Comparing the differences between the hcg weight loss diet plan to the atkins weight loss protocol

By John D Greene


Although, there are various diet plans however the primary rule to lose weight is to take fewer calories than the amount of calories burnt by the body. In fact, it is complicated to select a proper diet protocol that blends with one's lifestyle, metabolism, and food preferences. However, you can take a physician's opinion to succeed in losing weight as he or she will assist you in selecting a proper diet protocol. Most importantly, you should familiarize about the type of weight loss approach before figuring out its action.

Recently, the most widely followed diet plans all over the world are the HCG diet and Atkins diet plans even though you are advised to follow any diet plan on medical supervision. The HCG diet involves restricted intake of calories in combination with a daily dose HCG hormone injection. In comparison, the Atkins diet restricts the intake of certain carbohydrates including healthy ones. One can achieve a desired weight by carefully knowing the main concept behind these diets. Here is a detailed comparison between Dr. Simeons HCG diet and Dr. Atkins diet protocols.

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.

In contrast, the Atkins diet as the name suggests was introduced in 1970s by Dr. Robert C. Atkins to attain rapid weight loss. The diet requires intake of lesser carbohydrate (healthy carbs) to attain sustained weight loss. The first phase requires daily intake of less than 20g of carbohydrates however, one can take 50 to 100g of carbs based on the carbohydrate tolerance level. During this period, items like sausages, non-starchy vegetables, cheese, fish, cream, bacon, butter, meat, and coconut oil can be taken. Items like muffins, bread, pasta, potatoes, soft drinks, rice, breakfast cereals, sugar, fruits, and desserts should be avoided.

It is advised to decrease the carb intake by consuming non-starchy vegetables, meat, bacon, fish, sausages, butter, cream, cheese, and coconut oil. Meanwhile, one should avoid taking rice, bread, pasta, potatoes, muffins, fruits, breakfast cereals, sugar, soft drinks, and desserts. Compared to HCG diet, the Atkins Diet usually emphasizes on completely eliminating the carbohydrates thus provoking the system to pass through the stage of ketosis. Ketosis is an abnormal condition that is associated with the increased level of ketone bodies in the body. It is usually experienced in case of diabetes mellitus, and abnormal fat metabolism. Long term ketosis can often progress to a serious form eventually resulting in liver damage. Hence, the Atkins Diet received some criticism as the portion sizes need not be restricted which was later altered by introducing healthy fats, nutrition 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.

It is allowed to take some carbs like Melba toast or breadsticks to avoid ketosis while on an HCG diet. In contrary, all essential carbs are restricted in Atkins diet thus resulting in ketosis accompanied with lack of energy, and fatigue thus contributing to weight relapse. The HCG diet is least likely to cause relapse as it reprograms the hypothalamus gland to consume small meals.

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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