What is the South Beach Diet?

The South Beach Diet isn’t new to the weight loss arena and chances are you have already heard of it and its claim that it can help you get your “Beach Body” back. The extreme popularity of the plan gained momentum shortly after its 1995 introduction mainly because it was developed by cardiologist Dr. Agaston, which to the public meant it was doctor approved. People who heeded the cardiologist’s advice and followed the diet religiously have garnered great results and the plan itself has become one of the most popular low carb versions in the world. The Doctor’s approach spells out everything lose weight candidates need to know about the program’s food and meal plan and remains a best seller today, years after being introduced. According to the online reviews, it has remained popular because it offers a healthy, common sense approach to weight loss that works.

This diet plan is similar to a low carb diet but is different from other well know solutions because it encourages consuming healthy fats and prohibits the unhealthy ones, instead of eliminating all fats. Another distinction between the two is that with this plan you don’t count carb grams and you’re urged to choose low sugar carbs and carbs with a low glycemic index. Most carb restrictive diets work but are considered unhealthy. Dr. Agaston’s healthy eating plan tries to take the unhealthy variables out of the equation.

Product Features

The program is structured into three unique phases. The first phase is a brief introduction occurs over a two week period and is where the most significant amount of weight loss occurs because meals are heavily restrictive. During this time you’ll be required to stop eating carbs and avoid foods that are high in fats. You’ll have three meals a day so you won’t starve however your choices are limited. After this phase you’ll move on the second phase where you’ll be allowed to add a few additional options however you’ll still be limited to meals suggested by the meal plan. During phase two most followers lose a pound or 2 a week and will remain in phase two until reaching their goal weight. During the last phase you’ll move away from the plan’s restrictions but you’ll be more health conscious, with a sustainable plan you can follow the rest of your life. The South Beach Diet also has a membership website where you’ll have access to recipes, meal plans, motivation and useful weight loss tools. Both website members and non-members can sign up for the program’s motivating newsletter that emails out recipes, diet tips and health related articles; a big plus.

Who is this product for?

It is for individuals that don’t mind a diet that takes you through phases, and is restrictive in the beginning. In addition it doesn’t promise results without effort on the dieter’s part. You’ll also need to stock up on healthy foods, give up your favorite carbs, at least in the beginning. On the other hand, if you’re serious about wanting to lose weight and getting healthy it’s a viable choice and its years of continued popularity speaks volumes for the end results it can deliver if followed explicitly. The diet plan options are affordable as well. The book itself is very reasonably priced and can be purchased at just about any bookstore and a variety of online sellers, priced between $15 to $30 and available in paperback as well. In addition, you can sign up on the South Beach Diet website for only $4 a week and gain instant access to selection of useful weight loss tools, diet and meal plans, a supportive online community as well as helpful 24 hour support. You can cancel your membership at anytime as it doesn’t require an ongoing commitment.

Advantages

  • Very structured weight loss solution.
  • Less restrictive than other popular options and lots of food choices.
  • It doesn’t eliminate any vital food groups.
  • Named #5 of the Best Commercial Diets in 2011 by US News.
  • Appropriate for both men and women.
  • Thousands of customers have selected this diet plan and report positive results.

Disadvantages

  • Both primary phases don’t allow much freedom when it comes to dining out.
  • Eliminates sugars, some fruit choices like bananas and other carbohydrates.
  • During the initial phase most of the weight loss experienced is water weight

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, the South Beach Diet didn’t simply gain popularity because of the author but instead because it takes an easier to follow, unique approach to losing weight. A number of the consumer reviews like that fact that it encourages eating whole grains, a variety of lean meats, foods with healthy fats and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The diet’s huge amount of food and meal plans is constantly growing which is another reason to consider signing up with the website. More recipes are being added by the plans online community on a regular basis as well, making it much easier to stick with the program and keep things interesting. In conclusion, based on the South Beach diet reviews and its continued popularity, it looks like it is an effective loss plan that’s backed, by real science, along with healthy meal choices that encourage users to adhere to the diet. Dr. Arthur Agaston unquestionably was onto something when he developed this weight loss program and with its ever growing recipe database, and the motivating newsletters you can sign up for on the website, it is certainly worth considering.