South Beach Diet Facts

The South Beach Diet was created by Dr. Arthur Agatston.

He wanted a way for his heart patients to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way.

This weight loss program is set up to teach you to alter the balance of food you consume to stress weight loss and health.

You will eliminate bad carbs and fats and replace the with good carbs and fats.

This program is set up in three phases.

Phase 1 - Two Weeks - Start Losing Weight

Foods You Will Eat

You will consume regular portions of seafood and meat, such as fish, shrimp, beef and chicken. You will also eat eggs, cheese, vegetables, nuts, and salads with salad dressing containing olive oil.

This will consist of three meals each day and two snacks. You can drink diet soda, have dessert (but only after dinner) eat out.

Foods You Cannot Eat in Phase 1

You won't be able to have rice, bread, pasta, potatoes, baked goods or fruit.

You will also eliminate cake, candy, ice cream, cookies, sugar, alcohol or beer.

These foods will be brought back into the weight loss program after the first two weeks.

Phase 2 - Until You Reach Your Goal

Foods You Will Eat

Phase 1 is considered rebalancing your body and diet. Now you'll be allowed to have pasta, bread, cereal, rice, fruits, potatoes, beer, wine, and chocolate.

Once you reach your goal, you will be able to have more foods. South Beach Diet states they will teach you to eat smart carbohydrates so you can keep your weight off.

Phase 3 - Final Changes and Maintenance

After reaching your best weight, you can add more foods. You can eat regular foods in regular portions. Rebalancing the meals keeps your weight precisely where you want it to be.

The ultimate change phase, your meal plan will be loaded with vitamins and minerals. You'll consume fats that are healthy from omega-3 oils and olive oil, smart carbs, whole grains, and chocolate.

The Pros of South Beach Diet

Online provides support around the clock. You will also have a support group, personalized meal plan, and online dietitians to consult with.

South Beach Diet provides a "Meal Planner" which includes recipes, shopping lists, food guides and tips for eating out.

They provide "weight tracker" so you can record your progress and set goals and an "online journal" to record what you eat and how you feel among other tools.

There are minimal costs to join the South Beach Diet weight loss program.

The Cons of South Beach Diet

The reduction in carbohydrate intake will produce quick weight loss which isn't healthy. I personally don't like any weight loss program that restricts food groups.

If all food groups are added back after two weeks and you have consulted with your doctor prior to starting this weight loss program, it does become healthier in Phase 2.

I recommend you consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting a weight loss program to ensure it doesn't conflict with any women's health issues you may have.

There are no substitutes for the foods on the plan. If you are unable or don't like certain foods, it could be a problem for long-term dieting.

South Beach Diet assumes weight gain is from carbohydrates instead of over eating. Indication is made if you stop consumption of high glycemic index foods for a two week period you can stop the urge to over eat.

There aren't any studies at this time that support this concept.

"Achieving A Healthy Lifestyle For Women's Health and Fitness"