The South Beach Diet is a reduced-carbohydrate diet, initially created as a heart-healthy diet by cardiologist, Arthur Agatston in 2003. The South Beach Diet has three phases, designed to aid in weight loss. You minimize your consumption of carbohydrates while deriving the majority of your calories from healthy fats and protein. During the first phase of the South Beach Diet you only consume 20g of carbohydrates per day, which is far less than the 45g recommended by the Institute of Medicine.
Ketosis
Ketosis is, a condition caused by incomplete fat breakdown. Your body uses carbohydrates to break-down fat, so if you don't consume a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, you may have partially broken down fats, or ketones, floating around in your body. Ketosis may cause nausea, weakness, dehydration, irritability and dizziness. This condition can also lead to kidney stones and gout.
Insufficient Fiber
According to MayoClinic.com, restricting your carbohydrate intake in Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet may lead to insufficient fiber intake. Your body gets dietary fiber from sources such as whole grains and vegetables, and Phase 1 eliminates whole grains and limits vegetables. If you do not consume an adequate amount of fiber, you may be at risk for nausea, digestion complications, constipation and diarrhea. You can replace dietary fiber with fiber substitutes, available at drug and grocery stores.
Drowsiness
Your body uses carbohydrates as energy. When you vastly deplete the amount of carbohydrates you consume daily, you may be drowsy until your body begins to use fat and other sources for energy. Make sure you get enough healthy fats and protein during Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet, so your body has alternative supplies of energy. Eating throughout the day may also help to sustain your energy, so bring healthy snacks to work to help prevent drowsiness.
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