The South Beach Diet

Dr. Arthur Agatston, who is a cardiologist and a professor at Miami Miller School of Medicine is the founder of the South Beach Diet. He has been the author of numerous articles for scientific journals and has been an expert consultant on the topic of cardiology and preventative medicine.

In the mid 1990’s, Dr. Agatston was attempting to find a better way of eating for his cardiology patients. He was not trying to develop a weight loss plan, but at that time what he did create is now known as the South Beach Diet.

This book became a national best seller and has resulted in a national phenomenon. He has also authored The South Beach Diet Cookbook (2004); The South Beach Diet Good Fats Good Carbs Guide (2004); The South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook (2005); and The South Beach Diet Dining Guide (2005). He has recently added The South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook (2006) and The South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook (2007). His most recent addition to the collection is the South Beach Heart Health Revolution.

The South Beach diet is based on three phases, the first phase is designed to last two weeks and should eliminate cravings and jump start weight loss. The second phase is intended to produce steady weight loss and get you to your goal weight. Phase three is called the lifestyle phase and is designed to maintain your healthy weight for a lifetime.

Phase One foods include protein (meats, eggs, cheese, tofu, fish, nuts, etc), Vegetables excluding starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn. All portions are controlled in phase one.

Foods to avoid in Phase One include, Apples, Apricots, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Grapefruit, Grapes, Kiwi, Mangoes, Oranges, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Strawberries, Dairy products and Yogurt, bread, pasta, rice and sugar.

You will add back a variety of foods in Phase Two to include some breads, rice, pasta, baked goods, fruit, and other sugars.

Phase Three is the maintenance portion and is designed to be your diet for life. The following foods can be eaten sparingly during Phase Three and for life.

Starches including: Bagels, small, whole grain, bread-multigrain, oat and bran, rye, whole wheat, any high fiber cereals, muffins (sugar free with no raisins), whole wheat pasta, green peas, whole wheat pita bread, popcorn, sweet potato, brown or wild rice.

A couple of things to note about The South Beach Diet, alcohol is completely restricted in Phase One and some wine is added back in Phase Two. Things such as beer and hard liquor are restricted. The consumption of protein in any form is encouraged in all phases with no limits. Acceptable vegetables, which is just about anything except the starchy vegetables is also unlimited in all phases.

Unlike some of the more restrictive low carb plans, The South Beach Diet will allow you to reintroduce fruits and dairy into your diet in a later phase, making it easier to do for the long term.

Overall, The South Beach Diet is a nutritionally sound plan; if you use it correctly you can lose significant weight and maintain that loss for life.

As always consult your physician before beginning any diet or exercise plan.