South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet was conceived by Dr. Arthur Agatston. He has developed a diet based on the exclusion of bad fats and bad carbohydrates replaced with good fats and carbohydrates. Individuals on the South Beach Diet still indulge in many of their favorite foods without cutting down on portions too much. It should be cautioned that people with liver problems should first consult a physician before beginning the South Beach Diet.

South Beach Diet Benefits

  • lose weight
  • lowers cholesterol, which reduces risk of heart disease
  • reduces risk of diabetes
  • no cravings for food
  • helps people lose belly fat, which reduces risk of heart disease

There are indeed many benefits to the dietary changes you make on the South Beach Diet. How exactly does the South Beach diet work?

The Right Carbs
Most of the excess weight we carry comes from the highly processed carbs we eat. That’s why we need to stay away from processed carbs, such as breads, soft drinks, baked goods and other processed treats. That’s because food companies have removed the fiber from foods. This changes the very way in which we metabolize these products. When we’ve gained excess weight, the weight impairs insulin’s ability to process fats and sugars. This is known as insulin resistance and leads the body to store more fat than it should (especially at the midsection).

Cutting out these processed carbs is where the South Beach Diet begins.

The Right Fats

Not all fat is bad for you. In fact, some fats are good for us! These good fats help burn the bad fats. Luckily, lots of foods contain healthy fats. Studies have found that lean meats are not bad for our blood chemistry. Here are some foods that contain good fats:

  • fish
  • chicken
  • turkey
  • egg yolk : once thought bad for you, now thought good
  • nuts
  • yogurt
  • low-fat cheese
  • olive oil : reduces risk of heart disease
  • canola oil

But how do you start to incorporate the good fats and carbs in your diet while cutting out the bad ones? Well, the diet has three phases. Here’s a quick look at the phases. For a more in-depth look at the three phases, take a look at Dr. Arthur Agatston’s "South Beach Diet" book.

Phase 1 : two weeks of dietary restrictions
In the first two weeks, meals should consist of protein, good fats and carbs that have a low-glycemic index rating. You refrain from eating any fruit during these two weeks.

Phase 2 : a little more breathing room
Phase 2 should last as long as you want to achieve weight loss. You continue eating foods that contain good fats and carbohydrates and you slowly reintroduce fruit into your diet.

Phase 3 : for the rest of your life
This phase of course is the most relaxed. Once you’ve lost the weight you want to lose, then keep to the principles behind the South Beach Diet.

This is a very simple explanation of the South Beach Diet. If you’re thinking of starting this diet, please take a look at the book for comprehensive information in order to lose weight the right way.

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