Can anyone explain what the difference is between the Atkins and Ketogenic Diet?

Krand

I think that although the foods are very similar, there are key differences between the Atkins diet and the ketogenic diet.

First, with the Atkins diet there is no fluid or calorie restriction. Also, although fats are strongly encouraged, there are no restrictions on proteins. In addition, foods are not weighed and measured, but carbohydrate counts are monitored by patients and parents. It is started outside of the hospital, without a fast, as well. Lastly, foods can be eaten more freely in restaurants and outside the home, and families can do it as well!!

Hello- I have just started the diet on Thursday with son. We have tried numerous drugs over the past 2 years and we were advised to try this before VNS surgery. Daniel has Lennox Gastaut syndrome and can have 7 drop fits a day.

So I’m far finding it quite easy, Daniel is loving all the yummy cream and cheese in his food. Only problem is that I feel I am tied to kitchen- having a cooking day tomorrow to make meals up in bulk, my sister does this for her husband when she’s away on business rather than let him destroy the kitchen!!

Will keep you updated and let you know how we get on.

Hi Bennet,

Which diet have you started on: Atkins or Ketogenic?

Krand

Hi Krand

We’ve just started the ketogenic diet. We’ve had a few bumps already but we have noticed an improvement in his mood and his fits seem less severe even if the numbers haven’t dramatically changed, have been told it could take another few days for us to notice a real difference as his body adjusts, but I am hopeful. I’ll keep you posted how it goes

Well it’s been just over a week now and I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. Daniel has improved vastly, his seizures are down to one a day at most and yesterday he had one in the morning but hasn’t had one since. I’m not naive and I know it’s only a matter of time before he has another and it’s something we’ve got to deal with for the rest of his life, but at least it looks like it will be a happier life than it would have been!

I’m going to see how he gets on over the next few weeks and I’ll report back but so far...double thumbs up! :o)

I don’t understand, if my child has epilepsy can I just elect to go on one of these diets myself?

Rilley

You can’t and shouldn’t do this on your own. You need specialist help from a dietitian. They will give you advice and you should only do this after speaking to your neurologist.

Emma

Hi Rilley,

I must agree with Emma, the first thing you need to do is speak to your doctor. You cannot just decide that you will now go on the diet.

Eva

I would also highly advise that you speak to a professional. And not just any professional as I found in my experience that many professionals either don’t know too much about the diet or don’t trust it. It took us over 2 years medications, referrals, different meds, more referrals before we were adivsed of the ketogenic diet. And thank God we were!

Your best option is to find a local centre with a recognised Keto specialist...of course just how “local” it is will depend on where you live. Sorry

But best of luck anyway

Hi Riley

I was just looking back over your post and wondered if you have had a chance to speak to anyone yet? I could some basic questions for you

The Ketogenic diet is very precise, everything must be weighed out and consumed, you cannot leave anything behind.

Eve.