Atkins vs Zone - zoners' responses

[freklz]

I waffle between atkins and zone principles, and so out of curiosity I posted a question to a zone forum asking why the zone over atkins? Here are the responses given. I wanted some feedback from more veteran atkineers than me....the inflammation thing worries me a bit (I take fish oil to help with that) as well as AA being released in the body?

THANKS SO MUCH!!

The short answer is that the Zone diet is a healthier lifestyle. I have tried both. On the atkins there are less perimeters. Pretty much can eat protein within reason. You dont feel as energized, your body alters I believe in a negative way, though, losing weight is almost always a good thing.
In the Zone, you are eating a balanced meal. You have way more energy that on the Atkins. Another consideration is that Athletes do very well on the zone diet, but, I have heard of no proffesional athletes that follow the atkins system (that does not mean there are not any.
Though the zone is harder to follow and more complicated, you will feel better on it.
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I'm not sure how familiar you are with the Zone so at risk of telling you what you may already know: The Zone is a hormonally balanced diet based on calorie restriction to maximize your health and reduce the adverse effects of aging, while decreasing the occurrence of disease and the negative effects of other external factors, which occur both naturally, and as a result of man-made products.

I will admit that I don't know a lot about the Atkins diet except through a little reading and talking with others but I will say this; Even though Atkins may help reduce weight, if it does not address the body as a whole or how food affects insulin, and other hormones then it will not be a good long term weight loss solution.

About the freedom: The Zone is a no-guilt way of eating. You can choose to eat whatever you want - you're always one meal away from getting back in the zone. Of course, if you stay out of the zone too often, then you won't get the best benefits; clarity of mind, more energy, natural weight loss, stronger immune system to name a few.

I know I have really generalized, but I thought I would see if you have any other specific questions. I'm sure others will speak as well. I recommend reading the Zone book If you haven't already. I also think Dr. Sears talks about the differences between the Zone and Atkins somewhere on this site but I'm not sure.
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that depends on what you mean by atkins. most people think of it as protein gluttony, but i think his latest book had a maintenance plan that was similar to the zone. look at it this way... it isn't rational to eat more protein than your body needs... so why standardize on a diet that allows this? same with carbs and fat. too much isn't good, too little isn't good... the therapeutic zone is just right - and that's my diet.

the reason for picking the zone over atkins is that the zone is designed to maximize human performance, not just to lose a few pounds in a short time. you do get that benefit on the zone, but that isn't the reason for the zone. the two female olympians with the most medals ON THE PLANET EARTH are both zoners. nobody on atkins can make the olympic team, let alone lead the universe in olympic medals. i could go on and on and on and on about the miracles results of the zone... but i won't. i need to go to sleep.

however, note that atkins will lead to excessive protein, excessive arachidonic acid and, therefore, excessive silent inflammation, excessive cortisol production and, most likely, lean muscle mass loss.

atkins protein gluttony portion of his plan is hormonally imbalanced and stresses one's system. after a while, perhaps 6 months, the body turns the fat cells into fat magnets - i'm not sure of the metabolic processes that do this, but that result is typical. also, excess cortisol wears down the body, too. my aunt and uncle started doing atkins a long time ago and they weigh more now than they did when they started. my aunt is also exhibiting signs of dementia. atkins didn't lower her silent inflammation and it is now catching up with her.

the zone is the best diet on the planet - at least that we know of so far. i love my balanced zone diet and wouldn't give it up for something so cheap as an easy for an extra couple weeks. the truth is, the zone is very easy... you just have to learn the principles and apply them for a while. that takes time, but if you want it, nothing will stop you from doing it.

the physical and mental performance improvements are incredible - it is like i exist in another world so good that non zoners can't even comprehend it.

on a side note, my friend just started the zone and entered her office's biggest loser contest. she's in first place and loves her food choices. she isn't hungry and she is satisfied by the wide variety of foods she eats daily. she's grossed out by the atkins follower who eats 5 hamburger patties for lunch. everyone in the office cheats and feels like crap, except my friend. they have all banded together to have an unlimited calorie day after the contest, but my friend isn't the slightest interested in their gluttony. she is satisfied and loves her deprivation free results.

also, another friend ended 5.5 years of chronic back pain and ulcer pain in just one day of zoning (and reducing her silent inflammation). the zone is far more than a weight loss diet. it is a life changing lifestyle and everything changes for the much better.
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Here are some of Barry Sears' thoughts I found on DrSears.com:

http://www.drsears.com/ArticlePrevie...0/Default.aspx

http://www.drsears.com/ArticlePrevie...2/Default.aspx

http://www.drsears.com/ArticlePrevie...1/Default.aspx

http://www.drsears.com/ArticlePrevie...4/Default.aspx







HELP!

[blue996]

I personally don't agree with a lot of their assessments of Atkins but if the Zone works for them then the more power to them!

One thing that is wrong is the assumption that we are eating lots of protein ("however, note that atkins will lead to excessive protein"). Again, there is a misunderstanding that Atkins is a high protein diet when actually it is high fat.

Also, the assumption that we have no energy. That couldn't be further from truth. But as I said before everyone needs to find the program that works best for them.

[sadie147]

Obviously asking for Zone dieters for their opinion on any other diet this will be the response you are going to get.

I'm not sure what exactly the point or question is here?

[not2late]

Others might go into the science behind Atkins, etc. etc. etc. But all I can say is Atkins works for me. In addition to losing weight, my asthma and allergies have dramatically improved since being on Atkins (I used to take 3 medications for my asthma and 2 for my allergies, it's down to 1 as needed asthma medication and nasal washings during Spring.)

And I agree with blue---there's plenty of lies about Atkins and the protein amount. Atkins isn't high protein, it's high fat. Our daily protein consumption is 30% of our daily caloric intake. As for the fats, all natural fats (animal and vegetable) are allowed on Atkins. The only fat that is off limits are trans fats. So if you want to use flax seed oil in your salad dressings--go for it. If you want to cook your veggies in olive oil, knock yourself out. For some outlandish reason, many people think the only fats you are allowed to eat on Atkins is butter and lard.......

But if the Zone works for you, do the Zone. If Ornish works for you, do Ornish. If South Beach works for you, do South Beach. Whatever diet you choose to do, make sure you are eating a variety of nutrients from whole, minimally processed foods and make sure you can stick to the diet.

Good luck to you and I hope you have as much success on the Zone as our members find on Atkins.

[mitzimarie]

Hi, freklz

I appreciate your interest in the Atkins WOE. However, I think that it would be better to post specific questions about specific issues, rather than post testimony from individuals who follow the Zone, who are obviously not knowlegable about Atkins.

Originally Posted by freklz

The short answer is that the Zone diet is a healthier lifestyle. I have tried both. On the atkins there are less perimeters. Pretty much can eat protein within reason. You dont feel as energized, your body alters I believe in a negative way, though, losing weight is almost always a good thing.
In the Zone, you are eating a balanced meal. You have way more energy that on the Atkins. Another consideration is that Athletes do very well on the zone diet, but, I have heard of no proffesional athletes that follow the atkins system (that does not mean there are not any.
Though the zone is harder to follow and more complicated, you will feel better on it.

Healthier by whose standards? Balanced by whose standards? I believe that the Atkins WOE is both healthy and balanced.

Regarding protein - from my understanding, the amount of protein consumed on both Atkins and the Zone is 30%... it is exactly the same. The main differences are:

- the Zone plan consists of 40% Carbs, 30% Protein, and 30% Fat
Atkins starts out at 5% Carbs, 30% Protein, and 65% Fat... as you add back carbs, the Fat percentage lowers as the Carb percentages gets higher... protein remains at a constant 30%

- Dr. Sears position is that saturated fats from natural sources like butter and eggs are a problem

- Calorie restriction is a component of the Zone

- while the Zone plan is good for many, it is NOT a low carb plan... do the math. You're always eating slightly more carbs at every meal than you are eating protein or fat. The program does allow for things that trigger carb cravings... it may not be the answer for carb-addicted people.

Originally Posted by freklz

I'm not sure how familiar you are with the Zone so at risk of telling you what you may already know: The Zone is a hormonally balanced diet based on calorie restriction to maximize your health and reduce the adverse effects of aging, while decreasing the occurrence of disease and the negative effects of other external factors, which occur both naturally, and as a result of man-made products.

I will admit that I don't know a lot about the Atkins diet except through a little reading and talking with others but I will say this; Even though Atkins may help reduce weight, if it does not address the body as a whole or how food affects insulin, and other hormones then it will not be a good long term weight loss solution.

freklz, have you read the 2002 Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution? Atkins is all about regulating hormones through eating whole, natural, unprocessed foods. He speaks extensively about insulin, among other things.

Originally Posted by freklz

however, note that atkins will lead to excessive protein, excessive arachidonic acid and, therefore, excessive silent inflammation, excessive cortisol production and, most likely, lean muscle mass loss.

atkins protein gluttony portion of his plan is hormonally imbalanced and stresses one's system. after a while, perhaps 6 months, the body turns the fat cells into fat magnets - i'm not sure of the metabolic processes that do this, but that result is typical. also, excess cortisol wears down the body, too. my aunt and uncle started doing atkins a long time ago and they weigh more now than they did when they started. my aunt is also exhibiting signs of dementia. atkins didn't lower her silent inflammation and it is now catching up with her.

Completely FALSE! I challenge this person to submit one shred of evidence that Atkins causes any of this.


I won't take the time to address the rest of your quoted "testimony", except to say that it is flawed. If you are seeking support for the Zone diet, I am quite sure that there are support boards for that purpose.

Best wishes to you.

[Mothercooter]

As far as there being healthier diets on the planet, who knows, there very well may be. Not that atkins isnt healthy but its only as healthy as we make it since we have freedom to choose our own foods. However, atkins is the only diet for me because of my special needs. I am a food addict. I always will be. Even on the healthiest diet in the world, if carbs (even healthy ones) is the mainstay of the diet then it wont work for me as they cause cravings that I dont have the power to resist.

Take weight watchers for example. On that plan you can eat WHATEVER you like as long as you only eat within your points allowance. That would never work for me because the first time I ate a slice of choc cake, there would be no turning back and the cravings for sugar and carbs would be out of control and the whole points system would go out the window. WW is great for someone without a sugar or carb addiction and has the will power though. Definately teaches you to eat healthy and control portions. However, if you dont have the power to say no, like me, atkins is a savior.

I have conquered my addiction (or at least gotten control over it) thanks to atkins. There is some debate whether its the high fat or the high protein that battles the carb cravings and the hunger sensation but either way, its working!

My only testimony is this: For someone whose life and everyday used to revolve around food to the point of hoarding it, stealing it (in my younger yrs and most out of control points) and lying about it, my days now revolve around life. Food is no longer my every thought but just something I need to survive and strangely it can be a mild annoyance even when I have to stop and go eat. Imagine that!!! I actually dont feel like eating but make myself! Never thought id see the day.

I have tried south beach, WW, starvation, and many more and the ONLY thing that works for me is Atkins. Is there something better out there? Maybe, but there is nothing better for ME. I think all carb and sugar addicts would agree. Now if these problems arent yours, then atkins may not be the only way you can acheive success. For me though, there is no question.

[freklz]

I guess I should have explained myself further...I apologize for that.

I didn't mean to put that out there as a testimony FOR zone, because frankly I'm just not sure. I go back and forth in my own mind over - well, is zone healthier? But then it's harder to follow correctly, so if I'm not then am I even benefitting? Is atkins going to be counterproductive to my long term inflammations, etc?

It was more of curiosity of what people with more experience/knowledge of atkins would think hearing those arguments rather than my impressionable mind

I appreciate you taking the time. I have read the book but I guess I need to re-read about insulin, etc.

You know, this crazy world would be much easier if doctors didn't ALL seem so credible!

Thanks, guys.

[mitzimarie]

Freklz, you just need to do your homework. I have read TONS of books about the various plans, then discussed my individual situation with my doctor. He is the one who suggested Atkins... he is 100% pro-Atkins.

I am of the opinion that just about any "diet" will work - it is just a matter of finding which one that you, individually, can live with, and STICK with, for a lifetime.

[freklz]

thanks, Mitzi - that's very encouraging to hear, especially about your doctor!

[Zarabelle]

Originally Posted by sadie147

Obviously asking for Zone dieters for their opinion on any other diet this will be the response you are going to get.

I'm not sure what exactly the point or question is here?

I agree - unfortunately, points like this can cause people to waver between plans. I remember reading a similar post about the south beach diet.