Atkins vs South Beach results

dizzyone80 · 03-12-2006, 12:46 PM

I tried Atkins a few months ago and I lost 5lbs but thats was about it..I am justing hoping I get a better result out of South Beach..has anyone had good results with one and not the other?

Jennyl · 03-12-2006, 12:59 PM

My results with atkins were ok. I lost 45 lbs in about 8.5 months. But since switching to a south beach type diet I am losing a lot faster. 19 lbs down in 4.5 weeks.

jlv32 · 03-12-2006, 07:44 PM

I tried Atkins twice, and I would lose great during induction, but as soon as I tried to move to the next phase, I gained...for whatever reason. Also, my husband and 7-year old daughter HATED Atkins, which made it very difficult to stay on plan at home.

SBD works much better for myself and my family. We have all changed the way we eat, and my husband and daughter really enjoy the foods!

I think that almost all diets are successful to different people. Someone once told me that a diet is like a marriage...you have to find one to last a lifetime.

verde · 03-13-2006, 07:14 AM

JennyL,

That is great. Would you mind sharing a typical menu for the day on phase 2. Also, do you excersize?

sanderson76 · 03-13-2006, 07:19 AM

I also lost a little on Atkins way of life, but it was something that I knew I wouldn't be able to stick with for the long haul. It just didn't fit my lifestyle. I switched the SB and lost 30 pounds total and have kept it off for a year. It really isn't even an effort to keep it off, because you learn through this way of eating the foods to pick. I feel great. Last week I went back on I suppose you could call phase 1.5..HA! I needed to get my body back in gear. I am ready to lose the remainder 5-8 pounds that I just never lost.

Jennyl · 03-13-2006, 01:50 PM

I haven't started exercising yet. I am kind of a grazer when it comes to eating so I don't have regular meals I eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For an early meal I often have things like steel cut oats, toast with peanut butter, a boiled egg, almost always have some fruit in the morning. Lunch is maybe a sandwich, some leftovers, fruit and veggies. Dinner is something like a chicken curry or some whole wheat pasta or some kind of meat and vegetables. Like I said I often just eat smaller meals throughout the day but I don't really have a set plan. I do eat a lot of fruit, I just love it and it's something I haven't allowed myself to have much of so I'm indulging now. I just eat when I am hungry and stop eating when I'm not hungry anymore. My diet is similar to south beach but I don't follow south beach by the book. I make a lot of my own carrot/orange juice and I don't think south beach allows much juice, I eat a banana almost every day, and I have the odd white potato. I've also cut out most chemicals from my diet.

verde · 03-14-2006, 08:21 AM

Thanks for the info and thanks for posting this thread.

unchubby · 03-17-2006, 10:15 AM

Morning everyone!

I am thinking of going back to SB! I did protein power in 1997 and lost 35 pounds. That put me down to 120. Two years ago I saw the scale gradually rise up to 135. I tried south beach and got back down to 125. At that point, I started dating someone new and went crazy with my food choices. The BF is settled in and I am back up to 127. I am only 5'2", small framed and my ultimate goal is to reach 110.

I started Atkins (thinking it would be faster) at the end of January. To date I have only lost 3 pounds. I have been following it very strictly-no cheats. Everyone keeps telling me to eat more fat and more calories, then when I don't lose they tell me to eat less.

I don't want to give up. I seem to get to the mid 120's and stall. I guess I am just looking for some support in the fact that for some, SB may work better. I feel like almost 2 months is a pretty good test-drive?

Jennyl · 03-17-2006, 01:27 PM

I was on atkins for 8.5 months and lost 45 lbs during that time. In early february I switched to a south beach type diet and in less than 6 weeks I've lost 25 lbs. I seem to be losing a lot faster on the south beach diet. I am not saying that this will happen to everyone but at the moment south beach is working best for me.

unchubby · 03-17-2006, 01:51 PM

thanks for the reply Jenny-

I almost feel like I am getting too much fat with Atkins. I am so full all the time that I feel like my belly is going to pop. Having said that--my calories are only around 1400/day.

Jennyl · 03-17-2006, 02:10 PM

I sometimes felt I was getting too much fat as well. I don't do low fat but I don't eat too much extra fat either. I use a small amount of olive oil and coconut oil in cooking, I might add a small amount of butter to my veggies, a little cream in my coffee, and I do eat about 2-3 teaspoons of peanut butter about every other day....but that is about all the fat I get now. Maybe the occasional bit of cheese too, but because I really dislike low fat cheeses I still have regular cheese but only very occasionally and in small amounts.

unchubby · 03-17-2006, 02:19 PM

It's funny that you put it that way. I feel like on atkins I'm trying to add fat to things so that I get enough. I don't like fat very much, so it's really hard. When eating meat--I don't eat any "ends." I don't like the fat. All I know is that I lost 4 pounds the first 2 weeks and haven't moved since. I need something to shake this up!

Shalbrihil · 03-17-2006, 02:32 PM

I think you will like the beach way of eating. It has been my eating choice and feel like a million bucks now. It's a very easy relaxed eating lifestyle that gives you the results.

Aboard! We'd love to have you join us.

dizzyone80 · 03-18-2006, 05:48 AM

Thanks for all of the posts..I am actually excited to start my diet on Monday!

When I did atkins I could not exercise due to a recent c-section..but this time I will be exercising..I look forward to getting to know you all! Have a great weekend!

pugluv9802 · 03-18-2006, 07:58 AM

When I decided to start LC, I went with Atkins--too restrictive--didn't last long at all--I have friends that swear by Atkins. SBD, on the other hand, is more realistic. You can have fruit and "good carbs", once you get thru phase 1, it is easier. Good luck

dizzyone80 · 03-18-2006, 08:55 AM

pug like you I have people who swear by Atkins..my husband being one of them..its nice to know I am not the only one who could not hack atkins

momof3heathens · 03-18-2006, 04:04 PM

The concern I have for trying South Beach for me is portion control. I have been on Atkins for sometime now and have had good results however I do know for my self that the term feeds 4 still does not apply to me. If I were to introduce fruits and whole wheat back into my life I would worry that I couldn't stop at just one. Does SB help with these issues?

Shalbrihil · 03-18-2006, 06:29 PM

I'm a big eater as well and I don't measure weigh or count anything. I just eat until my body says stop. That is one thing that I learned from this way of life. Whole grains make you feel fuller. I started with South Beach and still eating South Beach. It's been a great eating plan for me.

Barbara Ray · 03-18-2006, 06:43 PM

I am a die hard ATKINS fan! I lost 80 lbs in 7 months. I did NOT find it restrictive - and I've been able to maintain for over two years. I picked up the SBD book and read it through twice - it thinks it's confusing. I have also picked up a couple of the products - and have a BIG problem with ALL the carbs! AND I DO NOT fill up on FAT. I eat chicken, beef, pork and fish. I also have TONS of FRESH (never canned and never frozen) veggies as well as lots and lots of fruit - mostly berries (all kinds) - strawberries happen to be my favorite fruit - plus I eat peaches and cook some with apples - I try all kinds of low carb recipes (this site is great for them) - so what's NOT to like? Again - I find SBD confusing whereas Atkins is soooooo easy to follow.

Shalbrihil · 03-18-2006, 09:43 PM

Wow! Congratulations on your fantastic weight loss and maintance!

Jennyl · 03-18-2006, 10:33 PM

I don't have a problem with portion control. I do eat a lot of fruit but I only have 2-3 servings of whole grains a day maximum, around 3-5 servings of fruit a day. Listen to your body, when you are hungry then eat, when you aren't hungry anymore then stop eating. I have't found south beach confusing at all...it's been extremely easy for me to follow and I find it fits conveniently into my lifestyle. I feel great and I'm losing weight faster than I did on atkins so I'm happy.

Used2BLarge · 03-19-2006, 03:57 AM

I found that what works for me is a blending of the Atkins approach and South Beach. I don't eat the "white foods" (white flour, white rice, white potatoes, white pasta) at all and my other starches are very limited, they have to be nutritionally dense and high fiber. Coarse rolled oats are my favorite, followed by barley (mostly in soups) and small portions of sweet potato or pumpkin. I also eat more non-starchy veggies and fruits than the typical Atkins dieter, but less than South Beach. I tend to be very strict on carbs during the week and more relaxed on weekends. Still no junk or empty calories, just slightly larger portions and more variety. My weight loss is not as fast as it was on Atkins induction, but it is steady and easy to maintain.

03-12-2006, 12:46 PM	#1
dizzyone80 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NY Posts: 171 Gallery: dizzyone80 Stats: 165/154.6/140 WOE: South Beach Start Date: 3/06 restart on 7/06	Atkins vs South Beach results I tried Atkins a few months ago and I lost 5lbs but thats was about it..I am justing hoping I get a better result out of South Beach..has anyone had good results with one and not the other?

03-12-2006, 07:44 PM	#3
jlv32 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 176 Gallery: jlv32 Stats: 264/175/150 WOE: South Beach Start Date: January 1, 2006	I tried Atkins twice, and I would lose great during induction, but as soon as I tried to move to the next phase, I gained...for whatever reason. Also, my husband and 7-year old daughter HATED Atkins, which made it very difficult to stay on plan at home. SBD works much better for myself and my family. We have all changed the way we eat, and my husband and daughter really enjoy the foods! I think that almost all diets are successful to different people. Someone once told me that a diet is like a marriage...you have to find one to last a lifetime. __________________ Stopping at third base adds nothing to the score.

03-13-2006, 07:19 AM	#5
sanderson76 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: NC Posts: 1,452 Gallery: sanderson76 Stats: 147/141/125 WOE: LC Start Date: 06/29/08	I also lost a little on Atkins way of life, but it was something that I knew I wouldn't be able to stick with for the long haul. It just didn't fit my lifestyle. I switched the SB and lost 30 pounds total and have kept it off for a year. It really isn't even an effort to keep it off, because you learn through this way of eating the foods to pick. I feel great. Last week I went back on I suppose you could call phase 1.5..HA! I needed to get my body back in gear. I am ready to lose the remainder 5-8 pounds that I just never lost. __________________ Samantha

03-17-2006, 10:15 AM	#8
unchubby Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: St. Paul, Minnesota Posts: 130 Gallery: unchubby Stats: 130/130/110 Starting over again! WOE: SB Start Date: February 2007	Morning everyone! I am thinking of going back to SB! I did protein power in 1997 and lost 35 pounds. That put me down to 120. Two years ago I saw the scale gradually rise up to 135. I tried south beach and got back down to 125. At that point, I started dating someone new and went crazy with my food choices. The BF is settled in and I am back up to 127. I am only 5'2", small framed and my ultimate goal is to reach 110. I started Atkins (thinking it would be faster) at the end of January. To date I have only lost 3 pounds. I have been following it very strictly-no cheats. Everyone keeps telling me to eat more fat and more calories, then when I don't lose they tell me to eat less. I don't want to give up. I seem to get to the mid 120's and stall. I guess I am just looking for some support in the fact that for some, SB may work better. I feel like almost 2 months is a pretty good test-drive? __________________ Is that low carb?

03-17-2006, 01:27 PM	#9
Jennyl Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: calgary Posts: 23,969 Gallery: Jennyl Start Date: manana	I was on atkins for 8.5 months and lost 45 lbs during that time. In early february I switched to a south beach type diet and in less than 6 weeks I've lost 25 lbs. I seem to be losing a lot faster on the south beach diet. I am not saying that this will happen to everyone but at the moment south beach is working best for me. Last edited by Jennyl : 03-17-2006 at 01:28 PM.

03-12-2006, 12:59 PM	#2
Jennyl Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: calgary Posts: 23,969 Gallery: Jennyl Start Date: manana	My results with atkins were ok. I lost 45 lbs in about 8.5 months. But since switching to a south beach type diet I am losing a lot faster. 19 lbs down in 4.5 weeks.

03-13-2006, 07:14 AM	#4
verde MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,635 Gallery: verde	JennyL, That is great. Would you mind sharing a typical menu for the day on phase 2. Also, do you excersize?

03-13-2006, 01:50 PM	#6
Jennyl Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: calgary Posts: 23,969 Gallery: Jennyl Start Date: manana	I haven't started exercising yet. I am kind of a grazer when it comes to eating so I don't have regular meals I eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For an early meal I often have things like steel cut oats, toast with peanut butter, a boiled egg, almost always have some fruit in the morning. Lunch is maybe a sandwich, some leftovers, fruit and veggies. Dinner is something like a chicken curry or some whole wheat pasta or some kind of meat and vegetables. Like I said I often just eat smaller meals throughout the day but I don't really have a set plan. I do eat a lot of fruit, I just love it and it's something I haven't allowed myself to have much of so I'm indulging now. I just eat when I am hungry and stop eating when I'm not hungry anymore. My diet is similar to south beach but I don't follow south beach by the book. I make a lot of my own carrot/orange juice and I don't think south beach allows much juice, I eat a banana almost every day, and I have the odd white potato. I've also cut out most chemicals from my diet.

03-14-2006, 08:21 AM	#7
verde MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,635 Gallery: verde	Thanks for the info and thanks for posting this thread.

03-17-2006, 01:51 PM	#10
unchubby Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: St. Paul, Minnesota Posts: 130 Gallery: unchubby Stats: 130/130/110 Starting over again! WOE: SB Start Date: February 2007	thanks for the reply Jenny- I almost feel like I am getting too much fat with Atkins. I am so full all the time that I feel like my belly is going to pop. Having said that--my calories are only around 1400/day.

03-17-2006, 02:10 PM	#11
Jennyl Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: calgary Posts: 23,969 Gallery: Jennyl Start Date: manana	I sometimes felt I was getting too much fat as well. I don't do low fat but I don't eat too much extra fat either. I use a small amount of olive oil and coconut oil in cooking, I might add a small amount of butter to my veggies, a little cream in my coffee, and I do eat about 2-3 teaspoons of peanut butter about every other day....but that is about all the fat I get now. Maybe the occasional bit of cheese too, but because I really dislike low fat cheeses I still have regular cheese but only very occasionally and in small amounts. Last edited by Jennyl : 03-17-2006 at 02:28 PM. Reason: sp

03-17-2006, 02:19 PM	#12
unchubby Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: St. Paul, Minnesota Posts: 130 Gallery: unchubby Stats: 130/130/110 Starting over again! WOE: SB Start Date: February 2007	It's funny that you put it that way. I feel like on atkins I'm trying to add fat to things so that I get enough. I don't like fat very much, so it's really hard. When eating meat--I don't eat any "ends." I don't like the fat. All I know is that I lost 4 pounds the first 2 weeks and haven't moved since. I need something to shake this up!

03-17-2006, 02:32 PM	#13
Shalbrihil MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: California Posts: 1,875 Gallery: Shalbrihil Stats: maintaining my loss since 2005 WOE: SBD Phase 3 Start Date: June 2003	I think you will like the beach way of eating. It has been my eating choice and feel like a million bucks now. It's a very easy relaxed eating lifestyle that gives you the results. Aboard! We'd love to have you join us.

03-18-2006, 05:48 AM	#14
dizzyone80 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NY Posts: 171 Gallery: dizzyone80 Stats: 165/154.6/140 WOE: South Beach Start Date: 3/06 restart on 7/06	Thanks for all of the posts..I am actually excited to start my diet on Monday! When I did atkins I could not exercise due to a recent c-section..but this time I will be exercising..I look forward to getting to know you all! Have a great weekend!

03-18-2006, 07:58 AM	#15
pugluv9802 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Richmond, Va Posts: 685 Gallery: pugluv9802 Stats: 233.2/210.8/180 5'10 WOE: ATKINS again Start Date: 11/30/2008	When I decided to start LC, I went with Atkins--too restrictive--didn't last long at all--I have friends that swear by Atkins. SBD, on the other hand, is more realistic. You can have fruit and "good carbs", once you get thru phase 1, it is easier. Good luck

03-18-2006, 08:55 AM	#16
dizzyone80 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NY Posts: 171 Gallery: dizzyone80 Stats: 165/154.6/140 WOE: South Beach Start Date: 3/06 restart on 7/06	pug like you I have people who swear by Atkins..my husband being one of them..its nice to know I am not the only one who could not hack atkins

03-18-2006, 04:04 PM	#17
momof3heathens Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Vancouver Is, BC Canada Posts: 617 Gallery: momof3heathens Stats: 388/260/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Always a startdate	The concern I have for trying South Beach for me is portion control. I have been on Atkins for sometime now and have had good results however I do know for my self that the term feeds 4 still does not apply to me. If I were to introduce fruits and whole wheat back into my life I would worry that I couldn't stop at just one. Does SB help with these issues?

03-18-2006, 06:29 PM	#18
Shalbrihil MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: California Posts: 1,875 Gallery: Shalbrihil Stats: maintaining my loss since 2005 WOE: SBD Phase 3 Start Date: June 2003	I'm a big eater as well and I don't measure weigh or count anything. I just eat until my body says stop. That is one thing that I learned from this way of life. Whole grains make you feel fuller. I started with South Beach and still eating South Beach. It's been a great eating plan for me.

03-18-2006, 06:43 PM	#19
Barbara Ray Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Miami-Dade, Florida Posts: 691 Gallery: Barbara Ray Stats: 230/150/162/150 WOE: Low Calorie/Low Glycemic Load/Low Carb	I am a die hard ATKINS fan! I lost 80 lbs in 7 months. I did NOT find it restrictive - and I've been able to maintain for over two years. I picked up the SBD book and read it through twice - it thinks it's confusing. I have also picked up a couple of the products - and have a BIG problem with ALL the carbs! AND I DO NOT fill up on FAT. I eat chicken, beef, pork and fish. I also have TONS of FRESH (never canned and never frozen) veggies as well as lots and lots of fruit - mostly berries (all kinds) - strawberries happen to be my favorite fruit - plus I eat peaches and cook some with apples - I try all kinds of low carb recipes (this site is great for them) - so what's NOT to like? Again - I find SBD confusing whereas Atkins is soooooo easy to follow. Last edited by Barbara Ray : 03-18-2006 at 06:46 PM. Reason: add something

03-18-2006, 09:43 PM	#20
Shalbrihil MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: California Posts: 1,875 Gallery: Shalbrihil Stats: maintaining my loss since 2005 WOE: SBD Phase 3 Start Date: June 2003	Wow! Congratulations on your fantastic weight loss and maintance!

03-18-2006, 10:33 PM	#21
Jennyl Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: calgary Posts: 23,969 Gallery: Jennyl Start Date: manana	I don't have a problem with portion control. I do eat a lot of fruit but I only have 2-3 servings of whole grains a day maximum, around 3-5 servings of fruit a day. Listen to your body, when you are hungry then eat, when you aren't hungry anymore then stop eating. I have't found south beach confusing at all...it's been extremely easy for me to follow and I find it fits conveniently into my lifestyle. I feel great and I'm losing weight faster than I did on atkins so I'm happy.

03-19-2006, 03:57 AM	#22
Used2BLarge Junior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4 Gallery: Used2BLarge	I found that what works for me is a blending of the Atkins approach and South Beach. I don't eat the "white foods" (white flour, white rice, white potatoes, white pasta) at all and my other starches are very limited, they have to be nutritionally dense and high fiber. Coarse rolled oats are my favorite, followed by barley (mostly in soups) and small portions of sweet potato or pumpkin. I also eat more non-starchy veggies and fruits than the typical Atkins dieter, but less than South Beach. I tend to be very strict on carbs during the week and more relaxed on weekends. Still no junk or empty calories, just slightly larger portions and more variety. My weight loss is not as fast as it was on Atkins induction, but it is steady and easy to maintain.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode