The South Beach Diet was designed by Dr. Arthur Agatston. It is a low-carbohydrate nutritional program, comprised of three phases. Dr. Agaston supercharged his diet by adding a superfood list and a workout regimen to the existing diet plan. During the first phase, you decrease your carbohydrate consumption to approximately 10 percent of your daily caloric intake. When you move into the second phase, you begin to add some of the previously banned foods back into your diet. You remain in the second phase until you reach your weight loss goal.
Cruciferous Vegetables
The South Beach Diet names cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, in their top ten superfood list. Cruciferous vegetables can be consumed as part of the daily carbohydrates during the second phase of the diet. These vegetables provide your body with powerful antioxidants that aid in decreasing cholesterol and blood pressure, improve gastrointestinal function and help decrease age-related memory loss. Other vegetables in this group include Brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale.
Seafood
The South Beach Diet encourages seafood in every phase of the program. Wild salmon is at the top of their superfood list. Salmon is a healthy main dish when you are in phase two, along with herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines. These fatty, cold-water fish supply your body with essential omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids help decrease cholesterol, lower blood pressure and enhance mood, memory and other functions of the mind.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are healthy carbohydrates that provide your body with essential dietary fiber. Whole grains high in fiber may help balance glucose levels and production of insulin, which can reduce the risk of diabetes. You have to consume whole grains in moderation in phase two of the diet, as you are still in the weight loss phase of the program. MayoClinic.com notes that 28 percent of your total calories come from carbohydrates in phase two. Whole grains that made it on the supercharged South Beach superfood food list include wheat, barley, wild rice, oats, quinoa, millet, barley, spelt and rye.
References
- South Beach Diet: The South Beach Diet Supercharged; Lose Weight Even Faster!
- South Beach Diet: Top 10 South Beach Diet Superfoods
- MayoClinic.com: South Beach Diet
- Southbeach Diet Plan: South Beach Diet Phase 2 Guidelines and Food List
- The American Dietetic Association: The South Beach Diet Supercharged, by Arthur Agatston, MD, with Joseph Signorile, PhD
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