Difference between Keto and Atkins Diet

Key Difference: The main different between the two diets is that Keto focuses on reducing carbs drastically until the goal weight is reached or for lifetime, while Atkins reduces carbs until a certain weight is reached and then gradually increasing it. Keto was also designed as a lifestyle for people who suffer from epilepsy and Atkins was designed to help reduce weight.

Keto DietDiets aren’t really a recent fad; they’ve been a trend for many years. The success of diets is often up for debates with many people arguing how diets have either helped them or hindered them. However, the only thing that is constant is that the popularity of different diets has not declined - it has only risen. With the number of different diets on the market, it can often be confusing what diet comes with what set of rules and which one is the right diet for you.

Two of the most popular diets that are currently on the market are the Keto Diet and the Atkins Diet. Both of these diets are similar but also different from each other especially when it comes to purpose. Although, these days both the diets are used for the purpose of losing weight, each diet goes about doing that a little differently.

Let’s first look at the Keto diet, which is a short form for Ketogenic Diet. The diet works by limiting the intake of carbohydrates in the body, which puts the body in a state of Ketosis. This state basically forces the body to burn fat, instead of the glucose that is created by carbohydrates. Due to the low amount of carbs, the liver then focuses on converting fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies. It usually takes about 3-6 weeks for the body to make the transition to running on fat. The diet is compiled of a meal that is made up of 70% fat, 25% protein, and 5% carbohydrates.

The diet is actually pretty old and can be dated back to 500 BC, where it was first noted that cutting out significant foods can have an effect on the brain, more towards people who suffer from seizures. Fast forward to early 1920s, where more research showed that cutting carbs can help reduce seizures in people who suffer from them, more effectively than medicine. However, it also resulted in losing weight, which is why it then became more popular as a weight loss diet rather than one that helps curb seizures. But if not done correctly, the keto diet can cause dizziness, stress on kidneys, as well as kidney stones.

The Atkins diet was created by Cardiologist and Nutritionist, Robert Atkins sometime in the late 1960s. The diet focuses on a similar approach to carbohydrates, suggesting a low-carb diet and adding more fat and protein can overall help the body reach the state of ketosis and reduce fat. The diet borrows this method from the Keto diet, however it differs because it comes in stages, where gradually you are supposed to increase the introduction of carbs back into your diet.

Atkins DietThe diet is divided into four stages – Induction Phase, Balancing Phase, Pre-Maintenance Phase and Lifetime maintenance. In the first stage, you are restricted to 20 grams of net carbs per day. This phase lasts 1-2 weeks. In the second phase, you are expected to increase your carb-intake to 20-50 grams of net carbs by including moderate-carb foods such as berries and nuts. This phase should last until you are 10 pounds away from your goal weight. The third phase increases the carbs to between 50-80 grams of net carbs and the phase lasts until you reach your goal weight. The final stage focuses on maintaining the goal weight and gradually increasing the carb intake to 100 grams of net carbs. However, if the weight is going back up, you are supposed to back to the previous stage and try to reduce it.

The main different between the two diets is that Keto focuses on reducing carbs drastically until goal weight is reached or for lifetime, while Atkins reduces carbs until a certain weight is reached and then gradually increasing it. Keto was also designed as a lifestyle for people who suffer from epilepsy and Atkins was designed to help reduce weight.

There are so many different diets that are available on the market, some come with food plans while the others allow you to get more creative. However, before you starting a new diet, you should definitely discuss the impact of the diet and if the diet is right for you with your doctor. Depending on your medical conditions, diets can definitely cause shifts in a body, so it is important to consult with your doctor before drastically modifying your eating habits.

Comparison between Keto and Atkins Diet:

 

Keto Diet

Atkins Diet

Full Name

Ketogenic Diet

Atkins Diet

Developed By

Although, the Keto diet has been in debate around 1911s, Russell Morse Wilder is  credited with coining the term, “Ketogenic Diet”

Robert Atkins

Developed In

1921

1972

Objective of Diet

Limit carbohydrate intake including some fruits and vegetables

Limit carbohydrate intake including some fruits and vegetables

Original purpose

To help reduce epileptic seizures

To help reduce weight

Phases

Maintain same diet through the entire dieting process

Is divided into 4 phases:

Phase 1 – limit carb intake to 20-25 grams of net carbs (total carbs minus fiber)

Phase 2 – limit carb intake between 20-50 grams of net carbs

Phase 3 – Increase carb intake to between 50-80 grams of net carbs

Phase 4 – Increase carb intake to 100 grams, but maintain weight. If weight increases, reduce intake again.

Level of Fat

Allows moderate amounts of fat and protein

Allows unlimited amount of fat and moderate amount of protein

Body Status

During the entire diet, your body must be ketosis for the diet to work

Ketosis only accounts for a short period, phase 1 and 2.

Easier to Follow

Harder to follow since you have to measure carb, protein and fat.

Easier to follow as you only have to measure carb intake

Easy Score

1.4 out of 5

1.8 out of 5

Sustainability

Shorter

Longer

Safety

Less safe as it limits carbs throughout the entire diet and maybe lifetime

Allows reintroduction to carbs in the later phases as well as during maintenance

References: Wikipedia (Keto, Atkins), Everyday Health, Mens Health, Aaptiv,
Perfect Keto, Kiss My Keto, Health
Image Courtesy: draxe.com, organicfacts.net

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