The South Beach Diet: is it as good as they say?

Yes, it is.

It’s an intelligently laid out plan for loosing weight and training oneself to eat properly yet enjoyably.  Designed by a Miami cardiologist, Dr. Agatston, who studied the research on diet with an open mind, the South Beach Diet is a healthy approach to slimming down and staying that way.

The diet is laid out in three phases each with a different purpose. The first two-week phase is concerned with reforming a person’s body chemistry so that the body drops a few pounds and regains the ability to process sugar. This phase allows plenty of food including lean proteins, veggies and fats, but avoids fatty meats and cheeses, sweet and starchy vegetables, grains, pastry, baked goods, dairy, alcohol and fruits.

During the second phase during which the person reaches their goal weight, whole grains, fruits and dairy are gradually included. The emphasis here is on low-glycemic index foods. Some vegetables that were avoided in phase 1, like sweet potatoes, are permitted.

Once the goal weight is achieved, the diet switches to a maintenance mode—a permanent way of eating for optimal wellness. The diet is rich and varied but is no longer the standard American diet.  The components of all meals are chosen from healthy proteins, healthy carbs and healthy fats.

A word or two of caution

The diet uses sugar-free treats. Sugar-free foods are a bad idea in the long run. They are alright for phase 1 while the dieter wants, perhaps, some sweet treats, but in phase two and three a small amount of sugar or honey would be healthier than artificial sweeteners. Someone who wants to optimize wellness should get used to less sweets and use natural sweeteners when they have a little (emphasis on little) treat.

Another problem is packaged foods. The diet doesn’t encourage packaged foods but there are some available that are identified with the South Beach Diet.  In my opinion, there are no healthy packaged foods. There are some that aren’t actually unhealthy, but none that are optimal for wellness. Generally eat the freshest, locally-grown food available and use packaged foods sparingly.

Summary

The South Beach Diet is an excellent plan to loose the extra pounds and live the rest of your life without them. It’s designed to be heart-healthy so you’ll have less chance of strokes, heart attacks, high-blood pressure and diabetes.