South Beach Diet

The popular South Beach diet was created by a cardiologist named Arthur Agatston – a cardiologist from Miami, Florida and a New York University graduate. Dr. Agatston focuses on consuming only good carbohydrates and good fats.  He created and developed the South Beach diet especially for his patients who are suffering from cardiac problems and as based on his scientific research on dieting.

The South Beach diet first appeared in the form of a book published by Rodale Press. Dr. Agatston has the belief that by excessively consuming bad carbs especially those found in foods which possess a high glycemic index, the body then produces insulin resistance – a syndrome where the hormone insulin is unable to process sugar or fat. He also believes that saturated and trans fat helps in increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The South Beach diet therefore minimizes the consumption of bad fats and carbs and also encourages the consumption of good carbs and fats.

The South Beach diet basically consists of 3 phases.  All 3 phases are aimed to minimize fat consumption.

Phase 1 of the diet lasts about 2 weeks.  During this phase, dieters are instructed to eliminate resistance to insulin by the intentional avoidance of foods which are high or moderately contain high-glycemic carbs.  These foods include candy, dairy, bread, fruit, potatoes, grains, cereals.

Dr. Agatston claims that at this time, the body is supposed to lose insulin resistance making the body use its excess body fat.  This causes dieters to lose anywhere between 8 – 13 pounds.

During the first two weeks of the South Beach diet, dieters are to eat normal-size portions of fish, meat, nuts, eggs, vegetables and cheese.

This phase basically consists of three meals a day including snacks.  The dieter is encouraged to eat until his or her hunger is satiated.

However, alcohol is a no-no.  By the end of the first phase, the dieter is to lose weight and cravings for starches and sugar is eliminated.

Understanding South Beach Diet Recommended Resources:

Northwestern University

Yale-New Haven Hospital