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South Beach Diet Facts
by Serena Norr
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Overview
South Beach Diet Facts
The South Beach Diet exploded on the diet scene during the 1990s, claiming to help dieters lose weight by substituting "bad" carbohydrates for "good" carbohydrates. The diet claims that dieters can lose weight quickly through three phases, and that the diet is not only a way to shed pounds, but also a gradual way to understand food through a healthy and sensible eating plan.
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Origins
Created by Dr. Arthur Agatston, the South Beach Diet formed after many of his patients were having difficulty losing weight through traditional low-carbohydrate diet plans. As a cardiologist, he was interested in a diet plan that focused on the heart, and unable to find one, he formulated his own plan.
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How It Works
Split into three phases, the diet is designed to help dieter's lose weight in a healthy way by understanding the glycemic index and how "good" and "bad" carbohydrates impact the body.
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Good and Bad Carbohydrates
The diet eliminates "bad" carbohydrates such as highly processed foods, which spike blood sugar and cause food cravings. Through the next stages, "good" carbohydrates are gradually introduced, and enable dieters to break the cycle of senseless eating through lifestyle changes that allow them to eat less and make better food choices.
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Phase 1
Called the induction phase, Phase 1 is 14 days of strict dieting where nearly all carbohydrates are forbidden. Dieters can eat normal-sized meals, though this phase can be difficult as the body adjusts to a new way of eating. This phase focuses on high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fish, chicken, eggs, low-fat cheeses and nuts. Dieters can lose anywhere from 8 to 13 lbs. (mainly in the form of belly fat).
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Phase 2
During this phase, a gradual introduction of "forbidden" foods such as whole grain breads, fruits and sweet potatoes are allowed back into the diet. During this time, dieters will continue to lose weight, but at a slower rate, averaging 1 to 2 lbs. per week. Dieters can follow this phase as long they wish to reach their desired weight.
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Phase 3
This phase is considered a plan for life, where dieters will have a new understanding of food and maintain their weight through a balanced eating plan. Dieters are allowed to eat any food, but should do so following a sensible way of eating. Dieters can also go back to the eating guidelines in Phase 1 if they gain weight in Phase 3.
