South Beach Diet Review – Get the facts!
Developed by world famous cardiologist Arthur Agaston who is the director of the Mount Sinai Cardiac Prevention Center in Miami Beach, Florida, the South Beach diet has gained massive notoriety over the last decade.
The South Beach diet is a heart conscious version of another famous weight loss program; the Atkins diet. Here are some of the similarities between the South Beach diet and Atkins.
Similarities
- Both were created by medical doctors.
- Both are best selling books.
- Both limit the amount of carbohydrates.
- Both have a very restrictive initial phase that is relaxed later on.
Differences
- South Beach bans unhealthy fats but promotes healthy ones.
- South beach doesn’t count the grams of carbohydrates.
The Atkins diet attempts to change your body from a sugar burning system into a fat burning system. Not all carbohydrates are created equal and the Glycemic index ranks carbohydrates according to their impact on your blood sugar level.
South Beach measures the amount of sugar in a particular carb and those carbs with a low glycemic index (creates a small fluctuation in blood sugar levels) are considered to be good, and allowed in the diet plan. The South Beach diet is well rounded, balanced and healthy!
What Can I Eat?
A benefit of the South Beach diet is you do not have to worry about strict portion sizes or calorie counting. You will, however, have to get acclimated to what a sensible meal portion is.
For some of us, a “sensible” meal size may seem small at first, but you will be surprised how quickly your body adjusts.
But I like to snack!
Good, because strategic snacking it is an important part of the program!The South Beach Diet will not let you go hungry.
All Carbohydrates are Not Created Equal
Bad carbs, often found in baked and processed foods, will be restricted. Even rice, potatoes and select vegetables (like carrots and corn) will be off the menu for the first 14 days.
During the introduction phase, sugary desserts and alcohol are also put on hold – again, for the time being.
The Three Phases of the Eating Plan
Phase I: The First 14 Days
The first two weeks is the most restricted and is designed to shock the body into losing weight! During this short period of time, you will cut out the carbs including bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, baked foods and fruit. You will also be banned from alcohol.
Although it may seem difficult at first, South Beach claims you will hardly miss it after the first few days. Dairy products will be allowed but limited with two servings per day of non fat (or low fat) milk or yogurt.
Phase II: Bring Back The Carbs!
You will begin to reintroduce some of the banned carbs from the first phase but they will be limited. You will bring back “good carbs” and “good fats” which will allow you to continue to lose weight at a healthy rate.
You will be allowed to eat bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and even wine.You will stay in this phase until you hit your target weight.
Phase III: A Healthy Balance Forever
After you have achieved your target weight, you will move into phase III; maintaining balanced and healthy eating habits. South Beach claims many clients want to remain in Phase II, even after achieving their target weight, but it is important you look to the future!
Phase two can be reintroduced if you over do it and need to drop a few pounds again, but it is important you not remain in it.
An Expert Opinion
The American Dietetic Spokeswomen, Constance Brown-Riggs, MSED, RD said in a 2009 interview that the South Beach Diet was a solid dietary program because it provided a nutritionally complete array of food and drinks.
In addition, it is ideal for diabetics or anyone who doesn’t want to have to weigh, measure, count calories or prepare a lot of food. She recommended it as an excellent program for anyone who wanted a serious weight loss program without any of the guesswork.
One Final Note!
The South Beach diet shows you how to eat healthy for the rest of your life! Most people think of dieting because they want to look better. You will also feel better. Have a stronger heart, lungs and bones. You will be a healthier and happier person.
Fast Facts
Advantages
- Creates a healthy lifestyle of eating
- Great for diabetics
- No counting carbs or calories
- You prepare your own meals
- Easy to follow
- You will lose the weight and keep it off
Disadvantages
- Alcohol is banned from the 1st phase
- Limited dairy products
Our Bottom Line Opinion
The South Beach Diet is extremely heart healthy and life changing. You will be eating healthy meals in healthy portions without sacrificing taste or the foods you like best.
There is no measuring or counting calories or carbs, which personally, I like best of all. This diet is a great way to eat, be healthy and enjoy life to the fullest!
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