The South Beach Diet was created by Dr. Arthur Agatston, who wanted to help his patients lose weight in a healthy and long-term fashion. The South Beach Diet has three phases. The first phase lasts two weeks and involves many restrictions. The second phase brings back some of the forbidden foods as the dieter moves into a healthy-eating lifestyle, which is the third and final phase.
Fats
The South Beach Diet discourages unhealthy saturated fats such as those in red meat and whole dairy products, but promotes lean meats such as chicken, turkey and fish. Low-fat dairy, egg whites and nuts are good choices on this diet.
Carbohydrates
The South Beach Diet compares the amounts of sugar in individual carbohydrates rather than counting all carbs as though they were the same. Choosing carbohydrates based on sugar content keeps the glycemic index low, which prevents quick fluctuations of blood sugar levels.
Foods to Be Avoided
In Phase One, the South Beach Diet prohibits alcohol completely due to its conversion to sugar in the body. For the same reason, breads, rice, pasta, baked goods, fruits and potatoes are not allowed. These carbohydrates have a high glycemic index. When the individual initially cuts these foods out of the diet, the body begins to burn more fat.
Benefits for Weight Loss
The South Beach Diet is more "heart healthy" than other low-carb diets because it distinguishes between healthy and unhealthy carbs and fats. When people proceed through the different phases, they move gradually into a healthy dietary regime that does not feel like a deprivation diet. During the first phase of the South Beach Diet, the dieter can expect an 8- to 14-lb. pound weight loss.
Other Health Benefits
Besides contributing to rapid and long-term weight loss, this diet has other health benefits. Because of the types of fats and carbohydrates incorporated into meal plans, the diet fosters heart health and lowers cholesterol.
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