By Alice Mitchell,
Project Weight Loss Editor
October 17, 2008People think diets are the equivalent of pain: counting calories, weighing portions of unsatisfying, not at all tasty food. Choosing a new diet is always difficult because it promises excellent results and losing pounds in a blink of an eye, without significant sacrifices or efforts. Most of the times, you lose weight temporarily and gain more after reaching your goal and decide it’s time to stop following it. So, what makes South Beach Diet any different?
The South Beach Diet is a famous diet founded by Dr. Arthur Agatston, who describes it as a “way to eat for life”. The diet is about choosing between the good and the bad food. It’s all about the right carbs, the right fats and proteins. The founder believes this is not a strict diet and it’s an easy weight loss plan. You not only enjoy a healthier life, but also lose 4 up to 7 pounds a week.
What is believed differentiates this diet from others is the fact it only works in phases. The plan is supposed to work your body effectively and safely. Take it step by step without counting calories or starving yourself. The diet is flexible, containing 3 normal-size meals a day and two snacks a day. The South Beach Diet has three phases. In the first one, which lasts two weeks and is believed to be the hardest of all three, carbohydrates are restricted. The main foods allowed are: chicken, turkey and fish meat, nuts, eggs, and low-fat cheese.
After passing successfully this first phase, it is expected you feel 8 up to 13 pounds lighter. Second phase ends when you reach your weight goal is reached, so the period of time differs from one person to another. This is when you’ll notice the eating habits you have caught, by not craving foods which store excessive fat in your body. This second phase is less restrictive, so a piece of chocolate from one is a while is allowed. Lesser pounds will be lost in this phase but, remember, it’s for the best because slower is healthier.
The important thing is you won’t gain weight. Once you’ve reached you ideal weight, that’s when phase three of the South Beach Diet begins. Maintaining the weight are the key words. The third phase will no longer seem like a diet, but a way of life. The eating habits learned in the previous steps will seem normal and adopting them for a long period of time will make you life healthier.
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