South Beach diet FAQ

1) What is the South Beach Diet?

The South Beach Diet is a three phase diet which was developed by a cardiologist based in south Florida, in order to help patients avoid or combat heart problems. Phase one lasts for two weeks and is basically similar to the Atkins Diet, because this first two weeks focuses on the consumption of nothing but protein sources (low carb period). No carbs allowed during this first phase. Phase two incorporates "good" carbohydrates in order to keep insulin levels stable (which is very similar to the approach used by the Zone Diet). Phase two lasts for an "undetermined" length of time -- whatever length of time it takes for each dieter to rid their excess fat tissue.  During phase three, dieters are done "dieting" and now they simply begin eating a healthy, well balanced diet (so as to maintain their new body for life).  Phase three is sort of a "maintenance" period, a way to begin eating healthy for life.

2) What are the negative aspects of the South Beach Diet?

Phase one is a negative aspect, because nearly all dieters will simply not be able to go without carbohydrates for two full weeks, and thus many people cannot handle this tough low carb period. The side effects caused by a "zero carbohydrate" period are unbearable for most people (these side effects include irritability, severe fatigue, sleeplessness, headaches, intense hunger for carbohydrates, nervousness, etc).  Phase two is not much better, but is more tolerable than phase one.  Side effects are not as bad during phase two, but they will still pose a problem for most dieters making it difficult not to cheat.

3) What are the positive aspects of the South Beach Diet?

Phase one and two are incredibly effective at ridding the body of its excess and unwanted fat tissue, the low carb period serves as a positive aspect because they allow for tremendous fat loss IF the dieter can stick to the diet and not cheat during these periods (which is difficult).  Therefore, phase one and phase two serve as both "negative" and "positive" aspects of the South Beach Diet program.

4) How much weight loss can dieters expect each week using the South Beach Diet?

Dieters can expect to lose between 5 and 8 pounds during each of the first two weeks of phase one, after that dieters can expect to lose and 1-2 pounds per week during phase two when they are eating carbs again.

5) What are some alternatives to the South Beach Diet?

The Atkins Diet, the Zone Diet and the Caveman Diet would be good alternatives -- because phase one of the South Beach Diet borrows heavily from the Atkins Diet, phase two borrows heavily from the Zone Diet, and phase three is a general "well balanced" nutritional program which is basically what the Caveman Diet is.