The South Beach Diet was designed by cardiologist, Dr. Arthur Agatston to help his patients regain good health. It is not primarily a weight loss diet although losing weight is certainly one of the results of following his plan. The doctor stresses that it is not a low-carb diet and not a low-fat diet. It is a diet for eating the right carbs and the right fats. There is no counting of calories, fat, or limiting of portion sizes. There are three phases to the diet: Phase 1 (2 weeks) During this phase you eat meat, chicken, fish, turkey and shellfish, vegetables, eggs, cheese, nuts and olive oil. You will eat normal amounts of food for your three balanced meals a day. You should eat enough so you are not hungry. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are a must to keep your metabolism working efficiently. Water, tea, coffee, are allowed. You are not allowed to eat bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, baked goods or fruit, anything with sugar and no alcohol. During this time you are eliminating all the things that can cause cravings. A weight loss of 8-12 pounds is average during this phase. Phase 2 (For ongoing weight loss) Your body has been trained during the first phase to metabolize food in a different and healthier way. Now you can add back into your diet the foods you enjoy such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit and even chocolate. You won't be able to have all of these things, all the time, but you will learn to enjoy them in moderation. You will remain in Phase 2 until your goal weight is reached. A weight loss of between 1-2 pounds a week is average during this phase. Phase 3 (Maintaining your new weight) By the time you switch to Phase 3 your plan will have become less of a diet and more of a healthy way of life. You'll be eating normal foods in normal-size portions. You'll actually learn how to control your blood chemistry and your metabolism through food choices *Notes: Cheese and yogurt are the only low-fat foods recommended. Sugar consumption is limited to lactose--milk sugar--which is an acceptable component of the South Beach Diet. Check out the official South Beach Diet site: South Beach

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Published on: 2008-02-27 (7109 reads)