Millions of people around the world have lost weight on the Atkins Diet. With a controlled carb intake, dieters burn fat and achieve successful weight loss. While initially holding off on higher-carb foods, Atkins dieters eat more protein, olive oil, avocadoes and other delicious fats that give food flavor – while also enjoying leafy greens and other vegetables. The Paleo Diet is a diet based on eating whole foods; like our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Within the Paleo Diet, the dieter should avoid dairy, refiner sugars, processed foods, legumes or cereal grains. Similar to the Paleo Diet, Atkins requires dieters to omit food high in sugary carbohydrates and other foods low in nutrients.
Both diets are similar in the fact that the both promote whole foods, healthy fats, veggies, fruits and protein. Both diets have numerous benefits and ultimately, the choice is up to the dieter. Below is a brief comparison of foods that are and are not allowed on each diet.
Paleo Diet
Recommended Foods:
- Fresh Meats, Fish and Seafood
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- Healthy Oils
- Nuts and Seeds
- Root vegetables
Restricted Foods
- Dairy
- Cereal Grains
- Refined Sugars
- Process Foods
- White Potatoes
- Salt
- Refined Oils
- Legumes
Atkins Diet
Recommended Foods
- Fresh Meats, Fish and Seafood
- Fresh Vegetables
- Healthy Fats
- Cheeses
- Nuts and Seeds
- Dairy (Whole Milk, Cheese, Greek Yogurt, Cottage Cheese)
- Approved Atkins Diet Products
- Vegetables
- Whole Grains in Moderation when you approach weight loss goals
- Restricted Foods
- Sugars
- Process Foods (with refined sugars or partially hydrogenated oils)
- Breaded Fried Foods
When comparing the two diets, the Atkins diet is easier with less food eliminated and more convenience. The Atkins diet could also be a better ‘starter-diet’ for first time dieters. The Atkins Diet provides an easy entry into a low-carb lifestyle, while still promoting healthy fats, vegetables and fruit. It is also less expensive than Paleo and more convenient with approved Atkins bars, shakes and frozen meals.
Unlike Paleo, Atkins dieters also are given the freedom to learn their personal carb tolerance and slowly can incorporate certain carbs back into their diets.
