The Southbeach Diet Facts!
The SouthBeach Diet is a diet plan that was developed by Cardiologist Arthur Agatston in Miami, Florida. This diet plan is meant to help its followers loose weight, but was based especially for those with cardiac problems.
Arthur Agatston performed extensive research on his many cardiology patients, and had his diet plan first published by a very well known publisher, Rodale Press.
Glycemic Index
Agatston's research showed that when foods that are high in the glycemic index are consumed in large quantities, impairment in the ability to process fat and sugar occurs. The glycemic index is a ranking system for all different types of carbohydrates, and the number given to the different foods is based on the effect it has on the blood glucose level. The greater the effect on the blood glucose level, the higher number the carbohydrate is given. Along with limiting bad carbohydrates, Agatston also eliminates bad fats in his SouthBeach Diet plan. Three Phases...Phase One - Good-By Bad Carbs The South Beach Diet occurs in three different phases, and works to clean out the body in order to loose weight. The first phase of the diet only allows lean foods that contain little to no carbohydrates, such as lean cuts of meat, eggs, cheese, and vegetables. Bread, rice, potatoes, and pasta are completely off limits during this phase, since the purpose of it is to rid the body of bad carbohydrates and fats to stimulate weight loss. Second Phase - Hello To Good Carbs During the second phase of the South Beach Diet, certain foods are introduced back into the diet. Other dairy products, fruits, and whole grains are allowed during the second phase, but only in small amounts. Foods that are high on the glycemic index should be completely avoided, and only food with good carbohydrates should be consumed. Once the weight goal is reached, phase three of the diet begins. Third Phase - Change in lifestyle Phase three is known as the maintenance phase, since it is up to the dieter to maintain the new eating style. The SouthBeach Diet is not a way to get thin quick; it is more like a lifestyle change. It is up to the dieter to continue to avoid bad carbohydrates and fats. The South Beach Diet is a great way to loose some extra weight for the summer, but it does take some dedication. Because phase one cleanses the body from the bad fats and carbohydrates, it is important to keep the body this way. After the first two phases, one must maintain the healthy lifestyle to keep the weight off. If a dieter goes back to their old ways once the first two phases are over, they will most likely gain all of the weight back. The South Beach diet works great for those who are looking for a lifestyle change, and are interested in increasing their health. Because the inventor of this diet was a cardiologist, he was able to determine that it can help those with heart problems. Diabetics can also benefit from this diet, since it does not include any carbohydrates that greatly affect the blood glucose levels. Unlike other diets, the SouthBeach Diet allows you to eat a wide variety of foods. All types of seafood are allowed, along with low fat tofu and cheeses. Green leafy vegetables are encouraged in this diet, since they provide many vitamins and a great amount of fiber. Good fats, such as those from oils are allowed, but sweets should be limited to only 75 calories a day. Foods that are high in sugar should be avoided, and natural sugars should also be limited. Fruit and grain servings should be limited to about three servings a day during the third phase, but good carbohydrates can be eaten all day. The South Beach Diet does not limit calories or portion sizes, so one does not have to go hungry when adopting this lifestyle. The South Beach Diet offers many different food choices, and even now has its own line of food in some grocery stores. The South Beach Diet can help almost anyone learn to maintain a healthy weight, but it should always be discussed with a doctor before making any significant diet or exercise changes.
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