By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Top 100 RecipesTop 100 RecipesTop 100 Recipes
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Keto Food
  • Vegan Food
  • Dessert
  • Drinks
  • Videos
Reading: What’s the Difference Between Keto and Atkins, Anyways?
Share
Notification Show More
Top 100 RecipesTop 100 Recipes
Search
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Keto Food
  • Vegan Food
  • Dessert
  • Drinks
  • Videos
Follow US
© 2024 All Rights Reserved | Powered By Top 100 Recipes.
Top 100 Recipes > Keto Food > What’s the Difference Between Keto and Atkins, Anyways?
Keto Food

What’s the Difference Between Keto and Atkins, Anyways?

June 27, 2024
Share
9 Min Read
What’s the Difference Between Keto and Atkins, Anyways?
SHARE
It’s safe to say that when it comes to low-carb eating plans, the ketogenic diet is king. It was one of the most popular eating plans of 2018, it’s spurred the popularity of MCT oil and other fat-friendly foods, and inspires loyalty (and backlash) so intense that it’s sparked intense public celebrity feuds.

But for those of us old enough to remember the early 2000s with any clarity (sorry, Gen Z!) the keto diet is reminiscent of another low-carb eating plan: the Atkins diet. Once wildly popular, the diet somewhat faded in the background in favor of other eating plans like Paleo and Whole30.

Contents
Remind me, what is keto again?Cool, so what is the Atkins diet?So keto diet vs Atkins: What’s the difference?

But now that low-carb eating is back in the zeitgeist, it’s worth giving both keto and Atkins a look. Given that they’re both low-carb, high-fat diets, they can’t be that different, right? Not quite, say experts.

Remind me, what is keto again?

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past two years: “The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein way of eating,” says Sam Presicci, RD, CPT, lead registered dietitian at Snap Kitchen. The keto macros are very strict, she says, with adherents typically getting only 5 to 10 percent of their daily calories from carbohydrates, 15 to 20 percent from protein, and a whopping 75 to 80 percent from fat.

The diet was originally created in the ’20s to help children with drug-resistant epilepsy control their symptoms; it has recently become way more popular among adults due to its ability to burn fat (and thus promote weight management), Presicci says.

“When glucose is depleted, ketone bodies are created and can cross the blood-brain barrier as energy for the brain and central nervous system. This is a different state of metabolism for the body,” explains Ginger Hultin, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This metabolic state is known as ketosis, and it’s attributed to other potential health benefits (besides weight management) such as increased energy, reduced inflammation, and balanced hormones and blood sugar levels.

See also  Cauliflower Risotto Keto Recipe | Creamy Cheddar Addition

For more intel on the keto diet, check out this video: 

A healthy keto diet will consist of well-raised animal proteins (like grass-fed beef, pastured chicken, and wild-caught seafood), healthy fats (including avocados, extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds, olives, and coconuts), and non-starchy vegetables, like leafy greens and cruciferous veggies, for fiber and micronutrients.

Cool, so what is the Atkins diet?

The Atkins diet has been around since the 1970’s; it was created by cardiologist Dr. Robert Atkins after researching ways people could safely lose excess weight without restricting calories, according to the Atkins website. The eating plan became super popular in the early 2000s (anyone remember that Arrested Development episode when the Bluths collectively tried to go low-carb?).

Like keto, Atkins is a low-carb, high-fat diet. It functions in three to four phases, where a person’s macronutrient intake changes throughout. “In the first two weeks, you eat less than 20 grams of carbs per day,” says Presicci. “Then you slowly add in more carbs from vegetables, nuts, and small amounts of fruit.” This means that the macros shift on the diet—per US News and World Report, phase one of the classic Atkins diet (also called Atkins 20) calls for around 10 percent of a person’s daily calories coming from carbohydrates, 30 percent from protein, and 60 percent from fat. (This first phase technically puts you ketosis, according to the Atkins site.) Those ratios shift by the end of the program to allow for more carbs and less fat.

There are other versions of Atkins, like the Atkins 40, which is just a low-carb eating plan that doesn’t have phases in the same way as Atkins 20. It allows for 40 grams of carbs per day (hence the name) and flexible servings of fat and protein.

See also  Creamy Chicken Casserole: A Delicious and Nutritious Meal Option

So keto diet vs Atkins: What’s the difference?

While both plans are low-carb and high in fat, the macros are a bit different. Keto allows for less protein and more fat than in the strictest phase of Atkins.

Another big difference: Keto restricts carbs indefinitely in order to sustain ketosis, says Presicci. Meanwhile, Atkins increases a person’s carb intake during its later phases, thereby taking a person out of ketosis. The main focus of Atkins isn’t necessarily to be in ketosis, of course, while that is the main purpose of the ketogenic diet, adds Hultin.

It’s important to note that the long-term benefits of a low-carb plan, whether it’s Atkins or keto, are up for debate in the health community. Some health experts warn that restricting carbohydrates for extended periods of time could cause pretty negative health effects, from constipation due to lack of fiber to potentially skewing delicate hormone balances in women. Research is also mixed: One 2018 study found that people who cut carbs increased their metabolism and burned more calories compared to people who cut fat, while another one published earlier in the year found no significant difference between low-carb and low-fat plans for weight management. Yet other research has found that low-carb, high-fat diets have the potential to treat diabetes and potentially even schizophrenia. More robust human clinical trials are needed before one can make definitive conclusions either way about the health merits of this style of eating.

However, because Atkins ultimately allows for more carbs than keto, it could come with some health perks harder to get on keto. “Most people will be able to eat more fruits and veggies [during the maintenance phase of Atkins] therefore getting more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants so that could be seen as ‘healthier,’” says Hultin. “It depends on the individual, their needs, their preferences, and their health history, though.” It also depends on one’s interpretation of keto; certain iterations like Ketotarian advocate for slightly more carbs, no meat, and lots more vegetables.

See also  How To Use MCT Oil, Because This Trendy Ingredient Isn’t Going Anywhere

“I wouldn’t necessarily say one is healthier than the other. Instead, they both depend on the types and quality of the foods you’re eating,” says Presicci. But she thinks keto may have some extra points in its favor, depending on an individual’s health needs and priorities. “Since the ketogenic diet has more guidelines around it, I think there’s more potential for benefit. Atkins is a little more ambiguous once you get out of the first two phases,” she says. (To be fair, it could also be argued that the rules and restrictions make both plans potentially tough for people to maintain.) She adds that one might eat more whole foods on keto than on Atkins. “The Atkins-branded snacks and drinks are not based in real food and have less than stellar ingredients,” Presicci says.

“Having said that, if done properly with limited processed foods, ample vegetables, and well-raised proteins, they can both be healthy options that lead to benefits,” Presicci says. A good rule of thumb to follow no matter what eating plan you choose.

Want to learn about more healthy eating plans? Here’s everything you need to know about the Mediterranean diet’s benefits. And here’s what a healthy plate on the Paleo diet looks like.

You Might Also Like

Olive Me Nuts: A Savory and Crisp Low-Carb Appetizer

What is the Kito Diet? The Kito diet is a low-carb and high-fat meal plan that has gained popularity in recent years. It’s designed to help people lose weight, improve blood sugar control, and even reduce cholesterol levels. How Does the Kito Diet Work? The Kito diet works by drastically reducing your carbohydrate intake while increasing your fat consumption. This puts your body into a state called ketosis, where it begins to burn fat for energy instead of relying on carbohydrates.

60 lbs gone in 6 months. The Other Benefits Will Blow Your Mind!

Revitalizing Your Keto Journey with the Power of Positive Reinforcement: A Surprisingly Effective Approach to Regaining Momentum

Indulge in this Decadent No-Bake Keto Pecan Caramel Turtle Cheesecake:

TAGGED: Keto
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link
Previous Article Succulent pork belly with keto-friendly sides Is Pork Belly Good for Keto? Exploring Benefits, Drawbacks & Meal Tips
Next Article Vegetable Brinji Rice Recipe - Mads' Cookhouse Vegetable Brinji Rice Recipe – Mads’ Cookhouse
Leave a comment Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

This Air Fryer Recipe Has Gone Viral! Everyone Is Trying It and Loving It!
This Air Fryer Recipe Has Gone Viral! Everyone Is Trying It and Loving It!
Videos June 15, 2025
cilantro lime grilled swordfish
cilantro lime grilled swordfish
Recipes June 15, 2025
COLORFUL SWEET | Coconut Laddu Recipe Cooking in Village | Farm Fresh Coconut Nariyal Ladoo Recipe
COLORFUL SWEET | Coconut Laddu Recipe Cooking in Village | Farm Fresh Coconut Nariyal Ladoo Recipe
Videos June 15, 2025
Namkeen Gosht Fry Recipe  Bakra Eid Special Mutton Namkeen Gosht Recipe by Cook with Farooq
Namkeen Gosht Fry Recipe Bakra Eid Special Mutton Namkeen Gosht Recipe by Cook with Farooq
Videos June 14, 2025
Homemade Blueberry Syrup
Homemade Blueberry Syrup
Dessert June 14, 2025

You Might also Like

A Low Carb Appetizer: Olive Me Nuts Recipe
Keto Food

Olive Me Nuts: A Savory and Crisp Low-Carb Appetizer

May 27, 2025
7-day Kito Diet Plan
Keto Food

What is the Kito Diet? The Kito diet is a low-carb and high-fat meal plan that has gained popularity in recent years. It’s designed to help people lose weight, improve blood sugar control, and even reduce cholesterol levels. How Does the Kito Diet Work? The Kito diet works by drastically reducing your carbohydrate intake while increasing your fat consumption. This puts your body into a state called ketosis, where it begins to burn fat for energy instead of relying on carbohydrates.

May 27, 2025
66 lbs weight loss in 6 month on keto
Keto Food

60 lbs gone in 6 months. The Other Benefits Will Blow Your Mind!

January 18, 2025
Overhead shot of an epic keto breakfast
Keto Food

Revitalizing Your Keto Journey with the Power of Positive Reinforcement: A Surprisingly Effective Approach to Regaining Momentum

January 8, 2025
top-100-recipes

At Top 100 Recipes, our passion for culinary excellence drives us to explore and share a diverse array of mouthwatering dishes.

Editor Choice

Grilled Salmon
Lime Ice Cream – Barefeet in the Kitchen
THE BEST AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS! | SAM THE COOKING GUY
Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca – Minimalist Baker Recipes

Follow Us on Socials

We use social media to react to breaking news, update supporters and share information

Facebook Twitter Telegram
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
Reading: What’s the Difference Between Keto and Atkins, Anyways?
Share
© 2024 All Rights Reserved | Powered By Top 100 Recipes.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?