The South Beach Diet

January 3, 2009

The South Beach diet combines parts of the Atkins, Zone and the Protein Power diet and puts it into a fairly easy to follow 3 phase plan. It can at times be quite restrictive but the dieter learns to basically purge their craving for carbs and sugars.

Phase 1: Length - 14 Long & Hard Days
This is the most strict of all phases. It is basically bringing your body back to a base. At this stage you are ridding your body of all processed sugars. Bread, fruits, sugar snacks, rice and pastas are all forbidden during phase 1.The reason this phase is 14 days is because of the theory that it takes 14 days to break a habit and in this 14 days you also will supposedly no be craving sugar. When I did this diet I was still craving sugar after 14 days just as much! I did notice that It was getting easier to discipline myself from not having them though.

Phase 2: Length - Until desired weight is reached
For those that make it through the first two weeks (and many cannot) phase 2 is much easier. Foods that were not allowed in the first phase are gradually allowed to be integrated back into your diet. You are taught to use portion control and your body learns to handle sugars better.

Phase 3: Length - as long as you want
This is where you maintain your diet. When you are in phase 3 you should be at your goal weight so you learn to eat foods that will maintain your weight but also not make you FEEL as if you are on a hardcore diet. You are still encouraged to cook meals that are low in carbohydrates. If you love pasta or potatoes you are pretty much out of luck.

The Good:
-Gradual 3 step process is easy to follow and gives you a plan of attack
-You notice semi quick weight loss which keeps you motivated
-The South Beach Diet book contains recipes for each of the 3 phases
-Exercise is not advocated or needed to notice weight loss

The Bad:
-If you aren’t a big veggie or meat eater it will be VERY hard during the first two weeks
-Can be expensive
-The list of restricted foods can be quite large
-Carb loves BEWARE

For those that can’t afford a nutritionist or personal trainer telling them EXACTLY what to cook and eat this can be a great diet that puts you through 3 well regimented phases and tells you exactly what you can and cannot eat. The only downside is it is VERY restrictive on carbs and can get expensive with some of the pricey meats.

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