south beach diet

Does anyone know anything about this diet? DH's friend is doing it and has lost 20lbs. not sure how long he's been doing it, but I feel like it can't be more than 3 months.

I feel like it's a fad type of diet, but am I wrong? I am definitely curious about it w/ results like that, but don't want to go on some Atkins type of diet where the moment you eat a carb you're done for.

Re: south beach diet

I don't consider South Beach to be a fad diet, it is a different way of eating. It focuses on food low on the glycemic index; veggies, lean meats, certain fruits and whole grains. I think some people lose better if they restrict certain types of foods, especially people who are insulin resistant. It is meant to be a complete lifestyle change, not a temporary measure. I think this can be a very healthy diet especially if you avoid the processed "low carb diet foods" - those I do consider fad items, but not the eating plan itself.

I don't think the standard American diet is really the best bet for many people. I have been eating more of a Mediterranean diet for the past few months and in addition to losing weight I FEEL 1000 times better. I don't eat much in the way of grains, mostly fruits, veggies, nuts and lean meat, when I do have grains I opt for things like quinoa or oats. I very rarely eat anything processed, most everything is made from scratch.

The Mediterranean Diet is similar to South Beach (not exactly the same, but similar) and an entire region of the world has been eating this way for centuries and shows great health for it!

Re: south beach diet

The south beach diet to me, can be one of the most healthy diets, if you avoid the processed foods and artificial sweeteners.

South beach focuses on veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits - sounds pretty good to me!

I think the "phase one" portion of the diet is a little odd, not in favor of cutting out fruit and I believe weight loss is simply calories in vs. calories burned, but I understand it helps some people with their sugar cravings.

Re: south beach diet

It is not a "diet" but a way of life. I was ono it when I was on Metformin out of necessity. Bad things happened with bad carbs .
It is good for diabetics or pre-diabetics. My fil has been on it for years. He was able to get his weight and diabetes under control. He also was able to go off most of the meds he was taking for his diabetes.
It is not the type of thing that you lose the weight and then go back to eating bad. You have to stay on the maintenance diet to keep the pounds off. I still try to do a modified version. I can't do it fully because me kids are carb lovers.

Re: south beach diet

I agree with the PPs. While the first 2 weeks are Atkins-like, it's only to break your carb addiction - and it does! After that you start adding healthy carbs back into your diet, not the over processed ones that Americans tend to gorge ourselves on.

Re: south beach diet

Funny you posted this---I just started South Beach yesterday. I have been on it in the passed and have always been successful. I believe if you follow it and stick with the "lifestyle" that the weight does not come back on. I abandoned the way of life and have gained some weight back.

The first 2 weeks are the tough part as PP have stated. Once you get past that then you can reintroduce grains and fruits slowly.

So you can get an idea of what the diet is like, here is what I ate yesterday (Day 1):

Breakfast: omelet with 2 whole eggs & milk with slice of cheese & turkey, topped with salsa. Drank a small v8 and then a cup of coffee with sugar free creamer

Snack: celery & cucumber spears with hummus

Lunch: salad--cukes, red onion, lettuce with a little italian dressing & feta

Snack: handful of almonds & sugar free fudgesicle

Dinner: 2 pieces of grilled chicken with 2 cups of mixed roasted veggies (cauliflower, broccoli, red peppers & onion).

Snack: green tea with 1/2 cup sugar free pistachio pudding

I feel like I ate plenty & had snacks so I never felt deprived of anything

Re: south beach diet

thanks ladies! i am going to see if MIL has a copy of the book. She tries all diets so perhaps i'll luck out. Lucky, your menu sounds very good! i may be messaging you about this further

Re: south beach diet

Posted by karabara

thanks ladies! i am going to see if MIL has a copy of the book. She tries all diets so perhaps i'll luck out. Lucky, your menu sounds very good! i may be messaging you about this further

Re: south beach diet

Posted by karabara

thanks ladies! i am going to see if MIL has a copy of the book. She tries all diets so perhaps i'll luck out. Lucky, your menu sounds very good! i may be messaging you about this further