ANSWERS: 1
  • The South Beach Diet was developed by cardiologist Arthur Agatson. It is frequently put in the same category as low-carb diets such as the Atkins Diet, though Dr. Agatson maintains the diet is not low-carb, but is instead "good carb" as opposed to "bad carb." Like the Atkins plan, the South Beach Diet is divided into phases, and what foods dieters are allowed to eat depends on what phase of the diet they are following.

    Every Day and All Phases

    Drink eight glasses of water or other decaffeinated, low-calorie beverages each day. Avoid drinks with added sugar. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee or teas are limited to only one cup per day. You are also encouraged to take daily vitamin and calcium supplements. You don't count carbohydrates and portion sizes on the South Beach Diet. Eat until you are satisfied, but do not continue until you are stuffed.

    Phase One

    Control your carbs during Phase One. This is the strictest phase and is meant to eliminate cravings and lower insulin levels. Starches and many grains, such as oatmeal, bread, pasta, crackers and cereals are forbidden during this phase. Also eliminated are sugar-rich foods like ice cream, candy and pastries. Fruit and fruit juices are also eliminated during this phase, which lasts two weeks. Eat lean meats, nuts, and vegetables in phase one, such as tenderloin, boiled ham, skinless chicken or turkey breast, peanuts, pistachios, almost any kind of fish, greens, and spinach. Eggs and fat-free cheeses are also allowed, but full-fat cheese and yogurt are not. No alcohol of any kind is permitted during Phase One.

    Phase Two

    Add fruit back into your diet during Phase Two. Low-fat dairy foods, including skim milk and low-fat yogurt, can also be put back into your daily eating. A few whole grains, such as whole wheat breads, rolls, and other baked goods, are allowed, as are pinto beans. You can drink red wine during this phase as well. There is no set time period for Phase Two. You can stay in this phase as long as you feel necessary, until your ideal weight is attained.

    Phase Three

    Maintain your new weight at Phase Three. More foods can be introduced back into your diet during this phase, which is meant to be followed for life-long weight control. You should never re-introduce "bad carbs"--refined white flour foods, refined sugar, foods high on the glycemic index--back into your diet, but during Phase Three, you have more discretion as to what you want to eat, as long as you follow the basic rules of the South Beach Diet. You should always eat three balanced meals per day, and you should never overeat. If you find yourself gaining weight, go back and begin again at Phase One.

    Source:

    South Beach 101

    Healthy Weight Forum: South Beach

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