The South Beach Diet was developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston to help patients with cardiovascular disease lose weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reverse insulin resistance. The South Beach Diet is a high-protein, restricted-carb diet that limits "bad" carbs, such as refined sugars, processed foods and refined grains in favor of "good" carbs low on the glycemic index, such as vegetables, legumes, whole grains and certain fruits. The first phase of the South Beach Diet allows unlimited quantities of protein, which may cause or worsen kidney and liver disease, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 1
Stay on phase 1 of the South Beach Diet for no more than two weeks. The first phase, designed to jump-start weight loss, restricts all fruits, sugars, processed foods and high-glycemic vegetables. Because so many foods are eliminated, you are allowed to eat lean cuts of beef, lamb, veal, eggs, Canadian bacon, pork tenderloin, seafood and skinless poultry. Your kidneys may have trouble processing so much animal protein.
Step 2
Choose your foods carefully in phase two of the South Beach Diet. Whole grains, fruit and cereals are allowed in moderation during the moderate weight-loss phase of the program. According to the American Association of Kidney Patients, whole grains and certain fruits may contain too much potassium and phosphorus for people with kidney disease. Refined grains, which are higher on the glycemic index, contain less potassium and phosphorus and are better choices for people with kidney disease.
Step 3
Set realistic weight-loss goals. High-protein, low-carb diets, such as the South Beach Diet or the Atkins Diet, should be used for short periods of three to four months. Long-term health risks of these diets are still being studied. Always talk to your doctor before beginning any weight loss program.
Tips and Warnings
- Some soy-based meat substitutes are allowed on the South Beach Diet. Although they still are high in protein, it is plant-based protein, which is easier for your kidneys to process. Avoid alcohol, which taxes your liver and kidneys, while on the South Beach Diet.
- In addition to kidney and liver problems, you may experience low-blood sugar, headaches, constipation, diverticulitis and increased risk of heart disease with high-protein diets.
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