When beginning a new health or eating regimen, it's a good idea to consult your physician with questions about how the plan will affect you. The South Beach Diet, a three-phase plan, generally consists of fiber-rich, protein-based foods that help wean dieters from cravings for starchy and sugary foods. Initially, people may question why the diet's first phase prohibits healthy foods such as fruit, cereals and certain dairy foods.
What are the Diet's Phases?
The South Beach Diet is divided into three phases. During the initial 2-week phase, foods allowed include lean protein, vegetables, reduced-fat cheese and low-fat dairy. Dieters avoid sugars and starches to eliminate cravings and lose weight caused by extra calories. Phase 2 reintroduces healthy carbohydrates back into the menu, including fruit, whole-grain bread and whole-wheat pasta. People start Phase 3 when they have reached an ideal weight to maintain; it allows occasional indulgences as part of a balanced diet.
What are Some of the Main Foods?
Early in the diet, main foods include salads, eggs, vegetables and legumes, various cheeses, nuts, all types of seafood and lean meats. Dieters may use canola and olive oil, broth, extracts, spices and substitute butter spray when preparing South Beach Diet recipes. Sugar-free sweets such as gum, gelatin, Popsicles and candy are allowed. People sparingly add fruit, bread, cereal, pasta and wine back into the menu.
Do You Count Calories on the Plan?
The plan was designed so dieters choose healthy foods rather than count calories. People on the South Beach Diet do not need to add up calories, carbohydrates and fat grams, or weigh portions. Unlike some diet plans, different foods are not assigned points. When following the South Beach Diet, people are encouraged to choose nutritious foods, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water and stop eating when they are full.
How Much Weight Can I Lose?
Weight-loss results vary considerably, depending on a person's medical history, exercise routine and starting weight. The South Beach Diet estimates that many people will lose between 8 and 13 pounds during the strict Phase 1 portion of the diet as their bodies adjust to less sugar and starch. Some people fail to complete the diet and are encouraged to start again with the first phase. Be sure to consult your doctor before, during and after a new dietary plan for frequent checkups and feedback.
Who Created the South Beach Diet?
Arthur Agatston, M.D., a Miami-based cardiologist and associate professor at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine, began the regimen to help some of his patients lose weight to improve heart health. The plan became formally known as the South Beach Diet. He authored "The South Beach Diet" and "The South Beach Diet Supercharged," as well as several cookbooks related to heart-healthy living.
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