The South Beach Diet
By: Charlene J. Nuble
Among the most popular forms of dieting is the South Beach diet, developed
by cardiologist Arthur Agatston of Miami, Florida.
The South Beach diet is always confused with Atkins
Diet, which is a low-carbohydrate diet. The South Beach diet highlights
the consumption of “good carbohydrates” (high in fiber)
and low in glycemic index. The South Beach diet was developed for
patients with heart problems to lose weight without risking ketosis.
The weight loss was a side effect which turned out to be beneficial
and this encouraged many people to try South Beach diet.
According to the South Beach diet theory, highly processed carbohydrates
are quickly digested which makes insulin level to shoot up. Once
the carbohydrates are all used up, your high insulin level makes
you crave more for carb-filled foods.
The South Beach diet is based on the observation
that Americans are carb crazy, which is also the reason for the
induction phase. In the first two weeks, dieters attempt to eliminate
bad carb such as grains or fruits. After this phase, grain-based
foods and fruits are returned to the diet with the concentration
on foods with low glycemic index.
The South Beach diet also emphasizes the difference
between good and bad carbohydrates, and good and bad fats. Good
carbohydrates have low glycemic index which means that they are
slowly digested and absorbed. The South Beach diet bans unhealthy
fats such as saturated fat.
Finally, the South Beach diet stresses a permanent change in one’s
way of eating. The South Beach diet suggests whole grains along
with large amounts of vegetables, with sufficient amounts of monounsaturated
and polyunsaturated fats, plus Omega-3 oils. The South Beach diet
discourages eating of overly refined foods such as flour and sugar.
According to experts, the South Beach diet met the criteria of
healthy diet which is a good thing. The bad thing is the induction
phase wherein dieters lose weight due to loss of water. Losing a
large amount of water can disturb one’s electrolyte so if
you’re following the South Beach diet, it would be better
if you work closely with a doctor.
According to Dr. Agatston, South Beach diet is neither a low carb
nor low fat diet but the restrictions placed in the induction phase
cut big time the carbohydrate and fat intake of dieters. The good
thing about the South Beach diet is that it teaches people on the
right foods to eat to cut the risk of heart problems and high cholesterol
as well as help them lose weight. The South Beach diet
is a long, tedious journey towards perhaps a drop dead gorgeous
body. But more than phases of losing weight, the South Beach diet
is a way of life.
About the Author:
Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about
weight loss, please go to: http://weight-loss.besthealthlink.net/
or for updated links and information on all health related topics,
go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/
Source: www.isnare.com
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