The South Beach Diet is a weight loss system developed by preventative cardiologist Dr. Agaston. He first developed the diet for his patients in 1995 and eventually published his infamous book in 2003. The main idea behind the plan is to learn how to eat what you love while maintaining a healthy weight. It consists of three Phases. The First Phase lasts for two weeks and focuses on cutting out cravings for sugar and carbohydrates.
By filling up on nutrient and fiber-filled food, an individual’s blood sugar will be able to stabilize, cutting out the sugar cravings. Phase Two is considered the long term weight loss step. The food previously allowed in Phase One is still incorporated into the diet, and good carbohydrates are introduced. For a woman needing to lose less than ten pounds, Phase One may be skipped, and she may start her diet with Phase Two. Phase Two will last until an ideal and healthy weight is reached. Phase Three is the final phase and is indefinite. At this point, the body has adjusted to the diet and lifestyle adapted in Phases One and Two. This diet remains the primary source of nutrition with small indulgences permitted here and there.
The South Beach Diet website contains a vast collection of recipes and focuses on using lean proteins, high fiber fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Using food easily found in grocery stores is more convenient than waiting on orders of prepackaged diet food. The large amount of recipes available gives the dieter a greater variety of meals and helps teach how to incorporate these healthy food choices into everyday life. Common menu items at most restaurants can be eaten without too much modification. Gradually modifying meals and lifestyle gives the dieter a better chance of losing weight, keeping that weight off, and a higher level of happiness and satisfaction overall.
Dr. Agaston has also developed a South Beach Diet Fitness Club which incorporates various forms of exercise including core strengthening, cardio, and flexibility. While it is not a required part of any of the diet phases, it is recommended to help break through weight loss plateaus and generally increase health and fitness. In general, exercise is recommended to compliment any diet. However, exercise may not be an option for everyone due to pre-existing health issues. Even if unable to exercise, going through the phases of the South Beach Diet will still lead to weight loss.
Success stories from women who have used the South Beach Diet relate an increase in health and energy, a renewed confidence in themselves, and a motivation and dedication to keep these new healthy eating habits. As with most successful diets, it is more than losing weight and temporarily changing what foods are eaten. It is a lifestyle change and a commitment to eating properly must be developed and maintained.
