New York-born cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston created the South Beach diet to assist both diabetics and cardiac patients with their blood chemistry levels. The creation of the diet was for a weight loss strategy for these patients. Since its beginnings in 1995, this diet has branched into not just a diet, but basically its own lifestyle for more than just cardiac care patients and diabetics.
Phases
Phase one
The first step or phase is the shortest of all the phases, lasting only two weeks. Its foremost purpose is to eliminate cravings for unhealthy foods such as simple carbohydrates and sweets. By completing phase one, you are stabilising your blood glucose level and reducing foods which commonly lead to excessive weight gain. During this stage, it is recommended to eat foods high in fibre. In this phase, snacking is encouraged but in a healthy manner. Ultimately, eating to satisfy your hunger is an important aspect to staying on the diet.
Phase two
Phase two consists of your long-term plans and goals for weight loss. This ranges in the degree of weight loss you wish to experience. This diet is for everyone. The overall gist of the diet is living a healthy lifestyle even if losing 10 lbs is your weight loss goal. It’s an ideal option. During this phase, the refined starches and sugars are still “no-nos“. However, more “good” carbohydrates – whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, fruits and vegetables - are added to your diet.
Phase three
Phase three involves a continuation of the diet, therefore incorporating it as a lifestyle. This stage doesn't even begin until you reach your weight loss goal. After reaching your ideal weight, phase three helps you maintain it. At this point, the occasional indulgence of a sweet or unhealthy snack is allowed, as long as you continue eating based on the diet’s guidelines.
Foods
Since the release of the first South Beach diet book, nine other books have been released regarding Agatston diet. Several are cookbooks based on the diet. South Beach diet include in these recipes, foods which contain whole-grain pasta, goat cheese, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, low-fat cottage cheese, pears, bran muffins, buttermilk waffles, part-skim mozzarella, whole-wheat pizza shells, tenderloin and skinless chicken, just to name a few ingredients.
Final word
South Beach diet recipes are for every meal, including the dessert. The desserts use healthy ingredients such as green tea, fresh raspberries, peanut butter, ricotta cheese and even chocolate. The diet's main focus is on healthy eating while still enjoying foods. This makes South Beach diet menu a diet plan that works.
