"Medical News Today" reports that the South Beach Diet is among the eight most popular diets in the world today. It was formulated in 2003 by Dr. Arthur Agatston and nutritionist Marie Almon. The diet focuses on insulin level control as well as the benefits of unrefined, slow carbohydrates rather than simple, fast carbohydrates. According to the Mayo Clinic, the purpose of the South Beach Diet is to change the overall balance of food intake to promote a healthy lifestyle and weight loss.
Sugars
Sugar intake is to be limited to no more than 75 calories per day in phase one of the South Beach Diet. Semi-sweet chocolates are allowed in the second phase, but intake remains limited. Sugars have very high glycemic indexes that adversely affect blood sugar levels. All sugars, including white sugar, honey, brown sugar, jellies, jams and ice creams are to be avoided. Sugar also adds "empty" calories, or calories with no nutritious value, which hinders weight loss.
Starchy Carbohydrates
Products that contain starchy and refined carbohydrates are high on calories and are to be avoided during the South Beach Diet. Products made from refined flour, like bagels, white bread, pasta, cakes, cookies, cereal, white rice, potatoes and rice cakes, are forbidden in this diet. These carbohydrates turn to glucose in your body and spike your insulin levels, which causes your body to more readily store fat. Starchy vegetables like potatoes are restricted from this diet, as well.
Fruits
According to the Mayo Clinic, all fruits and fruit juices are forbidden in the first phase of the South Beach Diet. Fruits with very high sugar content like pineapple, figs, raisins and watermelon, as well as fruit juices and canned fruits, are to be avoided completely. Commercial fruit juices use high fructose syrup as a primary ingredient, and canned fruits are kept in heavy syrup. Some fruits, like apples and grapes are allowed in the second and third phases.
Full-fat Dairy Products
Dairy products that are low-fat are allowed in the South Beach Diet, but full-fat versions are to be strictly avoided. This includes full-cream milk, full-fat cheeses, yogurt. These high-fat dairy products are restricted in the South Beach Diet to cut down on the saturated fat and calorie intake.
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