People on low-carbohydrate diets often talk about ketosis, a state of fat burning, as a desirable condition to achieve to boost their weight loss. Opponents of these types of diets tend to emphasize the potential dangers of ketosis. The South Beach Diet, while not being a true low-carb diet, falls into a gray area that leaves many potential dieters wondering if they will go into ketosis while on the diet. The truth is, ketosis is only possible in the early weeks of the diet and may not occur in all those who are on the diet; it depends on the specific food choices made.
South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet, developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, is a meal plan based around lean protein, healthy fats and good carbohydrates. The diet is divided into three phases, of which the first is the strictest and shortest. While it isn't considered a low-carb diet, the South Beach eating plan usually results in dieters consuming lower levels of carbs than what is found in the typical American diet. During the first phase, which lasts about two weeks, most people get less than 10 percent of their calories from carbohydrates. In the later phases, the carbohydrate levels are typically below 40 percent of the total daily calories.
Ketosis
Ketosis occurs when the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. During ketosis, breakdown products called ketones are produced, which travel through the bloodstream and are excreted in the urine. These ketones can cause side effects such as bad breath, dizziness, nausea and weakness. Proponents of the South Beach Diet and other low-carb diet plans also claim that ketosis helps stop carbohydrate cravings and reduces the appetite by stabilizing blood-sugar levels. People who are in ketosis frequently experience rapid weight loss, but some of this may be water weight that is lost due to the dehydrating effect of ketosis.
Phase One Ketosis
Because of the higher levels of carbohydrate intake on the later phases of the South Beach Diet, phase one is the only part of the diet in which dieters might experience ketosis. People who primarily choose phase-one foods, such as meat, fish, cheese, avocados, nuts, seeds and eggs might go into ketosis soon after beginning the diet.
Considerations
People on the South Beach Diet don't necessarily go into ketosis, even during the first phase. Because the plan does not specifically eliminate or restrict carbohydrates, but merely focuses on specific foods that are disallowed or recommended during each phase, it is possible to complete phase one eating a diet high in foods such as beans, tofu and vegetables. A diet high in these foods could provide enough carbohydrates to prevent the body from shifting into ketosis.
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