best book to buy if you're interested in the scientific
explanation of how low carbohydrate diets work.
South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet is becoming popular. Its based on the
gylcemic index, and somewhat higher in carbs than the other
low carb diets - so much so, that its author claims that its
not low carb at all! - Technically, you could call it a 'moderate
carb diet'. Many people find the South Beach Diet easier to
handle, because its a bit more generous with the carbs. Be
sure to read the book first!
Zone Diet
The Zone diet was originally designed for athletes. It recommends
a 40-30-30 balance of carbohydrates, fats & protein every
time you eat, making it the highest in carbohydrates of the
top low carb diets. It is one of the more complicated low
carb diets to plan for.
Carb Counters
If you're counting carbs, you need a ready reference - whether
its a carbohydrate counter book or software, or both, is really
your preference. If you prefer to use carb tracking software,
you might also find it convenient to have a pocket reference
to carry with you.
