The South Beach diet was developed by a cardiologist, Arthur Agatston, practicing in the Miami, Florida area. This way of eating is frequently confusingly compared to the Atkins diet, which is a low_carbohydrate diet, while the South Beach Diet emphasizes so_called "good carbohydrates", mainly ones that are high in fiber or nutrition, and typically low in glycemic index. The South Beach diet was developed for cardiac patients to lose weight without risking ketosis.

In the initial phase, lasting a few weeks, dieters severely restrict intake of carbohydrates by eating no grains or fruits. After this phase, grain_based foods and fruits are gradually returned to the diet, although in smaller amounts than were likely eaten before beginning the diet, and with a concentration on foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains instead of refined flour. The more strict initial phase may be reinstituted at any time to speed weight loss, but should not be undertaken long enough to induce ketosis.

The diet also emphasizes the difference between good and bad carbohydrates, combinations of foods, and good and bad fats. Good carbohydrates have a low glycemic index, that is, they are digested and absorbed slowly. Eating fiber or fat with carbohydrates will slow their digestion. Good fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Saturated and trans fats are bad.

Criticisms of the diet

The diet is inaccurate when it fearmongers about ketosis. Ketosis is necessary for the loss of body fat, usually during the long overnight fast known as sleep. Perhaps the diet is referring to ketoneuria, the presence of ketones in the urine which is encouraged in the Atkin's diet, which also does not represent a risk.

External links

• South Beach Magazine (http://www.southbeach-usa.com/scene/scene1/misc/south-beach-diet.htm/) Article on South Beach Diet with quotes from Dr. Agatston.
• South Beach Diet (http://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/diets/south_beach_diet/)
• South Beach Diet Online (http://www.southbeachdiet.com/)
• Glycemic Index (http://diabetes.about.com/library/mendosagi/ngilists.htm)
• The Low Carb User Site (http://icarbohydrate.com/)
• South Beach Diet overview (http://www.low-carb-foods.biz/low-carb-diets/south-beach-diet/)
• South Beach Diet 101 -Offers a presentation of the low carb, low fat principles on which South Beach Diet is based, as well as a lot of recipes designed for this diet. (http://www.south-beach-diet-101.com/)
• In-depth article looks at the pros and cons of the South Beach Diet (http://www.mediterrasian.com/straight_talk_south_beach.htm)
• Low Carb Recipes (http://www.locarbrecipes.com/)