What is the South Beach Diet?
It was in the mid-1990s when the South Beach Diet was started and developed by Arthur Agatston. A dietitian, Marie Almon, from Mount Sinai Medical Center helped him. Originally called the Modified Carbohydrate Diet, the diet was actually made for Dr. Agatston’s patient after he saw that the diet recommended by the American Heart Association was not effective in regulating their body weights.
But what he observed was that those who were following the Atkins diet were able to successfully lose weight. He was apprehensive to prescribe the Atkins diet to his patients as they have heart issues and the diet called for saturated fats.
Instead, he started researching the different carbohydrates. The South Beach Diet focuses instead on the glycemic impact of the food. This is also what differentiates it from other low carb diets. While they do not allow carbohydrates like white rice, potatoes, and white bread, they are not discouraging their followers to stop eating carbohydrates altogether.
Dr. Agatston released his book on the South Beach Diet in 2003, and over the years it has gained popularity over the world.
What are the benefits of the South Beach Diet?
The South Beach Diet can help with weight loss. But experts are quick to say that it is not a quick fix. If you follow the plan, you will become educated with what good and bad carbs are.
It is a meal plan that will help you make better choices in what you eat. It won’t just focus on one food group. You will still be able to eat dairy, eggs, vegetables and lean protein. As stated above, the diet focuses on those with a low glycemic index. One thing that you may miss in this diet is the lack of fruits, as they can have a high glycemic index.
Are there downsides to the South Beach Diet?
Like any form of fad diet, there are still many who say that the South Beach Diet is not perfect. Some argue that there is still not enough evidence that the diet is helpful for those who want to lose weight.
The first phase is also very difficult for many, as it is very restrictive. Some are also confused with the diet as they go through the phases. Because in the first phase, you are not allowed to have any form of saturated fat, while in the third phase, you are definitely allowed. Some high-processed carbs are also allowed, such as couscous, which does not sit well with those who feel that this diet is low carb.
What are the Phases of the South Beach Diet?
The South Beach Diet has three phases. Here’s an explanation for each phase so that you can better understand how the diet works.
Phase 1 – This phase is the most restrictive phase. It is often called reboot week as this is the time when you will have to learn new eating habits. If you are used to eating fruits, alcohol, and foods that are sweet and filled with sugar, you will really need to discipline yourself during this time. Many people consider this the hardest stage as you will have to change your way of eating. You will be asked to eat healthy fats and lean protein and avoid carbohydrates. If you are not sure which foods to avoid, there are lists you can find on the internet, or better yet, subscribe to a meal plan instead. This phase can last for up to 2 weeks.
Phase 2 – This phase is when you start seeing the effects of your diet. Many experience weight loss in this phase. You can start eating carbs, but only the healthy ones and you are allowed until 2 servings of alcohol per week.
Phase 3 – This phase helps you transition into making this diet more of your way of eating. You will also need to exercise during this phase.
If you are going to try the South Beach Diet, the good news is that you can get pre-packaged meal plans that fit your lifestyle and taste. This will ensure that you are getting the right types of food. There are many South Beach Diet Delivery services so it is important to get the right one.
This review by Patricia and Carolyn can assist you in making your decision. Not only do they lay out how much the diet plan will cost you ($390 a month for the full meal delivery service), but they have specified what is included in the service.
