Classes are resuming in the next few weeks and that can be pretty stressful. I don't know about you, but when I'm looking for a quick way to relax, I get my favorite Ben & Jerry's pint and indulge. I mean, it feels good for a few minutes, and then I'm instantly filled with regret and no energy. That's exactly the opposite of what I need right before starting the semester. If you're looking to keep your energy levels high and your body in shape throughout the semester, you might want to consider Atkins.
Atkins Vs Keto: What's The Difference?
I'm not the person by any means to answer questions about diet or nutrition. I know the food groups, but that's about it. To answer all of your Atkins related questions, I've tapped nutrition expert Colette Heimowitz who has more than 20 years of experience in nutrition counseling.
You've probably heard that the keto diet allows no room for carbohydrates, but that's not completely true.
"A “classic” ketogenic diet might consist of 75-90% of calories from fat, 5-20% of calories from protein and less than 5% of calories from carbs," says Heimowitz. "There’s solid science behind ketogenic diets, but a low carb eating approach like Atkins 20 or 40 offers the benefits of keto with more flexibility as we encourage people to incorporate foods back into their meals and find their carb tolerance level. It’s a more sustainable keto approach."
While the classic keto-diet doesn't really make room for pasta, on Atkins you can still enjoy it in moderation.
"While bread and pasta are off limits on a “classic” keto diet, low carb eating approaches like Atkins 40 and Atkins 100 allows for budgeting carbs in controlled portions and you can incorporate some whole grains like quinoa, barley, brown rice and whole grain breads," says Heimowitz.
What's The Main Difference Between A Diet And Healthy Lifestyle?
We've all heard that diets typically don't work and it is more important to have a healthy lifestyle. That is easier said than done in most cases. In essence, what a healthy lifestyle really boils down to is making healthier choices on a daily basis.
"It all starts with making small, simple healthier choices everyday – whether that’s reaching for almonds instead of chips, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or hitting the treadmill for an extra 10 minutes," says Heimowitz. "All of the little steps eventually become routine and help you create a healthier lifestyle."
I've tried to implement some of these activities when I'm on campus where I take the stairs to my dorm room instead of the elevator or I grab a granola bar for a mid-day snack instead of chocolate.
Healthy Snack Recommendations
While you may want to keep a bag of chips near by or order some take-out, opting for healthier, low carb snack options will make you feel better and give you more energy.
"Some great options include almonds, pork rinds, cheese crisps and Atkins bars and shakes," says Heimowitz.
My go-to snacks are definitely cheese and grapes. At the end of the day, it's most important to eat what fuels you and your body.