South Beach diet

The South Beach diet was developed by a cardiologist, Arthur Agatston, practicing in the Miami, Florida area. The diet first appeared in a book of the same name, published by Rodale Press.

The South Beach diet is frequently confusingly compared to the Atkins diet, which is a low-carbohydrate diet. The South Beach Diet emphasizes the consumption of so-called "good carbohydrates", mainly ones that are high in fiber or nutrition, and typically low in glycemic index. The South Beach diet was developed for cardiac patients to lose weight without risking ketosis. (There are studies of the effects of extended Ketosis on the average body, but they are at this time inconclusive.) Weight loss turned out to be a beneficial side effect; Dr. Agatson believes this is a positive thing, as it encourages many people to move to a heart-healthier diet than may otherwise make this choice.

In the initial phase, lasting a few weeks, dieters attempt to eliminate cravings for "bad carbohydrates" by eating no grains or fruits. After this phase, grain-based foods and fruits are gradually returned to the diet, although in smaller amounts than were likely eaten before beginning the diet, and with a concentration on foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains instead of refined flour. By the time the dieter has lost the desired weight, they should be having three servings of whole grains and three servings of fruit a day. The more strict Phase 1 may be reinstituted if the person feels they have developed cravings for foods they shouldn't have.

The diet also emphasizes the difference between good and bad carbohydrates, combinations of foods, and good and bad fats. Good carbohydrates have a low glycemic index, that is, they are digested and absorbed slowly. Other preferred carbohydrates are ones that have more nutritional value than the alternatives (ie, brown rice is allowed in moderation, but white rice is discouraged). Eating fiber or fat with carbohydrates will slow their digestion. Good fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Saturated and trans fats are bad.

This diet emphasizes making a permanent change in one's way of eating. It suggests whole grains and large amounts of vegetables, along with adequate amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated fats, including Omega-3 oils. It discourages the eating of overly refined foods, particularly refined flours and sugars.

In 2004, a deal was made between Kraft Foods and Dr. Agatson wherein Kraft will begin producing a variety of foods that meet the requirements of the South Beach Diet. There is some concern that this will lead to the same kind of situation as products approved by the corporation associated with the Atkins diet—that some products will most certainly fall outside the scope of the diet.

Bibliography

• The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss by Arthur Agatston 2003 ISBN 1579546463
• The South Beach Diet Cookbook: More than 200 Delicious Recipes That Fit the Nation's Top Diet by Arthur Agatston 2004 ISBN 1579549578
• South Beach Diet Good Fats/Good Carbs Guide: The Complete and Easy Reference for All Your Favorite Foods by Arthur Agatston 2004 ISBN 1579549586
• The South Beach Diet: Good Fats Good Carbs Guide by Arthur Agatston 2004 ISBN 0959708707

External links

• South Beach Diet Online (Official Website) (http://www.southbeachdiet.com/)
  • Recipes (http://www.southbeachdiet.com/public/diet-recipes/diet-recipes.asp)
  • Daily Dish (http://www.southbeachdiet.com/public/dailydish/default.asp)
  • Member Site (http://secure.agoramedia.com/sbd2/index_sbd.asp)
• South Beach Magazine (http://www.southbeach-usa.com/scene/scene1/misc/south-beach-diet.htm/) Article on South Beach Diet with quotes from Dr. Agatston.
• South Beach Diet (http://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/diets/south_beach_diet/)
• Glycemic Index (http://diabetes.about.com/library/mendosagi/ngilists.htm)
• South Beach Diet overview (http://www.low-carb-foods.biz/low-carb-diets/south-beach-diet/)
• South Beach Diet 101 -Offers a presentation of the low carb, low fat principles on which South Beach Diet is based, as well as a lot of recipes designed for this diet. (http://www.south-beach-diet-101.com/)
• In-depth article looks at the pros and cons of the South Beach Diet (http://www.mediterrasian.com/straight_talk_south_beach.htm)