The South Beach Diet

Lose Weight with the South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet became popular in 2003 and was created by cardiologist Arthur Agaston. Dr. Agaston based his diet on years of research performed with his cardiology patients. It is named after the glamorous South Beach area of Miami.

The diet is low protein, low carb diet that focuses on healthy eating to manage your weight loss, unlike most diets that require calorie counting. By eating healthy foods and limiting unhealthy trans fats and saturated fats, using the South Beach Diet for weight loss can more effectively produce results and a healthier lifestyle.

The diet is divided into 3 phases. Phase 1 is a 2 week process that removes all of the carbs from your diet. No more fruits, breads, sweets, pasta, or alcohol. Poultry and pork are also off limits during this initial step. Instead food intake should be meat, seafood, salads, cheese, and other foods high in fiber. Within the 2 week process the cravings for these carbohydrates should decrease. The daily carb intake is reduced from up to 65% to only 10%. Only 1 or 2 servings of caffeine per day are allowed.

Phase 2 begins by adding back some of these foods and increasing your carb intake to 25% per day. This is the most important phase in the diet, and you will remain in this phase until reaching your desired weight.

Phase 3 begins after you have lost the desired amount of weight, and focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle with healthy eating habits. If, after reaching this stage, lost weight begins to return, the diet must be started again from Phase 1.

The South Beach Diet has been successful for millions of people, and can work for just about anyone who is willing to make the lifestyle changes required. With this diet and a more healthy lifestyle, it is possible to lose up to 15 pounds during the first phase, and an additional 2 pounds per week thereafter.

The low carb diet consists of foods such as baked chicken, salads, fresh vegetables, tuna, tofu, beef, and turkey, all of which can be prepared by various methods. Snacks and desserts are also allowed, but should be limited to 75 calories per day. Choices for desserts and snacks include gelatins and sugar free popsicles and treats. A person should eat 6 proportioned meals per day, using foods such as those listed above.

While this diet does not rely on exercise as a method of losing weight, the diet does suggest getting 20 minutes of daily exercise and/or activity while choosing the right foods that are low in carbs. This diet can be very successful but does require a long term commitment to a better lifestyle.