Atkins vs. Carnivore

The Atkins Diet, named after its creator, Dr. Robert Atkins, is a low-carb diet that emphasizes fat as the primary energy source and protein for amino acids. Here are the key principles:

1. Reduced Carbohydrates: Initially, the diet drastically reduces carbohydrate intake, often to less than 20 grams per day. This aims to keep blood sugar levels low.

2. Ketosis: By limiting carbs, the body enters a state called ketosis, where it primarily burns fat for energy. Ketones are produced from fat breakdown.

3. Four Phases:

• Phase I (Induction): Very low carb intake (20 grams/day) to kickstart ketosis and rapid weight loss.

• Phase II (Ongoing Weight Loss): Gradually reintroduce more carbs while still losing weight.

• Phase III (Pre-Maintenance): Further increase carb intake to find a sustainable level for weight maintenance.

• Phase IV (Maintenance): A lifelong approach, similar to today’s LOGI method, where you neither gain nor lose weight.

1. No Calorie Counting: Unlike traditional diets, the original Atkins Diet doesn’t require calorie counting.

2. Supplements: To compensate for nutrient gaps, supplements (vitamins and minerals) are recommended.

Remember, exercise isn’t essential for success with the Atkins Diet.

The main difference between the Atkins diet and the carnivore diet is that the Atkins diet allows some non-animal foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and grains, depending on the phase of the diet. The carnivore diet, on the other hand, excludes all plant foods and focuses exclusively on animal foods, such as meat, eggs, fish, dairy, and animal fats. Both diets are low-carb, high-fat, and high-protein, but the carnivore diet is more restrictive and eliminates any source of carbohydrates, except for those naturally found in animal foods. Some people may prefer the carnivore diet for its simplicity and potential benefits for weight loss, inflammation, digestion, and mental clarity, while others may find the Atkins diet more sustainable and balanced.Atkins, the American physician and cardiologist best known for the Atkins Diet, passed away on April 17, 2003, in New York City at the age of 721. His cause of death was attributed to a combination of health issues. Here are the details:

1. Health Conditions:

• Coronary Arteries: At the time of his death, Atkins had coronary arteries that were 30 to 40 percent blocked.

• Heart Attack and Hypertension: He had a history of heart attack, congestive heart failure, and hypertension.

• Weight: At the time of his death, he weighed 258 pounds (117 kg)1.

1. Diet Controversy:

• Critics often associate his diet with his health issues, but the actual autopsy reports and medical records do not conclusively link his cardiomyopathy (a heart anomaly) to his low-carb diet2.

• It’s important to note that the cardiomyopathy was most likely caused by a virus.

In summary, while Atkins faced health challenges, the exact cause of his heart condition remains a topic of debate. His legacy lives on through the popular Atkins Diet, which emphasizes low carbohydrate consumption and high protein and fat intake1.