The SouthBeach Diet

The SouthBeach Diet is a very popular weight loss program that, for the most part, is also very healthy. It's based on the same principle as most effective diets: carbohydrates, especially simple carbs, must be avoided in order to control blood sugar, stabilize insulin levels, and end cravings. This basic principle is why diets like The Zone and Atkins work for so many people.

Despite the title, The SouthBeach Diet was not created by some fitness guru from Miami. In fact, it was designed by a doctor from Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. It was originally an eating plan that would improve the cholesterol and insulin levels of his patients with heart disease. He was frustrated with his patients' lack of progress on the popular diet plans so, with the help of a nutritionist, he decided to create his own. The idea is to avoid all starchy carbs and fruit at first and then, once significant weight loss begins, to reintroduce healthy carbs in small amounts.

Here is an overview of The SouthBeach Diet:

The first 2 weeks of the diet involve avoiding all breads, pastas, cereals, rice, fruits, etc. During this first phase your diet mainly includes lean proteins, low-fat cheese, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats. This phase of the southbeach diet actually helps to cleanse you body,and you will notice that your cravings for starchy and sugary food has disappeared. After 2 weeks you should lose between 8 and 13 pounds

The second phase of The SouthBeachDiet allows small amounts of whole-grain breads, fruits, and other low-glycemic carbs. By the Second Phase you should have much fewer cravings for sweets and starchy carbs. Weight loss is slower during the second phase, about 1-2 pounds per week. You will stay on phase two until you reach your goal weight.

The Third Phase, which is the long-term phase of the diet, involves more starches, fruits, and even occasional white flour/sugar treats. The Third Phase is designed for weight maintenance but, if you begin to gain weight again, it's recommended that you repeat the first 2 phases. By the way, the SouthBeach Diet book contains many recipes and practical diet tips. While some people feel this diet, like all low-carb diets, restricts healthy (ie whole grain) breads and rice too much, it's actually much more balanced than Atkins and its low/no-carb variations. The SouthBeach Diet plan is very effective at helping people get their cravings under control while losing a good amount of body fat and learning to eat healthily for the rest of their lives.

The SouthBeach Diet is a delicious,doctor designed, foolproof plan to improve your blood chemistry, by correcting your cholesterol and insulin levels, which has a side effect of fast healthy weight loss.