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The SouthBeach Diet is a very popular weight loss program that, for
the most part, is also very healthy. It's based on the same principle
as most effective diets: carbohydrates, especially simple carbs, must
be avoided in order to control blood sugar, stabilize insulin levels,
and end cravings. This basic principle is why diets like The Zone and
Atkins work for so many people.
Despite the title, The SouthBeach Diet was not created
by some fitness guru from Miami. In fact, it was designed by a doctor
from Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. He was frustrated with
his patients' lack of progress on the popular diet plans so, with the
help of a nutritionist, he decided to create his own. The idea is to
avoid all starchy carbs and fruit at first and then, once significant
weight loss begins, to reintroduce healthy carbs in small amounts.
Here is an overview of The SouthBeach Diet:
- The first 2 weeks of the diet involve avoiding all breads, pastas,
cereals, rice, fruits, etc.
- During this first phase your diet mainly includes lean proteins,
low-fat cheese, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats
- After 2 weeks you should lose between 8 and 13 pounds
- The second phase of the SouthBeach diet allows small amounts of
whole-grain breads, fruits, and other low-glycemic carbs
- By the Second Phase you should have much fewer cravings for sweets
and starchy carbs
- Weight loss is slower during the second phase, about 1-2 pounds
per week
- The Third Phase, which is the long-term phase of the diet, involves
more starches, fruits, and even occasional white flour/sugar treats
- The Third Phase is designed for weight maintenance but, if you begin
to gain weight again, it's recommended that you repeat the first 2
phases
By the way, the SouthBeach
Diet book contains many recipes and practical diet tips. While some
people feel this diet, like all low-carb diets, restricts healthy (ie
whole grain) breads and rice too much, it's actually much more balanced
than Atkins and its low/no-carb variations. The SouthBeach Diet plan
is very effective at helping people get their cravings under control
while lose a good amount of body fat and learning to eat healthily for
the rest of their lives.
There is a great SouthBeach
Diet article at
WebMD.com that you should read if you get a chance.
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