History Of The South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet was created in 2003. It is a commercial diet that is outlined in the popular book by the same name. The diet does not require carb counting, as it is referred to as a modified low-carbohydrate diet. The South Beach Diet is higher in protein and healthy fats than is the typical American diet.

Founder

In 1995, Dr. Arthur Agatston, a preventive cardiologist and an associate professor of medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, created a diet designed to help his cardiac and diabetes patients improve their blood chemistries and lose weight. The success of the diet led to the eventual publication of "The South Beach Diet" in 2003.

Diet Basics

The South Beach Diet makes the claim that it's a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich diet that can be followed for a lifetime. This is because of the focus on eating the "right" carbs and the "right" fats. The diet teaches you to differentiate between "good" and "bad" fats and it highlights the benefits of fiber and whole grains. Vegetables and "colorful" fruits are also encouraged as part of a healthy diet.

Timeframe

The South Beach Diet was first developed in 1995. It was intended to help Dr. Agatston's patients burn calories and reduce cholesterol while improving other blood chemistries. The goal was to design a diet that was not too restrictive nor too bland. The doctor wanted a diet that his patients would be able to stick with without feeling it was a burden. The book was published in 2003 and became a best-seller.

Criticisms

Although millions of copies of the book have been sold, there have been some criticisms of the diet plan. The diet is purported to be a way to lose eight to 13 pounds in the first two weeks. This is what is known as "Phase 1" of the three phases of the diet. Phase 1 is the most restrictive. A study published by PubMed in July, 2006, concluded that evidence did not support that claim.

After The South Beach Diet

The success of the South Beach Diet prompted Dr. Agatston to continue his work. He went on to publish the "South Beach Diet Cookbook," the "South Beach Diet Supercharged" and others. In comparison to the original diet the "South Beach Diet Supercharged", which was published in 2008, included an exercise plan. The original diet did not and it received criticism for that. Several cookbooks are available to help with this diet program.