South Beach once evoked the beautiful beaches of Miami. Today it is far more likely to make you think of one of the most marketed and popularized diets in the last decade. Created by Dr. Arthur Agatston, the South Beach Diet philosophy encourages a lower fat and lower refined carbohydrate diet.
Created:
2000
Categories:
Low Fat, One Food, Low Carb, Low Sugar, Glycemic Index, High Fiber, Liquid Diet or Fasting, Prepared Meals
Website:
www.southbeachdiet.com
Meetings:
No
Books:
Yes
Expert Review:
The South Beach Diet from cardiologist Arthur Agatston emphasizes lower carbs, but does not allow the high fat you find with the Atkins low-carb diet. South Beach dieters get most of what experts agree people should eat: good carbs, healthy fats, lots of fruits and vegetables, and limited alcohol.
Is it safe for teens and young people who are still growing? For teens, one of the concerns nutritionists have is a diet that excludes entire food groups. In the case of South Beach, what is excluded in the early stages is fiber and whole grain, both of which provide essential nutrients for young people.
While South Beach works for some, especially those who start exercising once in dieting mode, many who have tried South Beach - including teens - report feeling very tired and lethargic after going on the diet.
South Beach attempts to work its magic by regulating blood sugar. According to Dr. Agatston, maintaining a steady level of blood sugar will reduce cravings. However, it is universally recognized that changes in blood sugar are not the only - and perhaps not even the primary - cause of cravings. Often, cravings are the result of feeling bored or lonely.
Because weight loss is not simply an issue of blood sugar, a better approach than Atkins or South Beach is to adopt a healthier set of eating and exercise habits. Smarter decisions and new behaviors are the real key to weight loss.
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Recipes offered: All Types
Sample South Beach Recipe
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Expert Comments:
The South Beach Diet is divided into three phases, with bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, baked goods, and fruit off limits during the first phase. Three balanced meals and snacks include lean meats, fish, eggs, reduced-fat cheese, nuts, beans, and vegetables. As you move into phases two and three you add back in some carbohydrates.