Diet and Nutrition South Beach Diet
The South Beach diet plan was developed by Dr. Agatston MD to help his heart patients who were chronically overweight. He wanted to help them prevent or reverse heart problems and vascular problems related to obesity. In the mid 1990’s, Dr. Agatston MD was not satisfied with the low fat, high-carbohydrate diet that was then recommended by the American Heart Association. His medical background includes:
- Cardiologist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- Associate professor of medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
- Agatston score and Agatston Method are recognized world wide
The South Beach Diet has phases with different food menu focuses.
Phase One
This phase is two weeks long. The menu is heavy on protein rich food and salads. There are no carbohydrates, sugar (including fruit), or alcohol during phase one. During this time, the carbohydrate, sugar, and alcohol cravings diminish and may even disappear. There may be significant weight loss during this time.
Phase Two
This phase lasts until weight loss goals are reached. Carbohydrates, sugar, and alcohol are reintroduced. They are included in moderation with built in room for indulgences. The weight loss during this phase is slow but steady.
Phase Three
This phase begins after weight loss goals are reached and is maintained as long as weight is maintained. Normal eating of normal size portions will be a new way of life that no longer feels like a diet. There is no weight loss during this phase.
Weight loss will occur because “good” (healthy) carbohydrates and fats are included and the “bad” (unhealthy) are excluded in the diet. The menu plans are flexible and with menu exchanges, there is a menu match for everyone.
This diet has the helpful tools and customizations that include recipes, a meal planner, shopping lists, buddy program and more is available on line. This diet is easy to follow because it has a focus on types of foods so it eliminates or reduces the need for counting and tracking calories, carbohydrates, and fat grams. With the personalization available with this weight loss plans it assures it fits individuals and will be able to be followed for the long term. There are some South Beach food products available in grocery stores.
The South Beach Diet does lack fitness and exercise support, but that could easily be added in independently by the plan user to complete this weight loss program. Food will have to be prepared since the ready-made foods are limited. The diet is available on line with no local in person support available.
The cost is about $5 per week to use all the online support, trackers, diet customization, and tools.
