South Beach Diet

Based on the introduction of good fats and good carbohydrates in your diet the South Beach diet is the brain child of Dr Agatston, a cardiologist from Miami. To start with it is important to know what are good and bad carbohydrates as well as good and bad fats. Bad carbohydrates are those carbohydrates are quickly absorbed by the body and in turn does not allow the insulin to work properly. On the other hand bad fats are those fats which clog our arteries and restrict the flow of blood through them. This is a major cause of most of the cardio vascular dieses which ail individuals.

The south beach diet is divided into 3 phases. The first phase sees the elimination of all carbohydrates which have a high glycemic index. This list would include dairy, candy, bread, potatoes, fruit, fruit juices, cereals, rice, pasta, oatmeal, baked goods, and vegetables with high sugar content. The food items which are allowed during the phase 1 of the South beach diet are basically products high in proteins. These include lean meats, poultry, tofu etc. Alcohol too is banned for those following the south beach diet. This phase extends to the first 2 weeks of the south beach diet.

The second phase that is phase II of the south beach diet allows you to reintroduce some of the banned carbohydrates back into your diet. However one must keep in mind that not all banned carbs can be reintroduces. Pasta, sweet potatoes, fruits and some vegetables are now allowed. One can also indulge in that occasional glass of red wine. The length of this phase II is not fixed and it continues till the time you do not get your target weight.

The last phase or phase III is all about maintain the weight that you have managed to reach. For the same the individual is allowed to eat 3 meals a day along with 3 snacks which comprise of the allowed food items. The south beach diet aims at a healthy and energized you!