Southbeach Diet Phase I

Dr. Arthur Agatston, the author of "The South Beach Diet" insists that it not a low-carb, low-fat nor a high-protein diet. Rather, the South Beach Diet includes three phases. But controversy remains because of the emphasis on very low carbohydrate diet during the first two weeks on Phase One that serves to curtail sugar craving and induce rapid weight loss.

History

Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist in South Florida developed South Beach diet in 1995 to help his cardiac patients lose weight and improve blood chemistries. With his initial success, he wrote the book "The South Beach Diet" and had it published in 2003. It became an international bestseller and the diet became popular for weight loss.

Features

Phase One of the South Beach diet eliminates most forms of carbohydrates like pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, sugar, fruits, and juices. The diet consists mainly of lean meat like fish, chicken breast without skin, lean pork, and beef; good fat like canola, corn, and extra virgin olive oil; lots of green and leafy vegetables; low fat cheese, eggs, unsweetened coffee and tea. The three main meals are served in regular portions with snacks in between to prevent hunger pangs. Dr. Agatston stresses the diet's simplicity and flexibility. Food substitution should adhere to the basic principle of eating good carbohydrates, good fats, nutrient-dense whole foods, lean sources of protein and high fiber. The good carbohydrates are introduced into the diet in the latter phases.

Benefits

The main goal of the South Beach diet is to improve the blood chemistry like lipid profile. Weight loss is just a secondary effect. A healthy cardiovascular system is the ultimate agenda for the diet, according to Dr. Agatston.

Significance

The first phase is designed to eliminate carbohydrate craving which will prepare for a lifestyle of good eating habits in the succeeding phases. There is emphasis on the glycemic index of the food. Phase One is the strictest phase. Dr. Agatston claims that even without exercise, this phase can bring about a weight loss of 8 to 13 lbs. in just two weeks.

Considerations

The Phase One of the diet is not a well-balanced eating plan according to a book review done by the American Dietetic Association. They recommended skipping it and going straight to Phase Two. MayoClinic.com reports that it is a commercial weight-loss diet. Discussion with a health care provider for possible health risks such as ketoacidosis especially during the Phase One is needed. The National Kidney Foundation identified it as one of the common fad diets that recommended high protein and therefore should be avoided by diabetics and those with chronic kidney disease. Dr. Agatston claims otherwise and states that one can have a low-protein intake while on the South Beach Diet. Cleveland Clinic cited a study which categorized South Beach Diet as a low carbohydrate diet. It was found effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein, which is a bad cholesterol.