South Beach Diet

The premise of the South Beach Diet is that carbohydrate-rich diets lead to increased insulin levels, overeating and, ultimately, obesity.
Curbing carbs reduces insulin levels, which leads to weight loss.

The diet progresses in three phases.
The first, which lasts two weeks, radically restricts carbs and forbids fruit.
The second phase is more liberal and lasts until the dieter reaches his or her goal weight.
The third phase, designed to help dieters keep the weight off, helps dieters make good food choices over the long term.

Weight loss is rapid during the first phase, when dieters generally lose about 10 pounds.
Pounds are shed more slowly in phase two, where a pound or so per week is typical.
Many dieters appreciate the flexibility built in to the diet.
Restaurant menus, for instance, present no problem for most South Beach Dieters.
Many experts praise the South Beach Diet as the most sensible and nutritious option among low-carb diets.
Critics feel that the first phase is too restrictive. They argue that banning fruit is unhealthy and that the recommended carbohydrate intake is unnecessarily low.
Because the first phase is so strict, many dieters have trouble adhering to the South Beach Diet.
Some experts recommend beginning with the second phase, when weight loss is more gradual.
Many people praise the South Beach Diet for encouraging long-term healthy eating habits.
Its regimen, particularly in the final phase, teaches people to make good eating choices, instead of requiring them to follow strict menus.
Nutritionists praise the diet's emphasis on good fats in foods such as olive oil and nuts.
They also approve of the South Beach Diet's inclusion of vegetables and fruits in its later phases.
While the diet is often classified as low carb, it allows "good carbohydrates," such as those found in many vegetables.
Many experts doubt the South Beach Diet's claim that dieters will experience reduced cravings for carbs after phase one.

Many dieters appreciate the South Beach Diet's philosophy on conventionally forbidden foods such as dessert. The diet encourages people to eat a few bites instead of gorging.