THE CONCEPT
The South Beach Diet was developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a
doctor from Miami Beach. His diet combines the elements of the
Atkins diet, as well as elements from low-fat diets such as those
recommended by the American Heart Association. The diet uses phases,
like the Atkins diet, and restricts certain foods through each
phase, gradually reintroducing them back into your diet.
THE PLAN
South Beach is a diet that works by using 3 phases. The induction
phase is meant to jump start your weight loss. Users can expect
to lose between 8 to 13 pounds during this time. The first phase
is very restrictive of carbohydrates, very similar to the induction
phase of the Atkins diet, causing ketosis, and basically causing
loss of stored water in the body.
The first phase lasts 14 days, and gives you meal plans for 3
meals a day plus snacks. A snack might be a celery stalk with
some low fat cottage cheese spread on it. You are told to eat
lean meat, with vegetables but nothing high in fiber and no complex
carbohydrates.
The second phase begins by reintroducing dairy products (low
fat of course_ and letting you consume some fiber and carbs. This
phase loses you approximately 1-2 pounds a week and lasts until
you reach your desired weight.
The third phase commences once you have reached your ideal weight.
The diet claims that if the first phases are followed appropriately,
you will have a grasp on healthy eating habits. Therefore this
phase, a more liberal dieting structure, will be easy to maintain.
This phase allows users to eat what their bodies require, and
will keep their weight at about the same level for the rest of
their lives if necessary. The author of the diet states that if
the weight is regained, to repeat the diet from the initial phase.
The fact that most weight lost is stored water is not very comforting.
Our bodies need water to function properly and to support our
muscles and organs. Many people regain their lost weight.
South Beach appears as a good compromise between low
carb diets and low fat options.
Yet the science behind the diet is questionable. Everyone has
varied results even when following the exact same diet, since
everyone's body is different and requires different things.
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