Tag Archives: South Beach Diet
What Is South Beach Diet?
Posted on 09. Apr, 2009 by admin.
Chris Chew asked:
The South Beach diet plan was developed for obese patients by an American cardiologist in Florida, Dr Arthur Agatston. He supports the consumption of mostly “good carbohydrates” and “good fats.”
The South Beach diet is often being confused or compared to the Atkin’s diet which was developed by the late Dr Atkin. The Atkin’s Diet is mainly a low-carbohydrate dieting system.
Dr. Agatston believes that excessive consumption of “bad carbohydrates” ie high glycemic carbohydrates, creates an insulin resistance in the human body. This is a malfunction of the hormone insulin’s ability to properly process fat and sugar. He also held the view that over consumption of “bad fats”, such as saturated fat and trans fat, contributes to an increase in cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and stroke.
To prevent these two conditions, The South Beach diet minimizes consumption of bad fats and bad carbohydrates and instead push for the replacement of these unhealthy food with good fats and good carbs.
The South Beach Diet is a 3 step process. In all 3 steps of the diet, Dr. Agatston recommends minimizing consumption of bad fats.
The South Beach Diet Step 1 – During the first two weeks, weight loss dieters try to eliminate insulin resistance by avoiding high or moderately high-glycemic carbs, such as sugar, candy, white bread, potatoes, fruit, cereals, and refined grains such white rice. During this step, the body will lose its insulin resistance and begin to use excess body fat for energy, thus the dieter will lose weight rapidly as much as up to 10 pounds during this step.
The South Beach Diet Step 2 – During the second phase of The South Beach Diet two weeks later, whole grain foods, some starchy carbs and fruits are progressively reintroduced into the diet albeit bit by bit until the dieter reaches the desired ideal weight.
The South Beach Diet Step 3 – In step 3, dieters continue to increase consumption of whole grains, fruit servings and some moderate carbs. If the dieter’s weight do not increase or stay at status quo, then that will be the level of carbs in his meals and henceforth to maintain his ideal weight, he will know his carbohydrate tolerance level.
The South Beach diet weight loss program do not have the cumbersome counting of calories or limiting calories. Dr Agatston suggested that you eat until you are satisfied. Dieters are told to eat small 6 meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with small snacks between each meal to increase their their metabolism for fat burning purpose.
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Does the South Beach Diet Work Well?
Posted on 07. Apr, 2009 by admin.
Kelly Purden asked:
Weight loss products, programs and techniques have been on a high demand in recent memory. This is because due to lifestyle of people and the availability of food products, the obesity rate of the United States have sky rocketed. More and more Americans are suffering from being fat, overweight and obese. Today there are tons of products and programs which promise weight loss in the most effective way possible. With the number of weight loss programs, there should be at least one which will work for you. And if you think that the South Beach Diet Work for you then you may have to give this a second thought.
The South Beach Diet Work based on eating less carbohydrates and more “good” fats. This basically means avoiding rice, pasta, bread, corn, carrots and other carbohydrates. The effect of this diet is that the person will burn more excess fat when exercising or doing physical activity as the body will have no carbohydrates to burn and thus turn to excess fat. However, this system has some flaws which basically outweigh the advantages of this system.
First and foremost, eating fewer carbohydrates could result in a number of imbalances in your body. The South Beach Diet Work because of eating fewer carbohydrates, but with less carbohydrate the body’s T3 levels could be altered or changed. This change can result in a slower metabolism of the body because T3 is an enzyme which helps in regulating the metabolism. Another flaw of the South Beach Diet Work system is that the body will receive less amounts of water. A single gram of carbohydrate is accompanied by at least 3 grams of water to 5 grams and if you take in less carbohydrate then you will have less water in the body which is essential. Another problem with the South Beach Diet Work system is that taking in little or no carbohydrates could result in the body relying on protein to convert to glucose. Carbohydrates in the body are used as glucose and if the body cannot find carbohydrates it will turn to protein thus muscle mass is reduced.
The South Beach Diet Work just similar to the Atkins system; it is basically called the upgraded version of the Atkins diet. The problem is that the Atkins diet was known to be flawed and this new system is based on a flawed system. Fortunately, there is another system which we can turn to, Fat Loss 4 idiots.
The system by Fat Loss 4 Idiots is not based on any product and does not promote removing a major part of the food group; instead it shows the dieter the proper way to diet and exercise. It gives tips, advices and information which are helpful in dieting and exercise to promote not just weight loss, but a healthy life in general which is in contrast with other diet plans which aim only for losing weight. With the Fat Loss 4 Idiots, not only will you lose nine pounds in just eleven days, but you will also become a healthier version of yourself.
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South Beach Diet
Posted on 06. Apr, 2009 by admin.
Johnny Moon asked:
The South Beach Diet is one of the most popular diets in the world right now. In the nineties, Dr. Atkins low carbohydrate diet, also known as low carb, made a big comeback when research showed that over a twenty year period, it was low carb dieters who kept their weight off the most. People who had followed Dr. Atkins way of eating since the seventies when his book was first published were compared to other weight loss groups such as Weight Watchers and Overeaters Anonymous.
Even though most people began to shy away from fats in the eighties, some people had continued to eat fats and less carbs. The study was looking at which group managed to keep the weight off in the long term. People who had followed Dr. Atkins low carb eating plan came out way ahead. It was after the results of this study that low carb dieting made a huge comeback. The book was re-released with updated information and became a bestseller.
Shortly after this big comeback, The South Beach Diet book was published. Many people who were on Dr. Atkins low carb approach but were having trouble with it decided to try The South Beach Diet. Many found it similar to Dr. Atkins’ approach but easier. The South Beach Diet does not cut out the consumption of carbohydrates as drastically as Dr. Atkins. As a matter of fact, from the beginning of the third week, people on The South Beach Diet can start eating most fruits. Fruit is high in carbohydrates but they are considered good carbs.
The South Beach Diet is not a low carb diet per se. It actually encourages eating what it considers to be the good carbs. The book explains what the good carbs are. The diet is divided into three phases. Phase one is a two week period in which the dieter’s intake of carbohydrates is almost nil. In the second phase the good carbs are re-introduced slowly. These are most of the fruits and whole grains. The third phase is a life long maintenance phase which is how one should eat always. In that sense it is a diet in the right sense of the word. It is not about deprivation and feeling deprived which could lead to yo-yo dieting. In The South Beach Diet, as is the case with other lower carb diets, certain foods are not recommended ever such as refined sugar, white bread, refined white rice, and pasta made with refined flour.
The South Beach Diet was written by Dr. Agatston. But now The South Beach Diet is not only a book. It is trademarked and they have an impressive website. It is easy to join and free. Members on the website have access to interesting articles, tips and pointers, people’s testimonials, etc. Followers of The South Beach Diet can gain much useful information and inspiration on this site. For example one can read what has appeared in the press about The South Beach Diet. There are also interesting medical articles. Perhaps the most useful part of this website is the support and motivation section.
One of the things that The South Beach Diet claims to do is to regulate insulin. Apparently some diabetics are able to reverse their diabetes on this eating plan. It also apparently can lower cholesterol. Some studies are still on-going. Dr. Agatston clearly states on his website that some of the research findings are still pending. In the meantime, overweight people who are following this eating plan are losing weight in record numbers.
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Beyond the South Beach Diet - How to Cook Low-carb Long Term
Posted on 01. Apr, 2009 by admin.
Stephanie Larkin asked:
The South Beach Diet is one of the most popular diets in decades. All over the world, people are taking off weight by stripping carbs and, in the process, learning to eat healthier meals. One of the true beauties of South Beach is that it teaches you a whole new way of eating for a healthier, happier lifestyle. Eating healthy the South Beach way requires an adjustment in your cooking styles, too, though. Once you learn to cook low-carb, you’ll find it easier to maintain your new weight and your new healthier lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you put it all together.
1. Invest in a good cookbook.
The third phase of the South Beach diet is a lifetime maintenance plan that lets you eat a wide variety of healthy foods. If your recipe repertoire was based on high-fat meals with creamy sauces and processed foods, you’ll need to build up a stock of new recipes. The South Beach Diet book is a good start. It contains a lot of easy to cook recipes that will get you started on building a new repertoire of healthy meals. You’ll also find dozens of South Beach cookbooks on the market that will give you some ideas on the best ways to put your new-found food savvy to use.
2. Think fresh!
Processed foods are the very antithesis of healthy low-carb eating. Even processed meats are packed with fillers that add in carbs and calories without offering anything in the way of nutrition. Try to shop the outside aisles of the supermarket - fresh fruits and veggies, meats and dairy - and avoid all the filler meals in between.
3. Learn simple cooking methods.
Learning to cook the South Beach way is surprisingly simple - a lot simpler than the techniques you probably use for cooking now. Steaming, poaching, braising, roasting and grilling involve very little prep time. If a recipe calls for dredging in flour or dusting with breadcrumbs, throw it out. You’ll learn a whole new appreciation for real, whole foods when you cook them simply.
4. Color your plate pretty.
A healthy plate is full of vibrant, brilliant colors. When you prepare a plate for yourself, think in color. Deep green, dark orange and bright red vegetables are low in healthy carbohydrates, minerals and vegetables. White potatoes, rice and breads are not. Your best bet is to eat your veggies when they’re at their peak of color - before overcooking robs them of their minerals and vitamins.
5. Spice it up!
Spices are a great way to brighten up flavors in your foods. There’s a whole world of spices at your fingertips, and learning to use them can really wake up your plate and your palate. Learning about the spices used in various regional cuisines can help you turn a meal from bland to POW with just a few shakes of the spice bottle. Some spices and spice combinations to try are:
Curry isn’t just for Indian food anymore. A sprinkle of curry (use a light hand!) can really wake up the flavor in a fresh fruit salad, especially when you add a dab of vanilla.
Cinnamon is an unusual and delicious spice addition to chicken dishes.
Lemon grass oil adds a tart edge to salads and vegetables. Just a dash added to the olive oil when you sauté chicken also brightens the flavor and really wakes up your taste buds.
Rosemary gives everything an earthy, sharp flavor that is the perfect foil for poultry and pork.
6. Add a little garnish to your life.
Garnishes are more than just pretty things on your plate. Fresh herbs, slices of fruit and strips of raw vegetable are more than a treat for your eyes. They add a healthy balance to your diet as well. Choose edible garnishes - a slice of lemon can be squeezed over fish or chicken to brighten flavors, for instance.
The most important things to remember about cooking low-carb for the long term are these:
Skip the white foods. They’re almost always processed
Cook simply. Cooking low carb is usually quick, easy and uncomplicated.
Use olive oil for dressings and sautéing.
Get colorful. The more color there is on your plate, the healthier your meal will be.
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The Three Phases of South Beach Diet Program
Posted on 01. Apr, 2009 by admin.
John Grant asked:
The South Beach Diet provides three phases of diet programs that allow an individual to enjoy the indulgences of eating good tasting and healthy foods while still losing weight and obtaining the slim figure everybody would love to have.
Created by a cardiologist, Dr. Arthur Agatston, the South Beach Diet is becoming popular with its diet program that is unique and different from the rest of the dieting regimen programs online.
Centered under the principles of eating the right kind of carbohydrates and fats, the South Beach Diet promotes a new eating lifestyle that will let an individual feel contented with eating healthy food without compromising the experience of eating delicious and good tasting foods.
The dieting approach used in the South Beach Diet is established under three phases, the first of two of which involves a time framed dieting programs and the third is for a satisfying dieting routine for life.
The first phase of the South Beach Diet commences within the first two weeks of the dieting program and is centered with the goal of eliminating sugar cravings and to avoid starchy foods. This will be the initial step in order to jump off the weight loss program of the South Beach Diet.
The elimination of cravings for sugar will basically stabilize the blood sugar which is also responsible for craving to eat more foods making this an ideal diet regimen for the diabetics and obese individuals.
The foods to eat during the first phase of the South Beach Diet are more fiber rich yet delicious meal plans that will continue to satisfy the dieter’s appetite. Moreover, the great thing about the South Beach Diet is that the person continues to eat three meals a day plus two snacks making a person under the South Beach Diet program not feeling deprived or hungry at all.
The phase two of the South Beach Diet program involves a long term diet regimen which is perfect for people with less than 10 pounds of weight to lose. They get to eat foods that are on the phase one diet with the addition of foods with good carbohydrates plus desserts. People with less weight to lose and those without too much excess belly fats fall under the phase two category dieting program.
The phase three of the South Beach Diet is basically for maintenance once the ideal weight is achieved by the person which they need to keep for life. The individuals under this phase are able to choose options on the kind of food that will fit their lifestyle.
These are naturally healthy and deliciously tasting foods. Under this phase the individual will continue to follow their dieting regimen from the first and second phase of the South Beach Diet and will continue to maintain their weight for life.
Following this diet means always eating healthy meal plans while enjoying the indulgences of good tasting but healthy food as the long term goal of the South Beach Diet.