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 them 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

Emphasis on healthy eating and eliminating trans-fats and refined sugars.

Highly supported program with a maintenance plan.

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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.