Health and WellnessDiets and weight loss aids

South beach diet

Written by noted preventive cardiologist Arthur Agatston, MD, the South Beach diet has helped patients reduce their high cholesterol and high blood pressure, lessen their risk of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, and shed excess pounds. It is not a low carb or low fat diet - instead, this diet is about eliminating bad carbs (or high glycemic carbs) and bad fats (saturated and trans fats), and encouraging people to eat good fats and good carbs.

There are three phases to this diet.

Phase 1 (two weeks)

Consists of eliminating all carbs from the diet (only temporary until Phase 2). Foods eaten are normal-size helpings of meat and seafood (like chicken, beef, fish, and shrimp), plenty of vegetables, eggs, cheese, and nuts.

What is not allowed: For the first 14 days bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, or baked goods are not allowed. Candy, beer, alcohol cake, cookies, ice cream, or sugar for two weeks is exlcuded. Fruit is also not allowed, but is incorporated later on in the diet.

Phase 2

A number of foods will be brought back into your diet, though gradually. Sugar or other high glycemic carbs, such as white bread and white potatoes will still not be allowed in your diet. Bad fats must be avoided, and South Beach Diet followers must stay in Phase 2 until they achieve their target weight.

Phase 3

Once you reach your target weight, you can add even more foods back into your daily meals. The plan gradually turns from a diet to a way of life. You will be allowed to eat normal foods in normal-size portions, only rebalanced to keep your weight exactly where you want it.

Visit www.southbeachdiet.com for more information.