Dr. Arthur Agatston, a highly respected cardiologist, created the South Beach Diet. What makes the South Beach Diet different is that it encourages relying on the right carbohydrates and fats. The “bad carbohydrates and fats” are the fast absorbed carbohydrates found in foods which effect the concentration of glucose in blood greatly by weakening the ability of insulin to process fat or sugar. They have a high gycemic index. The diet encourages the intake of are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, especially those with omega-3 fatty acids and discourages the intake of saturated and trans fats The diet emphasizes (1) a permanent change in one’s way of eating, (2) a variety of foods, and (3) ease and flexibility.

There are three phases:

Phase I

Duration: two weeks.

The aim is to eradicate insulin resistance by shunning high glycemic carbohydrates like dairy, sugar, candy, bread, potatoes, carrots, corn, fruits, cereals and grains. Also poultry parts like chicken wings and legs, duck, goose are avoided. Eggs are allowed. Lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin (including ground), tenderloin, top round are allowed, but liver, brisket are to be avoided. No regular ketchup or cocktail sauce are allowed. Alcohol is to be avoided at all costs. All seafood is allowed. Two cups of nonfat milk or nonfat or low fat plain yogurt are to be consumed daily. Sweet treats (limit to 75 calories per day) like hard, sugar free candies, chocolate powder with no sugar added in it, (baking type) cocoa powder, sugar-free fudge, sugar-free gelatin, sugar-free gum, sugar-free Popsicles, sugar substitute are allowed. Nuts are to be taken in these quantities:

* Almonds -15

* Peanut butter -1 tsp

* Peanuts -20 small

* Pecan halves -15

* Pistachios -30

The will lose its insulin resistance and begin to use excess body fat. This will result in loss of as much as 13 pounds. The dieter is allowed three meals a day and snacks and encourages the dieter to eat until their hunger is satisfied.

The dieter loses weight, transforms body chemistry, and ends longings for sugars and starches.

Phase II

Whole grain foods, fruits and dairy products are gradually permitted into the diet, however they are to be taken in smaller quantities than the dieter used to eat before beginning the diet. The emphasis on food with a low glycemic index is continued in Phase II. Potatoes are also allowed, so is red wine.

Phase III

Phase III is the a maintenance phase after the required weight is reached. In Phase III the diet is stretched enough to include three servings of whole grains and three servings of fruit a day.

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