Eco-Atkins Diet: What To Know

Overview

The aim:

Weight loss, heart health.

The claim:

You’ll drop about 8 pounds per month, and see improvements in your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides, a fatty substance that in excess has been linked to heart disease.

The theory:

Low carbs can lower the risk of death from heart disease and almost all other medical causes when the diet substitutes high-protein plants for fatty, cholesterol-loaded meat, and piles on fruits and vegetables. Nutritional scientist David Jenkins at Canada’s University of Toronto popularized this twist on Atkins a couple of years ago.

Balanced Diet

These diets fall within accepted ranges for the amount of protein, carbs, fat and other nutrients they provide.

Pros & Cons

• Less restrictive than Atkins
• Filling – it’s rich in high-fiber foods

• Little guidance
• Meat-lovers are out of luck