South Beach Diet Review:
The South Beach Diet was developed by cardiologist Dr.Arthur Agatston and dietician Marie Almon. The diet was originally designed for heart patients in order to reduce body fat and which was also easy to adhere to. The basic reasoning behind the diet was that by reducing the carbohydrate intake, less insulin was produced and this led to less hunger pangs.
The diet is practical and easy to follow. It is divided into three phases. Phase 1 is designed to reduce the craving for food and start the process of weight loss. This phase lasts for two weeks. During this period the dieter stands to lose several pounds. Phase 2 is planned to reduce weight and sustain that loss over time. The diet calls for you to stay in this phase till you have reached your healthy weight level. The last and final phase is known as the lifestyle phase. The foods you eat from this phase on is what you will be having throughout your life.
Phase 1
During phase 1 of the south beach diet, all the starchy carbohydrates like pastas, rice and breads are totally removed from your diet. Sweet items like, ice-cream, sodas, etc are also barred. It might be difficult at first.This has to moreover, continue for two weeks. But most dieters found out that by the 4th day, the craving for such foods started to subside and they found that they could do without it. The type of foods normally consumed during phase 1 are meats, eggs, poultry, fish and all kinds of vegetables.
Phase 2
This phase is different from phase 1 in that you get to choose what you eat. It is in this phase that you get to your ideal weight level. The phase 2 lasts from week 3 through week 6 and you slowly start to add back carbohydrates into your menu. This is done in a phased manner in order that you continue to lose weight and do not have any unpleasant reactions. These reactions could be in the form of weight gain, food craving or loss of energy. You could start by eating whole grain rice or bread during the first week. During the second week, you could add a fruit to your menu. It is important that you keep a close watch on your reaction to these additions. You have to keep a tab on your weight and your food cravings. If you find that the addition of carbs is affecting you by way of an increase in weight, you have to cut out some of the additions you have made to your menu. Some experimenting has to be done before arriving at the right combination.
Phase 3
This phase will last the rest of your life. You have the knowledge and will power to eat the right kinds of foods to maintain your weight and energy.
Some people find the plan quite difficult to follow as it calls for a lot of will power on their part to harness their food cravings. There are also some who find it expensive to sustain the type of foods required. In the final analysis, there are more positives points to the south beach diet plan than negatives. As the ultimate goal is to have a healthy body, the south beach diet plan will ensure that you achieve that goal.
