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The South Beach Diet is a weight loss plan designed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist, who created the diet to help promote weight loss success. South Beach is a lower carb diet; however, it differs from the popular no-carb alternative diets, such as Atkins.

How does the South Beach Diet Work?

The South Beach Diet promotes a lifestyle of fitness and proper nutrition. Unlike Atkins, which allows consumers to eat a wide variety of unhealthy proteins, South Beach restricts foods that are high in cholesterol, and that contain saturated fats. Adding to this, South Beach strives to teach dieters about proper foods that keep blood sugar levels stable, which helps maintain energy levels while boosting weight loss results.

The South Beach Diet guides individuals through three specific phases of weight loss, as each phase is designed to gradually guide dieters towards a healthier lifestyle, therefore consumers are not faced with drastic changes or alterations that must be sustained long-term. Creators of South Beach assert that individuals adhering to all of the diet rules and requirements will lose 8 to 12 pounds in the first two weeks.

The Three South Beach Phases

• Phase 1
  Phase 1 is a two week period where dieters remove starches and carbohydrates, such as bread and potatoes. Adding to this, sugars are completely eliminated from one’s diet, as consumers increase their consumption of lean proteins and meats, such as fish, eggs, and vegetables.
• Phase 2
  Phase 2 guides dieters as they slowly increase their intake of fruits and whole grain carbohydrates. Dieters continue to slowly re-introduce these foods until they have reached their goal weight.
• Phase 3
  Phase 3 is the maintenance period, where dieters continue to practice the core principals and techniques of The South Beach Diet while monitoring their weight loss and nutritional choices.

The Convenience of the South Beach Diet

• As South Beach has grown in popularity, manufacturers have increased the diet’s accessibility and resources.
• Dieters can utilize The South Beach Diet book as a resource and guide
• Dieters can take advantage of The South Beach Diet website
• Consumers can purchase South Beach Diet frozen foods and pre-packaged snacks at grocery stores across the country

Pros of the South Beach Diet

• The diet information is relatively affordable, as the online program costs approximately $6 a week, while The South Beach Diet book generally costs less than 30 dollars
• The diet promotes a transition into dieting, so consumers are supported with specific details and information
• The diet is designed for both short and long term success

Cons of the South Beach Diet

• Some dieters argue that the initial phases (1 and 2) are too drastic and difficult to sustain
• Some of the South Beach Diet foods in grocery stores contain artificial flavors and ingredients, which can cause digestive issues
• Eliminating fruits, during phase 1, can deprive dieters of essential nutrients and vitamins
• The plan is difficult for vegetarians to follow

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