Low-carb diets, such as the South Beach Diet, are popular, mostly due to the quick weight loss that can accompany these restrictive diets. The South Beach Diet, however, has multiple phases, beginning with no carbohydrates for two weeks then adding in whole grains and other nutritious foods excluded in phase 1. Knowing how much weight you can expect to lose, and when you may start seeing this loss may encourage you to stay on track.
Claims
In the first two weeks of the South Beach Diet, Dr. Arthur Agatston, the founder of the diet, states that you may lose between 8 and 13 lbs. After the two weeks of phase 1, you will most likely lose between 1 and 2 lbs. each week during phase 2. However, your body could respond differently to the diet; this could affect your weight loss results each week.
Weighing In
If you have just set out on your weight loss journey, you may feel anxious to check the scale to see your weight come down. Some people choose to weigh every day and this may help them stay on track. This approach may not work for everyone since your weight naturally fluctuates from day to day. If you can keep fluctuation in mind and not feel discouraged by a slight weight increase, weighing daily may work well for you. Another option is to weigh weekly on a set day. Weighing weekly while on the South Beach Diet may help you see the results during phase 2 since 1 lb. of weight loss spread out over a week may not appear significant. You may choose to try various times to weigh in to see what works best for you.
Healthy Weight Loss
Losing between 1 and 2 lbs. weekly is a healthy weight loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People who lose at this average rate tend to keep the weight off. On the South Beach Diet, you remain on phase 2, losing 1 to 2 lbs. each week until you reach your goal weight -- then you move on to phase 3, which is the maintenance phase. During phase 3, the goal is to maintain your weight loss -- for a lifetime. If you fall off track, you can return to phase 1 or 2 to lose excess weight.
Considerations
Talk with your doctor before you start following the South Beach Diet. She can help you set goals for weight loss and come up with an eating plan that ensures you have the right intake of nutrients as you lose weight.
Member Comments