The South Beach Diet
August 13, 2008
The South Beach diet is basically a diet plan which accentuates the consumption of healthy carbohydrates and healthy fats. The concept was initiated by Dr. Arthur Agatston, cardiologist, in Miami, Florida. The diet was planned and emphasized for his cardiac patients. It was developed as per the norms of scientific dieting research done by him. The diet was published for the first time in a book The “South Beach Diet” by Rodale Press.
Dr. Agatston put forward that excess consumption of unhealthy carbohydrates results in an insulin resistance syndrome. It is a disorder in which the hormone insulin is unable to properly metabolize fat or sugar. He also emphasized that excessive consumption of fats, such as saturated fat and Trans fat, may lead to the cardiovascular disease. So, to fight the problem his south beach plan diet is based on two precautions. Firstly, his diet plan emphasizes to minimize consumption of bad or unhealthy, fats and carbohydrates. Secondly, he insists increased consumption of good or healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
The diet has three phases in which to minimize consumption of unhealthy fats.
Phase I is of two weeks duration in which one should try to get rid of insulin resistance by abstaining from high-glycemic carbohydrates such as dairy products, sugar, candy, bread, potatoes, fruit, cereals, grains etc.
Phase II begins after two weeks. In this phase whole grain foods, fruits and dairy products are included in the diet but in smaller amounts. Sweet potatoes, foods with a low-glycemic index are also allowed but in moderate amounts.
Phase III is a maintenance phase. In Phase III the diet include three servings of whole grains and three servings of fruit in a day. The diet stresses an enduring change in the way of eating. The diet should contain variety of foods, and relaxation and litheness. The phase recommends consumption of whole grains and large amounts of green vegetables. But adequate amounts of mono and polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids that are contained in fish should be included in the diet. One should avoid eating extremely refined and processed foods, high-fat meats, and saturated fats.
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