The 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).
Protein Power
Protein Power is somewhat similar to Atkins, but slightly
more generous in its carbohydrate allowance. It insists on
adequate protein & fiber, & doesn't encourage ketosis.
Protein Power is the best book to buy if you're interested
in the scientific explanation of how low carbohydrate diets
work. 'The Low-Carb Cookbook', one of the best low carb cookbooks
on the market, was written with the protein power diet in
mind.
The Zone Diet
The Zone Diet is the highest in carbohydrates of the top
low carb diets. It was originally designed for athletes. It
recommends a 40-30-30 balance of carbohydrates, fats &
protein every time you eat. This can make meal planning tedious,
but there are Zone cookbooks on the market that have done
this work for you. (such as 'Zone Meals in Seconds').
The Carbohydrate Addicts Diet (CAD)
The Carbohydrate Addicts 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!), but in later books (eg The
Carbohydrate Addict's Lifespan Program), the authors explain
that this means 1/3 each by volume: protein, low carbohydrate
vegetables, and other high carbohydrate foods.
Some people find CAD an easier low carb
diet, because it doesn't require carbohydrate counting, and
because it allows high carbohydrate foods at the main meal.
But it also tends to lead to a slower weigh loss for most
people.
The South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet is becoming popular.
Its 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 this diet easier to handle, because
its a bit more generous with the carbs.
So which low carb diet is for you?
Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution,
if you're looking for faster weight loss
Protein Power if
you want a diet similar to Atkins, but slightly more generous.
The Zone, if
you're into sport or exercise and need more carbs
The Carbohydrate Addict's
Diet for a relatively easy introduction to lowcarb
dieting
The South Beach Diet
if you want to try a less strenuous approach to low carb dieting.
