Keto vs Atkins: Low Carb Diet Differences

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There are many different diets to choose from, but two remain among the most popular diets – Keto vs Atkins. Keto diets aren’t any one specific diet, but rather a type of diet with specific qualifications. Atkins, on the other hand, is a specific diet that has similar qualifications. With both Keto vs Atkins having similar guidelines, which one will provide you with the best results? There are many things that factor into the comparison and when done, you may find that one diet is better for you over the other.

What is the difference between Keto vs Atkins for meal planning and dieting? Knowing the main differences will help you identify which eating plan is right for you between the Atkins and Keto Diets.

These days there are so many different diet plans, or lifestyle eating choices if you prefer, that one can become thoroughly confused about what to eat at all! Should you become Vegan or Paleo? No fat or No carb? What exactly are your diet goals? What is Ketosis? To try to make things simple, let’s break down the main components of two of the most popular eating styles, Atkins and the Keto Diet.

Keto vs Atkins: Atkins

The Atkins diet was originally developed by Dr. Robert C. Atkins in his 1972 book. Atkins is a low-carbohydrate diet that claims you can lose weight as long as you avoid all foods high in carbohydrates and without counting calories. Atkins also claimed this diet led to various health improvements aside from weight loss. Studies have shown that the Atkins diet has led to improvements in blood sugar and HDL (good cholesterol).

Atkins is high fat, high protein and very restrictive carbohydrate. It most often is done is 3 phases leading up to a long-term maintenance phase (phase 4) which allows for healthy carbohydrates so long as your body can tolerate them without gaining weight.

Phase 1 (induction) – Carb counting is important in this phase and carbs should stay under 20 grams per day. This kicks the body into a state of ketosis and starts the weight loss.
Phase 2 (balancing) – This phase slowly adds back carbs like nuts, low-carb vegetables and small amounts of fruit back to your diet.
Phase 3 (fine-tuning) – Phase 3 slowly adds a few carbs back to your diet as you approach your goal weight.
Phase 4 (maintenance) – Once you have reached your goal weight you can eat as many healthy carbs as your body can tolerate without gaining weight.

Atkins NO

Refined sugar and processed “diet” foods.
Grains: Wheat, spelt, rye, barley, rice.
Vegetable oils: Soybean, Canola, Corn etc.
Trans fats / Hydrogenated Fats
High-carb vegetables like carrots in the induction phase.
High-carb fruits like bananas and grapes in the induction phase.
Starches such as potatoes and sweet potatoes in the induction phase.
Legumes in the induction phase.

Atkins YES

Meats
Fatty fish and seafood
Eggs
Low-carb vegetables, usually the leafy greens like kale, spinach, broccoli, etc.
Full-fat dairy
Nuts and seeds
Healthy fats: Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
Avocados, although a fruit, are OK

If keeping up with the phases or the maintenance is not for you, or if your body can not handle the re-introduction of carbs, you might prefer to stay in the induction phase or similarly, the Keto Diet. Which brings us to the Keto part of the Keto vs Atkins head to head comparison.

Keto vs Atkins: Keto

The Ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, carb restrictive diet. The name of this diet literally comes from the term “Ketosis” which is a natural metabolic state the body enters when food intake is low. The difference is that with the Ketogenic diet you don’t restrict your body of food but of carbohydrates/sugars which is typically the body’s main source of quick fuel. This diet works because it changes the body’s fuel source from carbs to fat, and stored fat.

The more restrictive you are with your carbs, the quicker you will achieve Ketosis. This generally takes some planning ahead. Keto allows for no refined carbs of any kind which means none of the usual suspects (wheat, bread, pasta, cereals) and no starch (potatoes, beans, legumes). Fruit, with the exception of avocado and certain berries in small amounts, are also a no-no because it is sugar.

Keto NO

Grains – wheat, corn, rice, cereal, etc.
Sugar and Sweeteners – honey, agave, maple syrup, etc.
Fruit – with some exceptions in small amounts.
Tubers – potato, yams, etc.
Legumes – beans

Keto YES

Meats
Eggs
Leafy Greens – spinach, kale, etc.
Vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
High Fat Dairy – hard cheeses, high fat cream, butter, etc.
Nuts and seeds –almonds, sunflower seeds, etc
Avocado and berries – in small amounts
Low or No Carb Sweeteners – stevia, erythritol
Fats – coconut oil, high-fat no-sugar salad dressing, saturated fats, etc.

Whichever style suits you the main premise is the same. As long as your meals are built around a protein source with vegetables or nuts and some healthy fats, you will achieve weight loss and probably some additional health benefits. So which is the winner, Keto vs Atkins? Everything will come down to preference. Which types of foods do you prefer, does one diet have better options for you? The winner is the one that fits your lifestyle better, your preferences better, YOU better.