The South Beach Diet was created by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a preventative cardiologist. In 2003, he published dietary plans he used for his patients in his first book, "The South Beach Diet." In 2004, Kraft Foods released a line of packaged, low carbohydrate foods using the name of South Beach Diet. In 2009, the line was renamed South Beach Living, but was discontinued later that year. The South Beach Diet company is planning on reintroducing packaged food products in the future; until that date, nutritional information from South Beach Living product line provides clues about what kinds of products the South Beach Diet company may release.
About the South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet is a diet plan that emphasizes the importance of eating good fats and complex carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are your body's main energy source. When broken down in the body, they produce glucose, also known as blood sugar, which gives your body the energy to perform any variety of tasks. Some carbohydrates are broken down and released into your bloodstream slowly during digestion, while others are released rapidly, increasing your blood sugar levels quickly. Foods that quickly increase your blood sugar level can cause insulin resistance, a condition in which your body does not process blood sugar correctly, which can lead to diabetes. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, release carbohydrates into your blood stream slowly and are much healthier than simple carbohydrates such as processed grains. Similarly, unsaturated fats, such as olive and canola oil, are recommended in lieu of saturated and trans fats.
Types of Packaged Food
Kraft Foods' renamed South Beach Living line featured a variety of products, including cereal bars, TV dinners and salad dressings. Several products were available with added fiber and protein. In 2009, Kraft discontinued the South Beach Living line. As of June 2010, no South Beach Diet prepackaged foods were available. However, the South Beach Diet website says the company is redesigning diet foods with "South Beach Diet-friendly ingredients." No release date was available as of June 2011.
South Beach Living Nutrition Facts
Most South Beach Living food products were between 200 and 400 calories. Most South Beach Living cereal bar products contained between 4 g and 5 g of fat, 17 g to 25 g of carbohydrates and 2 g to 12 g of protein. South Beach Living Ranch Dressing contained 7 g of fat, 2 g carbohydrates and 0 g of protein per serving.
Considerations
Pre-processed, packaged food can cause a variety of health problems. Packaged foods may be loaded with sodium, MSG and other preservatives to increase shelf life. These additives may contribute to heart disease, obesity, depression and fatigue. Speak with your doctor or dietitian before you use packaged foods on the South Beach Diet.
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