The Atkins Diet Versus Low-Fat Diets Essay -- Health Nutrition Diet Ex

The Atkins Diet Versus Low-Fat Diets   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Atkins diet and the USDA recommended low-fat diet seem to be on the opposite sides of the diet spectrum. These two diets have many differences and no apparent similarities, other than the goal of losing weight. These differences include the results of the diets, possible side effects, and the theories behind the diets. The Atkins diet recommends reducing carbohydrate intake in order to lose weight. Conversely, the low-fat diet recommends reducing caloric intake to lose weight; especially the calories from fat. The Atkins diet and the low- fat diet differ in the methods behind their diets, the results that participants experience while on the diet and the possible side effects linked to the diet.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The methods behind the Atkins diet and the low-fat diet differ extensively. The Atkins diet is based on the theory that a reduction in carbohydrate intake will lower the dieter’s body weight. The recommended amount of carbohydrates for this diet is 20 grams for the first phase of the diet. During the second stage of the diet, participants are encouraged to increase their carbohydrate intake by 5 grams every week until their weight loss has stopped. Usually the intake of carbohydrates remains under 30 grams a day for the duration of the diet. The rest of the diet consists of an unlimited amount of protein and fat. On the other hand, the low-fat diet restricts caloric intake about 2,000 calories (depending on your age, sex, and height) in order to lose weight. Within the dieter’s restricted amount of calories; 30% of the overall calories can be from fat, 10% from protein, and 60 % from carbohydrates. On a 2,000 calorie diet, this wo... ...n negative side effects due to the lack of fiber through fruits, vegetables and grains; whereas those on low-fat diets have shown the positive side effect of a lowered risk of heart disease.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Atkins diet and the low-fat diet show differences in their method of weight loss, the short-term and long-term results of their diet and the side effects that are caused by the method of the diet. The Atkins diet emphasizes the reduction of carbohydrates from the diet in order to lose weight; whereas the low-fat diet emphasizes the reduction of calories, especially those high in fat. The Atkins method seems to cause more weight loss than the low-fat diet within the first 3-6 months but shows similar loss after 12 months. But this increased weight loss early in the diet is accompanied by more negative side effects than the low- fat diet.