Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist in South Beach, Fla., developed the South Beach Diet in response to his patients' disappointing results with the standard, low-fat American Heart Association diet. Agatston formed the diet to help people lose weight while improving their blood chemistry, including lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol and high blood sugar. Agatston claims the South Beach Diet is not "low carb" but "good carb."
Phase One: Two weeks\nGoal: Normalize blood sugar and insulin swings that cause a person to become hungry quickly after meals.\nAvoid: Dairy, candy, cake, cookies, ice cream, beer, alcohol, bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, baked goods and fruit. \nAllowed: Most vegetables and proteins are allowed in unlimited amounts. Meats must be lean and low in saturated fat.\nExpected Weight Loss: Eight to 13 pounds
Phase Two: Until goal weight is reached\nGoal: Re-introduce "good carbs," such as fruits and whole grains\nEat: Fruit and whole grain breads are slowly reintroduced into the diet\nExpected Weight Loss: One to two pounds per week
Phase Three: Indefinite\nGoal: Maintain a healthy lifestyle.\nEat: Stick only to the foods allowed in the first two phases of the diet, eating other foods in small amounts.\nFor more information on the South Beach Diet, visit www.southbeachdiet.com.
