The South Beach Diet
by: Charlene J. Nuble
Among the most popular forms of dieting
is the South Beach diet, developed by cardiologist Arthur Agatston
of Miami, Florida.
The South Beach diet is always confused with Atkins Diet, which is a
low-carbohydrate diet. The South Beach diet highlights the
consumption of “good carbohydrates” (high in fiber) and low in
glycemic index. The South Beach diet was developed for patients with
heart problems to lose weight without risking ketosis. The weight
loss was a side effect which turned out to be beneficial and this
encouraged many people to try South Beach diet.
According to the South Beach diet theory, highly processed
carbohydrates are quickly digested which makes insulin level to
shoot up. Once the carbohydrates are all used up, your high insulin
level makes you crave more for carb-filled foods.
The South Beach diet is based on the observation that Americans are
carb crazy, which is also the reason for the induction phase. In the
first two weeks, dieters attempt to eliminate bad carb such as
grains or fruits. After this phase, grain-based foods and fruits are
returned to the diet with the concentration on foods with low
glycemic index.
The South Beach diet also emphasizes the difference between good and
bad carbohydrates, and good and bad fats. Good carbohydrates have
low glycemic index which means that they are slowly digested and
absorbed. The South Beach diet bans unhealthy fats such as saturated
fat.
Finally, the South Beach diet stresses a permanent change in one’s
way of eating. The South Beach diet suggests whole grains along with
large amounts of vegetables, with sufficient amounts of
monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, plus Omega-3 oils. The
South Beach diet discourages eating of overly refined foods such as
flour and sugar.
According to experts, the South Beach diet met the criteria of
healthy diet which is a good thing. The bad thing is the induction
phase wherein dieters lose weight due to loss of water. Losing a
large amount of water can disturb one’s electrolyte so if you’re
following the South Beach diet, it would be better if you work
closely with a doctor.
According to Dr. Agatston, South Beach diet is neither a low carb
nor low fat diet but the restrictions placed in the induction phase
cut big time the carbohydrate and fat intake of dieters. The good
thing about the South Beach diet is that it teaches people on the
right foods to eat to cut the risk of heart problems and high
cholesterol as well as help them lose weight. The South Beach diet
is a long, tedious journey towards perhaps a drop dead gorgeous
body. But more than phases of losing weight, the South Beach diet is
a way of life.
About the author:
Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and facts about weight
loss, please go to: http://weight-loss.besthealthlink.net/or for
updated links and facts on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/
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