One of the newest trends in diet plans today is the South Beach Diet. Since it was developed by a renowned Miami cardiologist, it has gained the reputation of being one of the most effective and healthy choices for dieting among many people. Based on “good carbs” and “good fats,” Arthur Agatston created a diet based on his many years of expertise that emphasized natural foods and healthy choices for a person’s everyday diet. The South Beach Diets is also divided into three separate phases to help the dieter get maximum results from their efforts.

During Phase I of the South Beach Diet, dieters are encouraged to follow the strict eating guidelines for two consecutive weeks. The foods and choices allowed during this phase help the body eliminate its resistance to insulin because the dieter must avoid high-glycemic carbohydrates. This includes foods like sugar, bread, candy, fruits that are high in sugar, grains, and potatoes. When you eliminate these foods from your diet, your body’s insulin resistance is reduced and, as a result, your body uses excess fat to ensure proper functioning. Many South Beach Diet followers have reported losing between 8 and 13 pounds just during Phase I. These results may not be typical, but it certainly is an encouraging thought for people who wish to lose a great deal of weight.

Phase II of the South Beach Diet allows for more variety in the foods that you can eat. Although the portions are still limited during this phase, you can slowly introduce small amounts of whole grains and fruits into your daily diet regimen. This generally means that you can have between 1 and 2 servings of whole grains as well as 1 to 2 servings of fruits each day. Dieters are instructed to remain in Phase II until they reach their desired weight.

Once a dieter has achieved their goal body weight, they begin Phase III of the South Beach Diet. During this stage, you can include up to 3 servings each of whole grains and fruits into your daily eating plan. You also have much more flexibility with the foods that the South Beach Diet allows you in Phase III. You can basically eat anything you want as long as you keep an eye on your weight. This means that you keep track of the amount of carbohydrates that you are ingesting. Once you begin to gain weight again, you will know to cut back on the amount of carbohydrates in order to maintain your desired weight. Because of the flexibility in Phase III of the South Beach Diet, many people consider the plan to be a lifestyle change rather than a diet because you follow through with the plan for a lifetime.

Most diets only last for awhile and are generally designed to be followed until a dieter has reached their goal weight. Because of this, the term South Beach Diet is a misnomer because it is an eating plan to follow for a lifetime. It is not something that you follow for only a few weeks until you have reached your desired weight. As such, following the South Beach Diet will ensure a healthy lifestyle that you will be sure to enjoy throughout your lifetime.