South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet, developed by Dr. Agatston, isn't officially a low carbohydrate diet, but many consider it to be a more balanced version of the Atkins Diet. The nutritional guidelines of the diet are both reduced carbohydrates and reduced fats. The diet is organized into three phases, beginning at Detoxification, where the major weight loss occurs, then Reintroducing Carbs, and finally A Diet for Life, the maintenance plan. Phase one lasts two weeks, phase two, until you reach your ideal weight, and phase three, the maintenance stage, will last the rest of your life if you continue to follow the diet.

Dr. Agatston advocates that this diet will have three major affects on your body: a change in how your body responds to food, and a change in your blood chemistry that is beneficial to your cardiovascular health. You can learn more about the diet by reading Dr. Agatston's book and viewing the official website: www.southbeachdiet.com. The website has valuable resources for those on the diet, including recipes; meal plans; personal weight loss trackers, shopping lists, and journals; and message boards.