What in the world is a South Beach Diet?

The south beach diet, ironically, was created by Arthur Agatston, M.D. a cardiac physician. This diet was designed to help his patients suffering from insulin resistance syndrome as other diet programs devised to lower risks of heart disease were not effective. Thus Arthur developed a new diet plan with elements of some diets like the Zone and Protein Power to discover this effective formula for south beach diet.

South beach diet is successful because it identifies the difference between good and bad carbs. Dieters following this plan can eat a variety of food as the south beach diet doesn’t restrict any specific food.

This diet plan gained popularity for its ability to make people lose weight the healthy way. In this south beach diet the person is able to choose between good and bad carb foods. This encourages dieters to consume more fruits and whole grain breads and making it more balanced in comparison to other diet programs.

The south beach diet caters for the effect food consumed has on blood sugar levels. The Glycemic index is used to measure the difference between good and bad carbs. The entire diet program is divided into three stages and limitations of eating get relaxed as dieter approaches end of the diet. Dieter shall witness considerable weight loss during the initial phases of the program more than the second half. This is an advantage from point of view of the dieter as it becomes easier for them to hold on for longer time. More strict limitations apply only during the first two weeks. Even though there are limitations the dieter doesn’t usually feel hungry, as a matter of fact he/she can eat six meals a day with each meal satisfying the real hunger and not more. Best foods to include are ones rich in fats and having lowest Glycemic Index controlling blood sugar levels. A big no to rice, pasta, potatoes, bread and fruits in the first two weeks.

The second stage permits dieter to eat foods rich in healthy carbs. Fruits and whole grains are permitted with meals having lesser restrictions and more variety to choose from compared to the first stage.

The third stage brings about a diet plan which the dieters have to stick to life long. More foods are permitted but difference is that food craving shall reduce drastically by this time. Thus helping maintain weight lost during the diet.