South Beach Diet Reviews
Diet Plan Facts
Overview The South Beach Diet plan was originally developed for overweight heart patients by a cardiologist by the name of Dr. Arthur Agatston. These patients successfully lost a lot of weight and became quite healthy by following this plan. The South Beach Diet book has been a best seller for years, simply because this diet [...]
Overview
The South Beach Diet plan was originally developed for overweight heart patients by a cardiologist by the name of Dr. Arthur Agatston. These patients successfully lost a lot of weight and became quite healthy by following this plan.
The South Beach Diet book has been a best seller for years, simply because this diet is medically sound and provides all the nutrition required while on a calorie-restricted diet. Thousands of people have successfully lost weight on this program.
The South Beach Diet has been compared to the Atkins diet due to the low carb consumption; however, it differs in that it restricts saturated fats, which are linked with heart disease and high cholesterol. In addition, the South Beach diet identifies how much sugar is in a particular carb. Carbs with a low glycemic index are good, and are permitted on this program. This plan helps to maintain blood sugar levels, thereby reducing cravings for sugars and sweets.
The South Beach Diet works to reduce cravings and help the dieter want to eat less by eliminating foods that spike blood insulin levels, causing the dieter to want to eat more. By leveling these blood sugar levels, The South Beach Diet promises to make the dieter want to eat less food, and better food.
This program involves three phases which helps the dieter wean off of certain foods, and incorporate healthier foods. Weight loss can be quite rapid during the first phase – as much as 8 to 12 pounds of weight loss is possible in the first 2 weeks alone.
The website, SouthBeachDiet.com, offers an online program that features customized weight-loss tools and 24/7 support. Some of the tools provided include a meal planner, recipe finder, weight tracker, shopping list generator, dining out guides, and discussion groups for support.
Diet
The South Beach Diet is practical, flexible, effective and easy to follow. There are three phases involved with this diet in order to help the dieter slowly eliminate bad foods from their diet.
Phase 1 – This is the shortest phase, which lasts two weeks. The main goal in this phase is to eliminate cravings for sugars and refined starches, cleanse the body, and kick-start weight loss. The elimination of these sugars will stabilize blood sugar levels to reduce cravings. Foods prohibited during this phase include bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, fruit, sweets, cake, ice cream and alcohol.
Foods rich in fiber and protein will be consumed during this phase, which will help keep the dieter full and satisfied. Foods such as fish, poultry, lean beef, vegetables, cheese, eggs, low-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are allowed. Snacks are also permitted, such as a nut mix or cheeses.
Phase 2 – This is the longest of the 3 phases, and involves the core of the weight loss. It lasts until the dieter has reached their targeted weight. The foods permitted in this phase include the same as phase 1, as well as good carbs like whole-grain bread, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, fruits and vegetables.
Phase 3 – The dieter will continue to follow the principles of making healthy food choices that was learned in the first 2 phases. This phase involves maintenance of a healthy weight, and living a healthy lifestyle. The dieter is allowed to indulge once in a while during the maintenance phase. Emphasis is placed on choosing simple carbs and lean proteins, rather than drastically cutting carbs like other diets.
Exercise
One of the great features of the South Beach Diet is that it includes a Fitness Club Plan to help the dieter develop lean muscle tissue while losing body fat on the diet program. The South Beach Diet program provides a total fitness routine for a healthy, fit body.
Features of the fitness program include a walking routine and hundreds of pilates movements for total body strength. Their website has pictures and complete step-by-step videos for instruction on how to properly perform all these movements. It is recommended that exercise should be done every other day for at least 20 minutes.
All the exercises are tailored for any level of fitness – from beginner to expert. Incorporating this exercise routine into the diet program will ensure faster results. In addition, coupling the diet with a fitness regimen will help to overcome weight loss plateaus, and develop a stronger heart and body.
Costs and Expenses
The South Beach Diet book can be purchased for about $15, and their cookbook costs about $28.99. Foods are prepared by the dieter, so the grocery price can vary. The website offers the option to by snack bars and meal bars as well. You can also subscribe to online features like message boards and access to nutritionists for $5 per week. Dieters can get their first week free with an online profile.
Advantages
Emphasis on healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats
Avoids harmful foods such as sugars and hydrogenated oils
Developed by a doctor
Supported by the medical community
Doesn’t leave out any major food groups
Encourages exercise
Promotes healthy eating after the diet is completed
Thousands of people have lost weight successfully on this diet
Inexpensive
Disadvantages
Lots of water weight lost during the first few days
May be hard for vegetarians to follow
Overall Rating
Thousands of people have lost a lot of weight by following the principles of the doctor-formulated South Beach Diet. The diet promises that you’ll lose 8-12 pounds in the first two weeks as long as you adhere to the guidelines, after which about 2 pounds lost per week is the norm.
This diet truly meets the criteria for a healthy diet, since it is abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. In addition, it doesn’t leave out any major food groups, which makes this diet both healthy and effective for weight loss.
