South Beach Diet

Written by Diet Plans Digest on 22nd April, 2008

Quick Glance

Created by Dr. Arthur Agatston, the South Beach Diet focuses on eating “good carbohydrates” and “good fats”, while eliminating the “bad” versions of both. It is often compared to the Atkins Diet, in that it is similar in philosophy (low carbs), but the two are different.

The South Beach diet has 3 phases, and the first phase is the most restrictive. Phase 1 is designed to help everyone kick the high carb habits that make us crave more carbs, and therefore seriously restricts high-glycemic carbohydrates, such as sugar, bread, potatoes, dairy, fruit, cereals, and grains for the first two weeks. This phase instead encourages normal portions of meat, fish, vegetables, cheese, eggs, and nuts and includes three meals a day, plus snacks, to curb hunger.

After two weeks, Phase 2 begins, with some of the restricted foods being allowed back into the diet in small portions. Phase 2 ends when the desired weight goal is reached, and the maintenance plan (Phase 3) kicks in. This phase is intended to be maintained for life.

Costs

Anywhere from a few dollars for any of the South Beach Diet books, to the $5/week online plan. Normal grocery expenses apply, and special South Beach Diet prepared and frozen foods can be purchased as well (but aren’t required). If you choose the online plan, you’ll receive a customized meal plan, tools to track your weight and goals, as well as community support. They have a 4 week minimum ($20), but bill quarterly ($65). You can cancel at any time after the initial 4 week period, and get refunded for any unused portion.

Sample Foods

Breakfast Pizza
Spiced Oatmeal with Dried Apricots & Walnuts
Whole-Wheat Pizza Margherita
Chipotle Rubbed Steak Wraps
Provolone Chicken Melts
Big Easy Shrimp over Rice
Chocolate Berry Cups
Spicy Nut Mix

Online Diet Plans

When classifying a diet plan as "online", we mean that all of the program's detailed information, the meal plans and recipes, and all tools and support are accessed online via that program's web site. Of course, many will also supplement the online version with hard copy printed materials such as books and magazines, and may also include phone support. But the primary means of managing the plan on a day to day basis is via their web site. Check this area for both paid and free online diet plans.

Real World Support Groups

Real world diet support groups generally involve signing up with a program in which you attend meetings with people in your area, or visit a diet center near you on a recurring basis. These in-person, face to face types of plans are especially useful for those who are motivated by interacting with others directly, rather than virtually as in the online world.

DIY Weight Loss Plans

We classify plans as DIY (Do It Yourself) when they only involve the dieter and some materials, such as books, etc. If you don't want any kind of social interaction, support or a strict plan, you probably will do best by winging it on your own. DIY diet plans will focus mostly on obtaining plan material from books, cds and dvds, and are often what people are seeking when searching for the top 10 diets.