The South Beach diet concentrates on choosing the right carbs and
the right fats. The diet helps people to recognise what they call
'good carbs' verses 'bad carbs'. The theory is that much of our
excess weight comes from eating 'bad carbs' especially the highly
processed ones found in baked goods, breads, snacks, soft drinks
and other convenient foods. The diet is based in the fact that much
of these foods have had the fibre removed during possessing and
this considerably changes the way we metabolize food. The south
Beach diet suggests that weight gain impairs insulin's ability to
process fats and sugars (a condition is called insulin resistance).
As a result, the body stores more fat than it should, especially
in the midsection. The Diet Has three sections. The first section
lasts for two weeks and is promoted as a booster for weight loss.
There are three stages to the diet altogether.
How Does It Work?
The Diet works by decreasing the consumption of 'bad carbs' and
claims that studies have shown that the insulin resistance starts
clearing up. Weight decreases, and you begin metabolizing carbs
properly. The diets suggests that after a while the craving for
carbs disappears once you have cut down on them. And that cutting
out processed carbs lowers triglycerides and cholesterol. The diet
also suggests that the dieter must have 'The Right Fats' Such as
olive oil and canloa oils (To make up for the overall cut in carbs).The
diet permits ample fats and animal proteins. Chicken, turkey, and
fish are recommended, along with nuts and low-fat cheeses and yogurt.
As a rule, low-fat prepared foods are not recommended as the fats
are often replaced with carbs, which are also fattening. But dairy
products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt that are low-fat are exceptions
and are allowed on this diet.
How Much Do You Lose?
The Diet claims that in the first two weeks you will lose between
8-12 pounds. This is the most difficult part of the diet as it is
quite strict. The next phase two concentrates on getting you to
your target weight at a steady 1-2 pounds loss per week. Stage three
concentrates on maintaining your weight.
Are There Any Possible Side Effects?
The diet like many of its kind claims to lower cholesterol, reduce
your risk of heart disease and diabetes, and get rid of cravings
without feeling hungry. However the diet does suggest that if you
have kidney problems, talk to your doctor before starting the diet.
And if you have diabetes, get tested to make sure that your kidneys
are not impaired.
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