The South Beach Diet Plan
Doctor Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist from south Florida, designed the South Beach Diet to help his overweight cardiac patients. It is based on a system of "good" and "bad" carbohydrates and fats. The South Beach Diet uses the glycemic index as a basis for determining which foods to include. The diet consists of three phases and is designed as a plan that can be followed for life. To completely understand the South Beach Diet it is important to read Dr. Agatston's book of the same name.
South Beach Diet Coupons
The South Beach Diet aims at eliminating the bad carbohydrates and fats in a person's diet and replacing them with good substitutions. Bad carbohydrates are those that are rapidly absorbed and high glycemic in nature. Better substitutions are those higher in fiber (especially insoluble fiber) and minerals. These carbohydrates do not lead to the insulin spike associated with fast acting carbohydrates, and subsequently, do not lead to insulin resistance. The bad fats listed in the South Beach Diet are the saturated and trans fats. These have been associated with cardiovascular disease. This diet calls for replacing them with mono- and polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.
The South Beach Diet follows three phases. The first phase, like the Atkins Diet, is very strict and requires limiting carbohydrate intake, especially high glycemic index foods. This phase lasts two weeks and many dieters see a loss of eight to 13 pounds during this time period. The majority of this weight loss is fluid weight due to the shift in the body's metabolism and the elimination of metabolic waste products. However, this phase is important to set the body up for the future fat loss. By lowering the insulin resistance during this phase the body is prepared to enter a fat burning state in the next phase. During this phase pasta, breads, potatoes, sugar, fruits, cereals and grains are eliminated.
The next phase of the South Beach Diet consists of adding back some of the "Foods to Avoid" from phase one. Not all of the "forbidden" foods are added back. The key is to moderate the consumption of these foods. Whole grains, vegetables and fruits are reintroduced in this phase. The focus should still be on low glycemic index foods. This phase continues until the desired weight is reached. At that point the third, and final, phase begins. This is the maintenance phase, and it will last a lifetime. Should weight begin to return phase one and two can be repeated, as needed.
Meats (especially lean meats), low fat dairy products, eggs, fish, nuts, and leafy vegetables form the base for the South Beach Diet menu. During phase one these will be the entire selection, in phase two and three some of the other carbohydrates may be added back in. Using the glycemic index will be helpful when selecting foods to add in during the later phases. The South Beach Diet book includes sample menus and recipes.
These tips are meant to support the Nutrisystem plan and enhance the overall plan. Use the network of other Nutrisystem dieters to find other tips that have worked for them. The Nutrisystem counselors may have additional tips, as well. The most important tip for Nutrisystem success is to just do it, and stick to it.
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