The South Beach Diet is a low-carb diet that emphasizes lean meats, unsaturated fats, and low-glycemic-index carbs. It was created by cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston and has been popular for over a decade. The diet has three different phases: two for weight loss and a third for weight maintenance.
Phase 1 lasts 14 days and is considered the strictest phase because it limits fruit, grains, and other higher-carb foods in order to decrease blood sugar and insulin levels, stabilize hunger, and reduce cravings. Compliant foods during this phase include lean meats and poultry, eggs and egg whites, seafood, soy products, non-starchy vegetables, some beans, nuts, and dairy.
Phase 2 is less restrictive and lasts until the desired weight is reached. During this phase, you can gradually add back some of the foods that were restricted in Phase 1, such as fruits, whole grains, and starchy vegetables.
Phase 3 is about maintaining your weight, and there is no food list to follow. By this time, you should know how to make good food choices and how to get back on track if you overindulge once in a while.
Positive aspects of the South Beach Diet include rapid weight loss without hunger, promotion of heart health, and the emphasis on whole foods.
Negative aspects of the diet include being criticized for being a restrictive "fad" diet and eliminating healthy foods like potatoes due to their glycemic index.
Ingredients or materials are not applicable to the South Beach Diet as it is a dietary plan and not a product.
