Developed by a Cardiologist, Dr. Arthur Agatston, South Beach Diet teaches to rely on the right carbohydrates and the right fats (Agatston 3). Dr. Arthur Agatston is an associate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He was also elected to serve on the board of directors of The American Dietetic Association Foundation. Dr. Agatston claimed to have created the diet for many of his clients that were suffering from obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and other forms of heart disease. The eating plan improves the cholesterol and insulin levels of his patients with heart disease. The diet causes a decrease in the LDL cholesterols and an increase in HDL cholesterols. The diet is scientifically based because it is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods are all part of major food groups so it is important that any diet plan does not omit these foods. Dr. Agatston believes that the epidemic of obesity is caused by health organizations supporting diets that are high in carbohydrates but also include low fat items. Diets that are high in carbohydrates are usually highly processed and low in fiber. Although the diet was created for his patients, it is now one of the most popular diets nationwide. Dr. Agatston now has a book titled, The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss. The book has become a bestseller. Many People prefer this diet because it does not have a complex menu to follow, there are no supplements to be used, and the foods you eat do not have to be in any precise combination.
The average intake is about 1400-1500 calories per day. The South Beach Diet comprises of three phases. All three phases promote plenty of water, three balanced meals, two snacks per day, and a dessert every night. It is important to follow this meal plan to be successful in losing weight.
The first phase is the strictest phase of
Cited: Agatston, Arthur. The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss. New York: St. Martin Press, 2003. Blatner, Dawn. "South Beach Diet." American Dietetic Association. 19 Apr 2007 . Kirby, Jane. Dieting for Dummies. 2nd. Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing Inc., 2004. "Popular Diets Reviewed 2005." Nutrition Fact Sheet. American Dietetic Association. 24 Apr 2007 . Thompson, Janice, and Melinda Manore. Nutrition: An Applied Approach. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings, 2005. "Weighing In On The South Beach Diet." Health and Nutrition Letter. May 2004. Tufts University. 08 Mar 2007 .