It is a known fact that the common rule to lose weight among several types of diet plans is by consuming lesser calories than one can burn. One could often find it difficult to pick the right diet plan as it has to match with the body metabolism, food choices and lifestyle. Moreover, it is advised to consult a physician's before even trying a diet protocol as one can get an opportunity to select a right one that actually works. One can have an idea about the kind of approach followed by any weight loss plan in order to succeed in losing weight.
At present, the most widely approved diet protocols are the HCG diet and Atkins diet plans however one should obtain medical opinion before starting with any diet protocol. The HCG diet emphasizes on the use of HCG hormone injections daily and restricted calorie intake, whereas the Atkins diet does not permit the intake of certain carbohydrates. You can attain your weight loss goal by properly understanding the approach of these diets. Let's briefly compare about Dr. Simeons HCG diet protocol and Dr. Atkins diet protocol.
The HCG Diet protocol was initially known during 1950s but only came into practice in 1970s when Dr. A. T. W. Simeons confirmed its efficacy in managing obesity. The diet requires routine intake of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone injection which is biologically obtained from the pregnant female's urine. These injections should be taken only for certain period. During HCG diet, it is basically recommended to be on a very low-calorie diet of about 500 calories a day or even lesser to initiate the fat burning process in the body. Dr. Simeons recommends taking 2 short meals every day that includes fresh fruits, lean protein sources, and non-starchy vegetables.
While on HCG diet, dieters should cut-off certain carbohydrates however, they can take Grissini breadsticks or Melba toast. Dr. A.T.W. Simeons performed a research to determine the daily ratio of carbohydrate intake to avoid the carbohydrate imbalance. One can control weight even after the HCG diet program as the hypothalamus gland (modulates various functions like hunger, body temperature, thirst, sleep, fatigue, and circadian rhythm) is re-set by the body during this period. Based on weight, the low caloric phase of the HCG Diet, can last from between 23 - 45 days. The best part of HCG diet protocol is that you are least likely to develop ketosis as it allows the intake of some carbohydrates.
The Atkins diet was introduced in the 1970s by Dr. Robert C. Atkins to promote easy and rapid weight loss. The Atkins diet mainly emphasizes on reduced intake of carbohydrates followed by the consumption of healthy carbohydrates back to sustain lost weight. It includes several phases in order to achieve the desired weight loss. The first phase of the Atkins diet restricts the intake of carbohydrates to less than 20 grams per day. Based on individual carbohydrate tolerance, one can take around 50 to 100 grams of carbohydrates per day during the subsequent phases.
The disadvantage of Atkins Diet is it eliminates necessary carbs and forces the body to develop ketosis, which involves increased serum ketone body level. Ketosis generally occurs in diabetes mellitus, and abnormal fat metabolism. Prolonged ketosis eventually leads to liver damage. Hence, the Atkins Diet was not advised by healthcare experts and researchers as it requires no portion size restriction. As a result, the revised protocol focused on intake of healthy food, essential fats, and portion control.
The major difference between these two types of diet is that the hcg diet restricts the total calorie intake, while the Atkins diet restricts intake of only carbohydrates. However, the HCG diet protocol is unique in fact that it utilizes daily dose of HCG hormone injections while the Atkins diet requires regular tracking of carbohydrate intake.
During HCG diet, one can take certain carbs like bread sticks or Melba toast to make sure about sufficient intake of carbs to avoid ketosis. In contrast, one should avoid essential carbs while on Atkins diet thus developing ketosis characterized by energy loss, weakness, and fatigue with higher rate of weight relapse. One can sustain lost weightfrom HCG diet as it reprograms the hypothalamus gland to feed on small amounts of healthy food.
In conclusion, the HCG diet protocol is the best as it provides enough energy to stick to diet without quitting and it causes no nasty side effects like flatulence and bad breath as seen in Atkins diet. The side effects of HCG diet include blood clots, restlessness, depression and headache.
