South Beach Diet Plan, Meal, Menu And Foods

South Beach Diet

South Beach Recipes The choice of eating plans has never been wider for dieters. There are so many diets to choose in today’s society, just to name a few of them; low carbohydrate diet, low fat diet, low protein diet, reduced calorie diet and etc. And now, the newest competitor within this field - The South Beach Diet has taken America by storm, and is set to do the same worldwide.

"South Beach" appears to differ from other diets in that it does not rely on low carbohydrate or low fat. Instead, it's purpose is to educate people to rely on the right carbohydrates and fats, and teach us to avoid the ‘bad’ ones. The diet also looks at the way we eat our food. It works on the principle that weight gain is caused by sugars and starches being absorbed into the bloodstream too quickly. Highly processed foods, for example, are digested and absorbed very quickly by our stomachs causing a surge in blood sugar and lead to craving for more foods that cause in weight gain.

South Beach Diet Plan

South Beach's diet plan is based around 3 simple ‘phases’. The initial, Phase 1 or Rapid Weight Loss is the strictest of these. South Beach phase 1 lasts for two weeks, many foods are prohibited during this time, and dieters should expect a rapid weight loss of up to thirteen pounds within 2 weeks. Phase 2 (Ongoing Weight Loss) of the diet begins to re-introduce many of the prohibited foods back into the diet. There is no timescale set for phase two; you should remain on it until you have reached your targeted weight. During phase 2 weight loss is reduced to around 1-2 pounds per week. The last phase or Phase 3, which is classed as more of a maintenance phase. The idea behind South Beach phase 3 is to see your new and improved eating habits as a new way of life rather than the continuation of a diet.

Unlike other low carbohydrate diet that relies on virtually no carbohydrate South Beach Diet Plan seems to base around a balanced and healthy eating regime. ‘Good’ carbohydrates (such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables) are encouraged, as are unsaturated fats. Exercise, although recommended as with most healthy eating plans, is not a necessity. However, it can help to speed up your weight loss.

South Beach's diet plan is not only for people who wish to lose weight. Studies have shown that the diet can help to reduce cholesterol as well as decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems. Of course, as with any diet, South Beach's diet does require both determination and willpower. Those that are accustomed to eating highly processed foods and saturated fats will have to make a radical change to their eating habits. However, according to it's creator , Dr Arthur Agatston, cravings for these unhealthy food types will begin to disappear within the first week. The diet also encourages three meals a day, as well as regular healthy snacks, satisfying your hunger is an important part of this diet plan.