The South Beach Diet Overview

The South Beach Diet is certainly an alluring name for a diet, much more so than many of the more clinical diet names out there. South Beach conjures up images of beautiful people in revealing bathing suits, tanned and with rippling muscles, which coincidentally or not, is precisely how many people would like to appear! Appealing it is, but does it work?

How the South Beach Diet Works

The South Beach Diet is similar to the Atkins Diet in that it puts the emphasis on protein, rather than carbohydrates which can pack on the pounds. The theory behind cutting back on carbs and eating a higher percentage of protein is that the body begins to have less insulin responses to carbohydrates.

The South Beach Diet has three phases, during which dieters progressively add a few more carbohydrates back into their diet as they progress. The goal of the first phase of the diet is to eliminate the cravings dieters experience for all kinds of carbohydrates, including fruit, by eliminating them all together. Once the two-week phase one is complete, the cravings are supposed to have disappeared.

By eliminating the blood sugar swings that accompany carbohydrate binges, the South Beach Diet aims to make dieting easier. Then, as 'good' carbohydrates are added back into the diet, the individual is less likely to lose control and binge. The types of carbohydrates allowed on the South Beach Diet are those that score low on the glycemic index.

Differences Between the South Beach Diet and Atkins Diet

The South Beach Diet puts much more emphasis on eating fats that are good for the body, such as olive oil, which has been shown to raise levels of HDL, the 'good' cholesterol. Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist, gives the good fat/bad fat aspect of this diet credibility. The South Beach Diet book explains the difference between good fats and bad fats, making it clear to the layman.

Unlike the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet does not encourage excessive consumption of saturated fats, such as those found in bacon, cheeses and butter. Instead, the focus is on monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. South Beach counts carbs through portion size while Atkins counts grams of carbohydrates, which may be more difficult to keep track of. South Beach also allows for greater consumption of vegetables than Atkins, primarily ones that rank low on the glycemic index.

Is the South Beach Diet Strict?

Although it allows more fat consumption than some diets, that's not to say that quantities are unlimited. You will be eating quite a few salads, and will need to count out your daily allotment of almonds. In fact, if you do not enjoy eating mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing, the South Beach Diet may be somewhat tough for you.

There is not very much room for flexibility, which can be problematic, if you are a vegetarian or vegan. The diet does call for quite a bit of protein, which includes chicken breasts, eggs and low-fat dairy. Breads are very limited and replaced with whole grain versions. The recipes, however, are quite delicious, if you have the time to prepare them. If you follow the recipes given in the book, you may not feel deprived at all.

Expected Weight Loss

The South Beach Diet claims that those who adhere to it will lose up to seven pounds in the first two weeks, however, dieters should be aware that much of this weight loss is likely to be due to 'water weight' and probably will not last if the diet is discontinued. After the initial phase of the diet, weight loss is expected to slow to a reasonable one to two pounds per week. The South Beach Diet encourages dieters to exercise in addition to following the diet. Overall, if you enjoy eating meat and salads and believe that you can eat what is allowed in moderation, this may be the diet for you. As with any diet, be sure to discuss the South Beach Diet with your doctor before you begin.

Sample South Beach Phase One Recipes

Want to get recipe ideas or see what kinds of foods are on the diet? The following recipes are compliant with the South Beach plan.

Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce

This Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce recipe is compatible with South Beach Diet Phase 1. This dish is so good, you won't even miss pasta. With this recipe, you have the option of using a commercially prepared spaghetti sauce, but if you choose to go this route, read the ingredient list carefully to make sure sugar or corn syrup are not listed in the ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 2 medium tomatoes, cut into small pieces
• 1 zucchini, cut into small pieces
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 5 button mushrooms, cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup water

Directions

1. Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds.
2. Lay the squash face down in a baking dish containing ¼ cup water.
3. Cover it with plastic wrap.
4. Microwave about ten minutes or until tender.
5. Heat the oil in a skillet and sauté the onion for three minutes.
6. Add the rest of the vegetables and sauté until tender.
7. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Remove the squash from its dish and scrape out the spaghetti-like strands into a bowl.
9. Pour the sautéed vegetables over the squash.

Chocolate Ricotta Cheese

Ingredients

• ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• ½ - 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package sugar substitute (Equal, Splenda, Sweet and Low or your favorite)
• A few chocolate chips

Directions

1. Mix together all of the ingredients (except the chocolate chips) in a small bowl.
2. Chill the mixture.
3. Just before serving sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.

Another great variation of this recipe is to use instant coffee for a mocha flavor dessert. Simply grind the instant coffee into a fine powder using the bottom of a spoon and use it in the recipe in place of the cocoa.

Cheese, Mushroom and Asparagus Omelet

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 stalks stemmed asparagus, cut into small pieces
• ¼ cup low fat mozzarella cheese
• 2 Tablespoons water
• Lite or low-fat cooking spray

Directions

• Thoroughly mix the eggs and water in a bowl using a fork or a whisk.
• Lightly coat a frying plan with the cooking spray.
• Pour the egg mixture into the pan.
• Once the egg is set, spread the cheese, mushrooms and asparagus onto one half of the egg.
• Using a spatula, fold the other half of the egg over the cheese and vegetable filling.
• Place the omelet onto a plate and serve.

Phase Two Recipes

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Simple and delicious, this low carb Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of Canadian bacon
• 4 oz Swiss cheese
• 1 Tablespoon virgin olive oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3/4 cup powdered Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Pound chicken breasts until they are about ½ inch thick, or thinner, if you can manage.
2. Place the Canadian bacon on each breast.
3. Add one ounce of Swiss cheese on top of the bacon.
4. Roll up and fasten together with a toothpick.
5. Mix the olive oil and the egg together.
6. Dip the chicken breast into the mixture.
7. Roll in Parmesan cheese and place in a well-oiled baking dish.
8. Bake at 350ºF for 30 to 35 minutes.

Tangy Black Bean Salad

Serve this nutritious Black Bean Salad for lunch or with dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 roasted red bell peppers, chopped
• 1 red onion

Directions

1. Roast peppers in the oven until blackened.
2. Peel the roasted peppers and then chop into half-inch squares.
3. Place the beans in a bowl.
4. Add the remainder of the ingredients.
5. Mix well until combined.
6. Thinly slice about one third of the red onion and use as a garnish.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend together.
8. Serve chilled.

Chicken and Grapefruit Salad for Two

The grapefruit adds a light citrus taste to a traditional chicken salad favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces chicken breast, bones and skin removed
• 4 cups lettuce or favorite mixed greens
• 1 pink grapefruit, peeled, sectioned with seeds removed
• 1 medium red onion, peeled and diced
• 2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat ½ tablespoon of the olive oil in a frying pan.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned (make sure the chicken is cooked throughout)
3. Remove the chicken from the pan.
4. Cut it into slices approximately ½ inch thick.
5. Place 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, vinegar, onion, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
6. Pour ½ of the dressing over the chicken pieces and toss lightly.
7. Place the lettuce (or mixed greens) and grapefruit sections into a bowl.
8. Add the remaining portion of salad dressing and lightly toss.
9. Place the sliced chicken on top of the lettuce and grapefruit to serve.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Served as a snack or as a side dish, sweet potato fries are easy to make and taste delicious.

• 1 medium sized sweet potato, washed and peeled
• ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Slice the sweet potato into approximately eight long strips by cutting it lengthwise.
3. Mix the olive oil, salt and paprika together.
4. Toss the sweet potato slices with the oil mixture.
5. Place the potato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Bake approximately 15 minutes until the bottoms of the potatoes are lightly browned.
7. Turn the potato slices over.
8. Bake approximately ten more minutes until the sweet potato fries are tender.
9. Serve immediately.