The South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet was created by the highly respected cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston, the director of the Mount Sinai Cardiac Prevention Center in Miami Beach, Fla. The diet features many aspects of the Atkins diet but the South Beach is considered a more heart-friendly version.

Both diets restrict carbohydrate intake. The premise is that if the body gets fewer carbs then it will tap into the fats sooner creating greater calorie burn.

However, in the South Beach Diet unhealthy fats are banned while healthy ones are promoted. In addition, in the South Beach Diet carbs are differentiated as good and bad depending on their glycemic index. Those with a low index are acceptable while those with a higher level are forbidden.

Available Foods

As with the Atkins diet, meats are acceptable but the emphasis is on the leaner meats such as chicken and turkey along with fish and shellfish. In addition, low-glycemic-index vegetables are acceptable and dieters may consume low-fat cheeses, nuts, and eggs.

Dieters will not be asked to go hungry either. In fact snacking is promoted (in the right perspective) and you will not count calories or be given strict portion sizes. However, on the South Beach you will be encouraged to eat normal portions, an amount defined as the minimal size that satisfies your hunger.

Sugar-rich carbohydrates are off limits. No rice, potatoes, beets or corn. Sugar-laden desserts and alcohol are also forbidden during the first two weeks of the diet

During the 14-day induction phase, the diet stipulates no bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, baked goods, fruit, beer, wine, or other alcohol. Gradually thereafter some foods are introduced though there must be some picking and choosing as specific food groups are re-introduced.

South Beach Diet is Less Controversial

Like the Atkins diet, the South Beach focuses on key phases. You first eat normal portion sizes but high carbohydrate foods are restricted. Then you begin adding back in some of the other foods so the focus is not completely on just protein intake. The result is that the South Beach diet helps a person eat less yet eat better food.

Generally the South Beach diet meets most of the criteria for a healthy diet. Over time it is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. In addition, major food groups are not left out of the equation.

Therefore the South Beach Diet is currently seen as a better long term option for people who are concerned about their overall health as well as creating significant weight loss.