South Beach or Atkins???

[JennF1023]

Hello all!

I was told by my Dr that my insulin level is high and after a boarderline glucose test I had a fasting 3 hour glucose that came out normal.  She has suggested a low carb diet and I was wondering if any of you had advice on which one was best.

Thanks a bunch!!

[Ranaesheart]

Have tried all kinds of diets that touted initial losses followed by gains in excess of what I lost.  Did this until I reached 330 lbs.  In the long run, have found that proper nutrition with measured portions and moderate exercise are the way to make a successful lifestyle change.  

Focus on exchanging processed carbohydrates (sugar, flour, white breads, cakes, pastries, etc) for whole-grain carbohydrates (wild rice, whole grain breads, etc), like lhughes suggested, is crucial.  Veggies and fruits, in their natural state, are also fine.  Try increasing your proteins somewhat, especially when you're feeling hungry, as carbs spur hunger and protein helps control it.  Would also suggest six small meals a day (3 meals, 3 snacks) to help regulate your glucose levels and to maximize your metabolism.  Introducing moderate exercise will also help.  

Believe you will find your bloodwork much improved by making these changes; this lifestyle change allowed me to lose 146 lbs.

Best wishes ... here to help ...
Ranae

[lhughes]

I would take both with a grain of salt.... I did Atkins and lost initially, but it came back almost explosively because I couldn't sustain it.  Try reducing your white carbs (sugar, flour, white breads)...focus on the good carbs, veggies, whole grains, etc.  Eat a portion size protein, but have a protein with each meal (like adkins, not quite so strict)...do watch your calories.  Reducing the "bad" carbs and focusing on the "good" carbs should help with the blood sugar levels.  

Good luck to you!

[TrudieC]

I've done the Atkins diet and lost a lot initially but it didn't stay off and I ended up with gout because I stayed on the initial part too long.  I have friends who have done the South Beach diet who were very successful at losing weight and did keep it off.  Good luck!

[peekawho]

I've been on the South Beach diet before.  I liked the emphasis on good fats, but found the 1st 2 weeks, where your carb intake is so severely restricted, to be beyond what I wanted to do.

I've heard its supposed to be very good for people with insulin resistance, but I couldn't stay on it long enough to gain any real results.  I did lose weight, but regained it pretty quickly when I couldn't make it into a life long change.