South Beach Diet

The South beach diet has promised that it will help anyone lose around 17-28 kgs (around 8-13 lbs) in two weeks time. No wonder it has caused so much buzz.

Contrary to  popular belief, South beach diet isn’t a low-carb or a low-fat diet; rather, it focuses on eating the right carbs or the right fats. It starts by cutting down your intake of carbohydrates for the next two weeks and then recommending unsaturated fats, which are good for the heart, instead of saturated ones.

But before jumping into the South beach diet bandwagon, you should be able to make an informed decision on whether or not this diet is for you. Weigh it out. Read on and find out the advantages and disadvantages of South beach diet.

Advantages/Benefits:

• Simple – No more counting of calories, no more weighing of food, or measuring food servings.  All there is to do is choose foods from the list and eat within that.
• Heart-healthy – The diet was created by a cardiologist, Dr. Agatston, for his heart patients in order to improve their health. In place of saturated and trans fats, unsaturated and omega 3-rich fats are recommended.
• Nutritionally balanced – It does not omit any major food groups, ensuring a well-balanced diet.  The diet consists of carbohydrates, lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Ultimately eliminates cravings – Complex carbohydrates found in vegetables and whole grain are restricted along with highly processed carbs such as white bread, cakes, and pastas, which are quickly digested and leaves you feeling hungry longer. Also, lean protein and  unsaturated fats are more filling.
• Fast results – When followed strictly, the South beach diet, as mentioned, can make you lose upto 13 lbs in two weeks.
• Developed and tested under medical supervision and with a trained dietitian

Disadvantages:

• Lack of scientific data – The diet was only conducted by Dr Agatston was short-term, involving a not so large number of patients.
• First phase of the diet is very restrictive – The elimination of carbs can cause dizziness, weakness, and dehydration. The diet also cuts down some very good sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It takes a great deal of willpower as the diet is really demanding.
• The rapid weight loss is not recommended as nutritionists claim that for good health, no more than 2 lbs should be shed off.
• Expensive
• The recipes are complex, time-consuming, and requires lifestyle changes.
• No exercise involved – It is a known fact that being healthy should be a combination of diet and exercise. The South beach diet never mentions any form of exercise whatsoever.
• Strange ingredients – Many ingredients used in the recipes are not familiar and are also not available across North America.
• Bad recipes – Some recipes tastes so foreign and therefore, might not suit everyone’s taste.
• Poor menu planning - Only a portion of an expensive ingredient may be used in a recipe, and not used anywhere else in other ones.

About the author
Andrew Wise writes for Dietdecide.com, your leading source for diet reviews, recipes, and more. Start your diet education today and learn slow carbs and fast carbs and how they should be worked into your diet goals.[amazon_link id="031237206X" target="_blank" ]The South Beach Diet Supercharged: Faster Weight Loss and Better Health for Life

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