The Skinny On The South Beach Diet

If you're looking to lose weight, you may be tempted to try a weight-loss program that promises results, like the South Beach Diet. The South Beach Diet is a commercial weight-loss plan created by Dr. Arthur Agatston that stresses good carbohydrates over bad ones. Consult your doctor before using the South Beach Diet as a weight-loss plan.

History

Dr. Arthur Agatston created the South Beach Diet in 1995. He originally intended the diet as a program to help improve the heart health of his patients at the University of Miami, where he worked as a cardiologist. He discovered that the South Beach Diet could also be used as a weight-loss regimen and published the book, "The South Beach Diet" in 2003. Since the first publication, Dr. Agatston has published a variety of other books based on the South Beach Diet program.

Instructions

The South Beach Diet is made up of three phases. The first phase lasts two weeks, while the other two phases are flexible. During phase one, the dieter eliminates all but a very small portion of carbohydrates from the diet. Eliminate bread, pasta, potatoes and other starchy foods and instead focus on small portions of nuts and eggs. During phase two, you will reintroduce some carbohydrates into the diet until you reach your goal weight. Phase three begins after you meet this weight goal. During phase three, about 28 percent of the daily calories you consume will come from carbohydrate sources. You will stay in phase three for as long as you continue the diet.

Sample Meals

A sample breakfast during phase one consists of a six-ounce glass of tomato juice, Canadian bacon and scrambled eggs with mushrooms and herbs. A sample lunch includes a salad with chicken on top and a sample dinner includes fish, steamed vegetables and a small salad. For a snack, eat 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese with small pieces of cucumber and tomato chopped on top.

Controversy

The South Beach diet emphasizes a low-carb eating plan to ensure weight loss. Although you may lose some weight in the beginning of the diet, low-carbohydrate diets are not proven to provide more weight loss than a diet that is high in carbohydrates. When you are taking in more calories than you burn, you will gain weight, regardless of whether you are eating calories that are derived from carbohydrates or not.