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Atkins29
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Zone30
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Protein Power31
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Sugar Busters32
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Stillman28
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| Diet philosophy |
Eating too many carbohydrates causes obesity and other health problems; ketosis leads to decreased hunger |
Eating the right combination of foods leads to metabolic state at which body functions at peak performance, leading to decreased hunger, weight loss, and increased energy |
Eating carbohydrates releases insulin in large quantities, which contributes to obesity and other health problems |
Sugar is toxic to the body and causes release of insulin, which promotes fat storage |
High-protein foods burn body fat. If carbohydrates are consumed, the body stores fat instead of burning it |
| Foods to eat |
Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, low-carbohydrate vegetables, butter, oil; no alcohol |
Protein, fat, carbohydrates must be eaten in exact proportions (40/30/30). Low- glycemic-index foods, alcohol in moderation |
Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, low-carbohydrate vegetables, butter, oil, salad dressings, alcohol in moderation |
Protein and fat. Low-glycemic-index foods. Olive oil, canola oil, and alcohol in moderation |
Lean meats, skinless poultry, lean fish and seafood, eggs, cottage cheese, skim-milk cheeses; no alcohol |
| Foods to avoid |
Carbohydrates, specifically bread, pasta, most fruits and vegetables, milk |
Carbohydrates, specifically bread, pasta, fruit (some types), saturated fats |
Carbohydrates |
Potatoes, white rice, corn, carrots, beets, white bread, all refined white flour products |
All carbohydrates: bread, pasta, fruit, vegetables, fats, oils, dairy products |
| Diet composition—average for 3 days |
Protein 27%; carbohydrates 5%; fat 68% (saturated 26%) |
Protein 34%; carbohydrates 36%; fat 29% (saturated 9%); alcohol 1% |
Protein 26%; carbohydrates 16%; fat 54% (saturated 18%); alcohol 4% |
Protein 27%; carbohydrates 52%; fat 21% (saturated 4%) |
Protein 64%; carbohydrates 3%; fat 33% (saturated 13%) |
| Recommended supplements |
Atkins supplement that includes chromium picolinate, carnitine, coenzyme Q10 |
200 IU vitamin E |
Multivitamin and mineral supplement |
No |
Multivitamin and mineral supplement |
| Health claims scientifically proven? |
No long-term, validated studies published |
No. Theories and long-term results are not validated |
No long-term, validated studies published |
No long-term, validated studies published |
No long-term, validated studies published |
| Practicality |
Limited food choices. Difficult to eat in restaurants because only plain protein sources and limited vegetables/salads allowed |
Food must be eaten in required proportions of protein, fat, carbohydrates. Menus plain and not appealing; vegetable portions very large. Difficult to calculate portions |
Not practical for long term. Rigid rules |
Eliminates many carbohydrate foods. Discourages eating fruit with meals |
Extreme limitations in food choices. Very little variety |
Lose and maintain weight?
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Yes, but initial weight loss is mostly water. Does not promote a positive attitude toward food groups. Difficult to maintain long-term because diet restricts food choices
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Yes, via caloric restriction. Could result in weight maintenance if carefully followed. Diet rigid and difficult to maintain
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Yes, via caloric restriction. Limited food choices not practical for long term
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Yes, via caloric restriction. Limited food choices not practical for long term
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Yes, but loss is mostly water. Maintenance based on strict calorie counting. Very limited food choices not practical for long term
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