12.23.06
The South Beach Diet
So, What’s it Like?
The South Beach Diet is divided into three different Phases. The first Phase lasts for two weeks and is the strictest of the three. Each Phase includes specific allowable foods on the Foods to Enjoy list, as well as meal plans and recipes.
Though some have compared the plan to Atkins, but the doctor starts off by making one thing clear: “The South Beach Diet is not low-carb (Agatston, p 3).” The only true similarity between the two diets is the stringent two week introductory period.
Dr. Agatston’s weight loss advice focuses on a healthy balance between carbs and fats — good carbs and fats, that is. Highly processed foods like baked goods and soft drinks are off-limits.
Dr. Agatston says decreasing the bad carbs will help you metabolize what you eat more effectively and will also improve insulin resistance, leading to weight loss. The diet is based on the Glycemic Index.
When you first read the requirements of Phase 1, it may sound a little daunting, especially if you are used to low-fat, high-carb diets.
Dr. Agatston says you will become accustomed to eating the good carbs and fats and leaving the bad ones behind. He says by doing so you can lose anywhere between 8 and 13 pounds in the first two weeks.