The chief principle of south beach diet is that it inspires a person to eat the right carbohydrates and the right fats to initiate weight loss. However, it is not just the weight loss that attracts people towards this diet. South beach diet also helps in reducing the cholesterol level and also decreases the risk of developing heart diseases and diabetes. People who have followed this diet have reviewed that this diet did not make them feel hungry as compared with other diets.
The south beach diet was formulated by Arthur Agatston, a Miami based cardiologist. He first came up with the idea that good carbohydrates and fats can help people lose weight. Dr. Arthur Agatston formulated this diet especially for his patients based upon his research and study of scientific dieting for heart patients. Seeing the success of his diet with his patients he considered publicizing his diet. South beach diet first appeared in a book by the same name as the diet.
The south beach diet differentiates amongst the good and the bad carbohydrates and fats. According to the diet good fats are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, especially those with omega-3 fatty acids in it. And the bad fats are saturated and trans fat. Whereas, god carbohydrates are high in fiber content as well good fats. Good carbohydrates should have a low index of glycemic so that they are easily but slowly digested and absorbed. Carbohydrates high in nutritional value are also considered as good carbohydrates. For example the consumption of brown rice is encouraged in comparison to white rice which is discouraged.
This diet does not make a person feel hungry as it allows the consumption of healthy sized portions as long as a person refrains from eating sugar and other refined carbohydrates. After a certain period of time the blood sugar level is controlled and the dieter eats lesser than usual as he is not hungry.
There are mainly three phases in the south beach diet. During the first phase, strict dieting is initiated. However, a dieter is allowed to eat normal meal portions which are void of the bad carbohydrates and fats. During the second phase the diet plan is made a bit lenient and commences till the ideal weight has been achieved. The phase three is the life long period wherein the dieter enjoys great health. The dieters are advised to follow the basic principles of south beach diet.
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