South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet by Dr. Arthur Agatston is a low-carbohydrate diet divided into three phases, each intending to help you lose weight and keep that weight off.

South Beach Diet Principles

1. Nutrient-dense, fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

2. Legumes.

3. Lean sources of protein.

4. Low-fat dairy products.

5. Good fats from omega-3-rich fish, healthy oils and nuts.c

Phase 1: Eliminate Cravings and Kickstart Weight Loss

Phase one is the shortest South Beach Diet phase, lasting two weeks. Once those two weeks are over, you should have no more sugar and refined starch cravings. You will substitute these with nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods that satisfy the appetite.

Meals during the first phase include lean proteins like fish and seafood, skinless white poultry, lean beef or tofu and beans, high-fiber vegetables, low-fat cheeses, eggs, low-fat dairy and unsaturated fats, like avocados, nuts and seeds.c

Phase 2: Lose Steadily

Phase two moves you onto a long-term weight loss plan where you'll not only consume the foods you enjoyed during the first phase, but good carbohydrates as well, including whole-grain breads, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and fruits. You'll also be able to enjoy some dessert as well.c

Phase 3: Maintain For Life

Once you've finished the second phase and are at a healthy weight, you'll move onto the third phase, which is all about making smart food choices that fit your lifestyle. By this phase you can pretty much eat any type of food.c

South Beach Diet and Health

Designed by Dr. Agatston, a leading preventive cardiologist, the South Beach Diet was created with the goal of improved health in mind. Those considering a South Beach Diet should take into account that health benefits from being on this diet include:

Reduction of heart disease risk
Reduction of stroke risk
Reduction of prediabetes and diabetes risk
Reduction of LDL, or bad, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Reduction of inflammation, which reduces risk of cancers, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and depression
Increase in HDL, or good, cholesterolc