The South Beach Diet, authored by a cardiologist named Dr. Arthur Agatston, is originally designed for patients with heart diseases as a healthy eating approach to improve the insulin and cholesterol levels.
The fundamentals applied in the South Beach Diet are not new. It has been tried and tested by earlier diet programs. Many nutritionists and medical experts call this program as the "updated adaptation of the Atkins Diet."
Unlike the typical diet programs, the South Beach Diet does not focus on a low-carbohydrate and low-fat meal planning. Instead, it teaches the dieters to select the healthy carbohydrates and those considered as good fats.
Because of this nutrition awareness, participants lower their cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of diabetes and heart diseases, and eliminate food cravings without feeling hungry and deprived. As a result, the dieters lose a significant amount of weight.
The South Beach Diet claims that at the end of the first two weeks, the participants should become 8 to 14 pounds lighter. The author emphasizes that the weight loss is not achieved through starvation, but rather because of eliminating various carbohydrates, that causes bad eating habits.
The entire program has three phases:
The first phase, which last 2 weeks, allows the dieter to consume three balanced meals daily. A typical meal consists of normal-sized servings of lean meats, such as turkey, shellfish, fish and chicken. Vegetables, nuts, eggs, cheese are also allowed. The South Beach Diet claims that after phase 1, a dieter should expect to lose around 8 to 13 pounds.
The second phase, which is followed until the dieter reaches his or her weight-loss goal, is similar to the first stage. However, you are now allowed to reintroduce some of the prohibited foods and eat from all the nutritional food groups.
In this stage, high-fiber carbohydrates such as whole grain wheat breads are added to the meal plan. You can also drink wine during this period.
Although participants are expected to lose only one to two pounds per week, this number is more recommended by nutritionists rather than a drastic 10-pound weight loss per week.
The third phase, which will last for the rest of the dieter’s life, focuses on weight maintenance. The author describes this stage as "your new way of living."
When a dieter’s weight starts to climb up, he or she could just start the program over again, jumping back to the first phase.
Although an initial 8 to 13 pounds reduction is possible through the South Beach Diet, the weight loss is likely composed of water-weight due to Carb-restriction.
This diet is not suitable for those who are lactose-intolerant since majority of the suggested snacks are dairy-based.
It also should be noted that due to the restrictiveness of this program, a dieter who wishes to apply this diet plan should have discipline, motivation and a desire to change their eating routine.
