Among
most popular forms of dieting is 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 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 South Beach diet theory, highly processed carbohydrates are quickly digested which makes insulin level to shoot up. Once carbohydrates are all used up, your high insulin level makes you crave more for carb-filled foods.
The South Beach diet is based on observation that Americans are carb crazy, which is also reason for induction phase. In 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 diet with concentration on foods with low glycemic index.
The South Beach diet also emphasizes 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, 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.
