HCG Diet Compared to the Atkins Diet

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 came into light during 1950s and was introduced to the public in 1970s by Dr. A. T. W. Simeons in an effort to treat obesity. It includes daily administration of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone injection, which is usually extracted from the pregnant woman's urine. During this time, one should be on a very low-calorie diet (not more than 500 calories per day) to promote the fat burning process in the body. Dr. Simeons recommends 2 meals per day that includes lean protein sources, non-starchy vegetables and fresh fruits.

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 discovered by Dr. Robert C. Atkins during 1970s to promote easy weight loss. The diet includes low carbohydrate intake, especially healthy carbohydrates in an effort to control weight loss. The first phase of it includes consumption of less than 20g of carbohydrates per day which can subsequently be made flexible by taking from 50 to 100g of carbs depending on the carb tolerance. One can take non-starchy vegetables, sausages, cheese, cream, fish, bacon, meat, butter, and coconut oil while avoiding bread, muffins, potatoes, pasta, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, rice, fruits, sugar, and desserts.

The major drawback of Atkins Diet is it fully cuts-off healthy carbs thus forcing the system to encounter ketosis (condition that involves abnormally raised levels of serum ketone bodies. In general, Ketosis is a complication of abnormal fat metabolism and diabetes mellitus and long term ketosis causes liver damage. Hence, the Atkins Diet was strongly contended by diet experts. In response, it was revised by allowing essential fats, healthy food, and portion control.

These two diets can be differentiated by a fact that one should take restricted number of calories while on an hcg diet, while the one on Atkins diet requires fewer carbohydrates. The HCG diet plan uses HCG hormone injections which is unique when compared to the Atkins diet that requires low carbs diet.

The HCG diet allows the intake of some carbohydrates like Melba toast and breadsticks and it ensures one from taking necessary amount of carbs daily thus preventing ketosis. In contrary, the Atkins diet includes cutting-off all essential carbs in your daily diet thus predisposing to ketosis condition in addition to weakness, low energy levels and fatigue. In addition, the HCG diet causes permanent weight loss by resetting the hypothalamus gland to permanently get used to intake of smaller increments of nutritious 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.

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