As the name suggests, the South Beach diet is credited with producing svelte bodies that cavort the beaches of Florida. This diet was designed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist, for improving the cholesterol and insulin levels of his heart disease patients. This diet became extremely popular because it also worked towards weight loss.
Dr. Agatston's book 'The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss' went on to become a bestseller. Read up about this South beach diet cookbook and pick up some delicious recipes.
South beach diet
Dr. Agatston claims that regular followers of the South Beach diet plan have lost weight in the range of five to hundred pounds. Their lipid profiles have also improved. Clinical trials have shown that persons on this diet have seen dramatic reductions in LDL and good buildup of HDL.
Agatston's diet plan works as a health-promoting diet. It is aimed at obese patients with metabolic and diabetic syndromes along with heart
disease. It appears to be scientific in that it doesn't omit any major food groups and advocates lean protein, whole grain and vegetables and
fruits. But many dieticians insist that no one diet fits all. It is essential to tailor it to suit individual body requirements.
South Beach diet plan
Phase 1
This phase of the South Beach diet plan lasts two weeks. This phase involves eating normal-sized helpings of lean meats along with vegetables, nuts and eggs. Carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, pasta or baked food are forbidden in this phase. Sugar, ice cream, cookies, cakes and alcoholic drinks are not allowed in this phase of the South Beach diet.
According to Dr. Agatston, eating of highly processed carbohydrates causes a cycle of overeating that results in insulin level spikes. This excess insulin causes the body to crave more food when the carbohydrates are used up. This leads to increased calories, disrupted lipid levels and stress on the cardiovascular system.
According to Dr. Agatston, a south Beach dieter will be lighter by eight to fourteen pounds at the end of this phase. This is due to ketosis - a loss in body weight since the body does not have carbohydrates to digest. But dieters must beware of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. During the first phase of the South Beach diet, dieters noticed diminished cravings for problematic food.
Phase 2
During this phase of the South Beach diet, you can start reintroducing some of the banned foods. Inclusion of high-fiber carbohydrates in the
form of whole-grain breads is ideal here. The introduction of forbidden fruits of phase 1 should be done in a manner so as to avoid swings in
blood sugar levels. This phase also witnesses a steady weight loss of about a pound or two a week. This phase is continued till most of the
excess weight is lost.
Phase 3
Phase 3 of the South Beach diet plan is all about maintaining body weight. 3 day diet strategy - This phase is a lifelong process of keeping the excess weight off. This phase should inculcate a healthy plan of eating as a way of life
South beach diet recipe
A typical south beat diet recipe list for the day
The South beach diet cookbook is packed with meal plans and delicious South Beach diet recipes designed for each phase of the diet plan.
An interesting South beach diet recipe for each phase:
1. Phase 1 - Oven roasted vegetable brushed with olive oil. (Avoid potatoes)
2. Phase 2 - Stir fried broccoli, chicken with lemon and couscous
3. Phase 3 - Roast beef, red onion and spinach wrap. Chocolate dipped
apricots are permitted at this stage.
South Beach diet recipe for chocolate dipped apricots
Melt the chocolate in a microwave for 2 minutes. Dip the apricots and place them on wax paper. Refrigerate them till the chocolate is neatly
settled over the apricots.
South Beach diet recipe for healthy vegetables
Vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, bell pepper and onions must be cut into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with oil, salt and pepper into a
preheated oven. Roast them till done, stirring occasionally till they are tender and browned.
South beach diet cookbook
The South Beach diet cook book provides you with delicious recipes for all occasions. You can look up oatmeal pancakes and Caribbean baked chicken
from the south Beach diet cookbook.
Find out how to make grilled Filet Mignon with Roasted Garlic Chipot - these will be easy on your waist and go well with your taste buds.
The south beach diet cook book aids you in identifying good fats and carbohydrates - the kind that will help keep unhealthy cravings at bay. This cookbook of the south beach diet plan promotes long-term weight loss.