The Dukan Diet VS The Atkins Diet

Both the Dukan diet and the Atkins diet stick with the same objectives. Above all is to help in shedding weight and second is to reduce the ingestion of carbohydrates from food. One other important similarity is the number of phases which they share equally. Both of them offer 4 phases respectively. However, to satisfy the same objective, they follow two different routes. Where the Dukan diet stresses the usage of high proteins to minimize carbohydrates, the Atkins diet does not. It stresses on the consumption of carbohydrates which it would like to first reduce and then finish off in the dieter's diet.

Phase 1:
Where phase one in the Dukan diet is referred to as the "attack phase", the Atkins diet refers to it as the "induction phase". Although the objective of the first phase is comparable (to trim down body weight considerably), they go forward with unique methods. Dukan emphasizes complete protein food in this first phase, cutting down most of the carbs and fat. Atkins focuses on cutting down the consumption of the carbs only, and then works on switching the body from burning mostly carbohydrates (in the form of glucose) to burning mainly fat (including your body fat) for energy. Whilst there is no intake of carbs in the Dukan diet at all, Atkins diet allows for only 20 grams daily (including vegetables) during the first phase.

Phase 2:

Though objectives remain the same, there is a big difference in the paths in phase 2. The "Cruise phase" of the Dukan diet is about how to attain the target weight and for the first-time allows the dieter to eat vegetables. The Atkins diet ensures that a small increase of 5gm to 10gm (25 to 30 grams a day) in the intake of carbohydrates occurs in the first week of the phase "Ongoing Weight Loss" (OWL) until the weight stops to decrease so the dieter can easily determine when the maintenance period should start. Then the dieter is advised to subtract five grams of carbohydrates from their daily consumption so that they move on with sustained, moderate weight-loss.

Phase 3:
The diets use a different approach at phase 3, which is the "Consolidation phase" for the Dukan diet and "Pre-maintenance" for the Atkins diet. For the Dukan diet, this is the start of the maintenance period of the dieter's "true weight" that was attained in phase 2. Where as at this phase the Atkins diet performs the preparations required by the Pre- maintenance period. The carbohydrate intake is reduced again to achieve the goal weight.

Phase 4:
In this last phase, "Stabilization" for Dukan and "Lifetime Maintenance" for Atkins, it's about showing everyone around you that "Yes! I can stick to it!" At this stage both of the weight loss programs will make you climb onto exactly the same platform. You will have to live the rest of your life in phase 4 of your respective diets, well done!

Eating is part of life and should be neither regimented nor sacrificed. The Dukan diet promises those on a diet to drop weight by eating as much as they desire with one hundred accepted foods. The Atkins diet has been around for 40 years and has been supported with over sixty studies during this time period. In summary, both diets are designed to help one slim down. However, in losing weight the diets require the dieter to give up some foods, whichever one you consider.

If you would like to learn more about the Dukan Diet click here.

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