The South Beach Diet focuses on the consumption of healthy fats and protein. Carbohydrates are vastly reduced on this diet, especially during phase one. During the second and third phases healthy carbohydrates are reintroduced into your meal plans so that a balanced nutrition program is in place. The diet aims to transform your body into using fat as energy, rather than carbohydrates. If you gain weight during the last maintenance phase, South Beach suggests starting over with phase one.
History
The South Beach Diet was originally designed by cardiologist, Dr. Arthur Agatston to improve the health of his heart patients. When he found that weight loss was a trend among his patients using the diet, he formulated it as a commercial weight loss nutritional program. He named the diet after a glamorous beach in Miami. Agatston wrote a book outlining the diet called, "The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss."
Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are considered "bad" carbohydrates in the South Beach Diet and they are forbidden in all three phases. Simple carbohydrates are generally processed foods that include white bread, refined pasta, white rice, pastries and baked goods. Many desserts such as cake, cookies, pie crusts, cupcakes, ice cream, pound cake and candy are simple carbs that are not allowed because they're related to weight gain. The South Beach Diet provides recipes for approved supplemental desserts during certain phases of the diet.
Starchy Vegetables
Starchy vegetables are not allowed during phase one of the South Beach Diet and are not encouraged during the second and third phases. Starchy vegetables are considered "bad" because they are not complete carbohydrates and may slow down weight loss. Starchy vegetables include potatoes, yams, beets, corn and beans. These vegetables may increase blood sugar and insulin levels, increasing the body's potential to store fat.
High Glycemic Index Carbohydrates
The South Beach Diet does not encourage foods with high glycemic index. Foods that rank 70 and above on the glycemic index scale are considered high, according to the MayoClinic website. Foods that rank 56 to 69 on the scale are considered moderate. Many fruits that are considered high or moderate are restricted on the South Beach Diet such as watermelon, pineapple and raisins. Fruit contains carbohydrates and sugar which are both limited on the South Beach Diet. Carbohydrates with high glycemic index increase insulin levels that makes your body more readily store fat that is not being used as energy. The fat is stored for future use. Many simple carbohydrates and starchy vegetables rank high on the glycemic index scale.
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