What is it?
The South Beach Diet is a weight loss diet that emphasizes low-glycemic carbohydrates, high amounts of fiber, and lean protein. It’s a popular fad diet that has been around since 2003, and it’s published in an official book.
There is a specific ratio of macronutrients one must eat, and it’s considered a long-term dieting plan. It claims that there are certain carbohydrates which are bad, as well as certain fats which should be avoided. The diet became popular as it was one of the first low carbohydrate diets. Our review exerts have analyzed many weight loss diets and the most effective they found was the 18Shake Diet. This diet offers a fat burning weight loss pill and an appetite suppressing meal replacement. Both have only natural ingredients free of colors, stimulants, preservatives, binders, or fillers for natural weight loss benefits. To learn more about the 18Shake Diet, click on the link provided here.
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South Beach Diet Ingredients and Side Effects
There are 3 key phases one must follow while on this diet:
• Phase 1: The intention of this phase is to help get rid of cravings and to balance blood sugar. For two weeks one must get rid of foods that are high in sugar or that are refined carbohydrates. There is no allowance for fruit juice, alcohol, bread, pasta, rice, and fruit. What are allowed are high-fiber vegetables, unsaturated fats, low-fat dairy, lean protein, seafood, skinless chicken, and soy. 2 cups of dairy and 4 ½ cups of vegetables are advised a day. It’s advised to eat slowly and to continue eating if one is still hungry after eating a meal.
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• Phase 2: This phase is longer term. There is an increased allowance for whole-wheat pasta, fruits, vegetables and brown rice. This phase is followed until the desired weight is reached. 3 servings of starches and fruit are allowed each day, as well as 2 snacks.
• Phase 3: Both phase 1 and 2 principals are followed, and all foods are allowed but only in moderation. This is considered the maintenance phase and you follow it for the entirety of your life. 2 to 4 servings of starches with no more than this limit, 3 pieces of fruit, and 2 tablespoons of healthy fats are advised.
It’s mentioned in the official book that sustaining this diet in the beginning is particularly difficult. It’s not uncommon to experience cravings and side effects. It’s also claimed that the first two weeks can promote up to 13 pounds of weight loss. However, dietician Dawn Jackson has criticized this suggested weight loss claim by adding:
“Any time you’re promised a weight loss of over a pound a week, which is the safe recommended amount, it’s time to say, ‘What’s going on here’”
She mentions how no safe diet would allow for this much weight loss to happen at one time. This is often the sign of either an unsafe diet, or one that makes exaggerated weight loss claims.
A clinicalreview by Yale University School of Medicine also said:
“some statements in the book are clearly misleading or incorrect”
“We find that over 67% of nutrition facts… may not be supported in the peer-reviewed literature”
According to this clinical review, the majority of nutritioninformation suggested in the South Beach Diet book is not based in facts. This can be potentially dangerous, as one is relying on this diet for weight loss and for promoting good health.
Another clinical review by Harvard says:
“The South Beach diet has problems typical of diet books: lack of proof and some dubious claims”
Due to the lack of quality information, it’s unknown if this diet would be safe to follow. For a comprehensive list of the top ranked weight loss diets, click this link.
There is also potential health risks associated with this diet, as the Mayo Clinic adds:
“you may experience problems from ketosis”
In the beginning where carbohydrates are greatly excluded, it’s possible for the body to go into a state called ketosis. This is activated when the glucose from carbohydrates is unavailable. Glucose is the primary fuel source used by the body. Potential side effects from ketosis include:
• Nausea, mental fatigue, and headaches.
• Fruity smelling breath, bad breath, and dehydration.
• Dizziness, stomach cramps, and low blood sugar.
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South Beach Diet Quality of Ingredients
One clinical study by the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota has concluded:
“average fiber intake of adults in the United States is less than half the recommend levels and is lower still among those who follow... South Beach”
Not only are there potential risks due to a lack of important fiber, but other clinical studies have found that the suggestions made by the South Beach Diet are not factual. This is concerning as the diet is advised to be followed for the entirety of one’s life. The diet is not considered a reliable or healthy way to lose weigh according to scientific reviews. It can potentially lead to side effects. Click on the link here to see which weight loss diets were rated as the best overall.
The Price and Quality of South Beach Diet
Pricing depends on food and the official book which currently sells for $7.99. While this diet has become popular, it’s not considered an optimal way to lose weight. Any initial weight loss is due to water weight which is what happens when restrictingcarbohydrates.
Much of the weight is returned once normal eating is resumed, and there is no fat loss only water when restricting carbohydrates. Overall, there are far too many critical reviews which show this diet is potentially unsafe and not based in real science. To see a listof the top ranking weight loss diets, click the link here.
Business of South Beach Diet
The official website has contact information listed as:
Phone Number: (888) 841-2620
Address: 600 Office Center Drive
Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034
Email: [email protected]
The South Beach Diet was created by Arthur Agatston a cardiologist, with support from a dietician named Marie Almon. It was created after Agatston treated patients with a diet recommended by the American Heart Association, which failedto promote weight loss. He suggested this diet to his patients to help them retain cardiovascular help while still being able to lose weight.
Though Agatston is not an expert in weight loss, he does have experience in knowing about heart health.
EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.
Customer Opinions of South Beach Diet
Here are some select reviews taken from customer quotes:
“Many people will probably not lose weight on this program”
“so confusing I’m surprised anyone can lose weight on them”
“I learned nothing new. Basically a recipe book”
“Just another of the anti-carb, get on the band wagon books”
“This diet is the worst diet I have ever tried”
People had issue with the information in the book, currently over 300 have left negative comments about the South Beach Diet. There were concerns that they failed to lose the claimed 13 pounds of weight loss in 2 weeks.
Some found that the recipes in the book were also limited, and that they were unappetizing to continue eating.
Certain people also experienced side effects such as nausea, fatigue, headache, ill feelings, stomach pain, bloating, and other side effects. Those that did manage to lose weight often mentioned it quickly returned, and that it was likely just water weight. For a list of the highest rated weight loss diets, click this link.
Conclusion - Does South Beach DietWork?
The South Beach Diet is a popular fad diet that has 3 unique phases intended to help promote weight loss. The initial phase has a restriction on carbohydrates, which is likely, the reason why weight loss via water weight and not fat is possible. Reviews on the diet have shown that it’s potentially harmful, and that there are claims made that are untruthful. Many people who have tried and reviewed this diet conclude that it’s much like other low carbohydrate diets, and that it’s unusable long term. There is also a potential for side effects especially in the beginning as the body adjusts.
Our review experts have found that the highest rated weight loss is the 18Shake Diet. This diet offers a meal replacement which can suppress appetite for hours, and a fat burning diet pill. They help to maximize weight loss without the use of stimulants, preservatives, artificial additives, fillers, binders, or any cheap additives. Customers have left positive reviews on the official website adding how effective it is for weight loss. It’s made with natural ingredients and can increase metabolism and provide other well-rounded weight loss benefits.
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User Feedback
(Page 2 of 8, 148 total comments)Steff
+My mum has to get her blood glucose levels into a normal range so she doesnt get put on insulin. she is obese (her goal is to lose 1kg a week, so 15kg in 3 months). We have been on this diet for 3 weeks now. her BGL is now 7.6 after food (sugary almonds the cheater), compared to her fasting BGL of 10.8mmol/L. She's lost 3kg. I have not lost weight but I have lost and 2 inches off my hips (but that is food alone). Her health has already started to improve. and she is no longer feeling the draining effects of diabetes despite the lack of wheat based carbs.
posted Oct 17th, 2011 11:42 pmgonna lose it
?South Beach Diet--will I lose? I'm on day 6 and haven't followed the book day by day precisely, but also haven't eaten any of the "foods to avoid". At times, I've felt weird, sort of light-headed, irritable, low energy. I grab a handful of almonds or some type of nuts or eat a teaspoon of peanut butter and this usually helps. I'm missing fruit and bread. I ordinarily eat healthy, no fast food, creamy sauces, fatty things-- and have never struggled with weight. About 6 years ago, I steadily began to put on the pounds and have gained 40 lbs over these years. I'm 47 and wearing a sz 14, feeling frumpy and middle aged. Not ready for this! So I'm going to stick to it but I'm hoping that I will lose on this diet. Will give updates and appreciate the feedback here. Thanks!
Gem
I've struggled with my weight all of my life and have prayed for a way to stop yo-yo dieting. I know it's unhealthy and fear it's doing great harm to my body. I actually had a dream that I believe was inspired by God to try the South Beach diet. I am currently on day 7 and have lost 6.5 lbs! I haven't had any cravings for sugary foods but eat a tasty fudgesicle every other night or so just so I won't feel deprieved. I love the fact that it has a maintenance phase and look forward to reaching my goal weight of 145 lbs and wearing my shorts again this summer! Stick to it guys! We're all in this together :)
posted May 30th, 2011 7:56 pmArlayna Alcock
I am eating really satisfying food, which is a real treat, and consistently losing weight. Most importantly, Phase 1 has largely eliminated my sugars cravings, adn that is a great releif! It's an amazing, healthy food plan.
posted May 28th, 2011 12:56 pmJill
+Just started Phase 2 yesterday and I am happy to report that I have lost 9 lbs and almost 3 inches off my waist. Wow! Can't think of of a better motivation to keep it going!
posted Apr 17th, 2011 11:30 pmBig Al
+you know what they can't call me big al anymore because i have lost 150lbs on the south beach diet. just kiding! i havn't started yet but it sounds like a good idea so i am going to try it.
posted Apr 14th, 2011 8:52 amJill
+I am on day 6 of phase 1. I have not cheated and have exercised daily (at least a walk). The first 3 days sucked! I was craving sugary carbs and felt like my energy took a dive. It has become easier each day. I'm losing the cravings and not wanting to eat shortly after my meals. I feel so much lighter and am regaining my energy. Eat beans to prevent constipation (not the canned sugary kind). I will update at the start of phase 2. Good luck to all!
posted Apr 7th, 2011 12:27 pmMissy Vee
I need help or a jump start and SBD worked for me a couple of years ago, so I started back on the diet yesterday. I was so full from the food that I'm eating my dinner from yesterday today for my lunch. My thing is sticking with the food preparation. I have 20 lbs to lose. It's SBD or blood pressure meds. I'm sticking with SBD.
posted Mar 30th, 2011 11:42 amHarold
+It's very interesting
posted Mar 24th, 2011 9:19 amLD
+I started this diet last Monday, and it is now a week later and I have lost 6 lbs. I have not had any cravings. I exercise a bit every day, but I had been doing that before and had not seen weight loss like this. It definitely is working for me, I cannot believe I am actually losing weight. I'll give you an idea of what I have been eating: Breakfast: scrambled eggs (3), and cottage cheese..... lunch: Cold meat (turkey), sliced tomato, some avocado.... supper: Meat loaf and greek salad.... dessert: sugar free jello.... or yogurt..... I am not following it truly that strictly and am kinda going off by eating yogurt that has fruit in it... your only supposed to eat plane.... anyways, it is working for me because I didn't really have carb cravings before.. rarely ate bread or pasta because it just made me feel heavy and tired...... so that part wasn't hard.. the hard part is the sugar for me... so having something like sugar (jello) it beats the craving for me... and i love cottage cheese.. i could eat it all day... eggs kinda get boring... add some hot sauce. GOOD LUCK ALL you can do it!!!
posted Mar 14th, 2011 9:09 pmChubbyChica
I have followed the SB diet carefully for 10 days, and I have not lost a single pound. It sounds like I'm the first person ever to not succeed.
posted Mar 14th, 2011 12:44 amI'm 5'2" and 135 lbs, 29" waist. My goal is fairly modest. I just want to reach the middle of the normal weight range, or 115 lbs. Ideally, whenever I decide to have a baby, then I'll have some room to grow without getting overweight.
I do intense cardio for an average of ~45 min at least every other day (as I have for the past several years), and I am in the beginning stages of training for a triathlon. I ate pretty healthy before, but in an attempt to reduce fats and exercise a bit more over the past few months, I think I increased my carb intake a bit too much. So I started the SB diet. It was rough for a few days - really messed with the female hormones and menstrual cycle. I'm counting calories, too, and I'm limiting the fatty foods. I usually stay below 1400 cal/day. That makes it pretty restrictive.
I feel like I'm doing everything right. Why can't I lose any weight?? So frustrating.
William
+Update #2, I have reached my 1 year mark and have lost 170 lbs. To those who are giving up hope and say its not possible, this diet doesn't work, I say it does. Everyone I know who have started it and stuck to the plan have all lost weight. A lot of weight. Don't look at this as a diet it is a new way of eating. The old way didn't work, remind your self of that.
posted Mar 3rd, 2011 5:07 pmLissie
I have Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. The posterior nerve is pressed, therefore I have a horrible pain in both heels. I am 5:1 and weight 138LBS I am too heavy xmy size. Doctor did not want to give me a rx. I started this diet and won't give up. I'll tell you later. I COMMITED to God It's the only way!!
posted Mar 1st, 2011 6:25 pmSamantha
+I'm starting this diet today! My dad purchased the book, and has seen great results. I'm very happy to all who lost the weight, and the people who haven't, don't give up!:)
posted Feb 2nd, 2011 5:34 pmtiredofdiets
-Unless you are severe obese you are not going to loose as much weigh as the diet promises. I lost 2 pounds in the first week. It is really hard with no carbs at all. The cravings DO NOT go away. It just gets worse. I didn't cheat at all. I have to loose 20 pounds. My cholesterol is high and the dctor suggested the diet. I literally dream with carbs and I think that I would have lost the same with a different diet not soooo restrictive.
posted Feb 1st, 2011 3:21 pmdespointed
-I started the South Beach diet 10 days ago. The first week I lost 2.5 pounds. It was really hard to stay away from carbs (I don't know who said the crave would go away after the first days. It isjust getting worse) and I am sure that I would have lost the same amount of weight if I had used any other low calories diet. I didn't cheat at all and I will stich to it for this one more week. Hope phase 2 is easier.
posted Feb 1st, 2011 3:05 pmAnonymousbaby
+I stopped eating "South beach style" awhile back when I was dating someone who ate really unhealthily...not to make an excuse but just to explain WHY i stopped. I was hovering at about 135-140. Now, I'm 151. The problem is that I'm 5'9 so 151 is not super overweight or anything...and as we all know, the last few pounds you want to take off are always the pounds that don't wanna go anywhere. lol. So, the diet, this time around, is going much slower. I've been on phase one for a week now and I've only lost 2 lbs...but that's what it's like when you're trying to lose only a small amount of weight and there's really not much there to lose. My BMI is only 18...
posted Jan 6th, 2011 5:57 pmso i love this diet because it keeps me NOT HUNGRY and still losing or maintaining (at the very least) my weight...
any ideas on ways I could lose this 13lbs more quickly? My new years resolution is to get back down to 135 and back into my size 7 jeans! wb! good luck on your diet venture :)
suzyq1319
+Hello, I recently injured my ankle and cannotough exercise at all , for now. Even though I was spinning for days a week etc... I counted calories and was always hungry. It has been 2 weeks since the injury and I was worried about gaining weight and felt depressed. I picked up my old Southbeach diet book and have lost 6lbs in a week! Wow! I feel great! I will incorporate my new way of eating with exercise!
posted Nov 20th, 2010 12:35 pmpaudorta
Hi everyone, i bought the book to start doing this diet, i have a friend who did it and she lost a lottttt of weight, so im looking forward to start. The only problem with me is that im feeling hungry ALL the time, and i think in the food 24 hours a day. I will like to know if there is any pill for this because it will help me a lot, also im looking for a partner to star this diet, just by e-mail, but looking for someone who i can share my activities during the day and how im feeling,etc. I think it would be better if we have a partner who can help us and in the same way to him. Message me if anyone would like to start with me :) . Paula
posted Nov 18th, 2010 3:17 amnrg
This diet is brilliant if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
posted Nov 16th, 2010 2:17 pm