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South Beach Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

Name: South Beach Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
Item: South Beach Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
Rating: 34
Author: admin

Dr. Agaston teaches you how you can get a South Beach body.

Top Rated Diets of 2024

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.

Our experts have a compiled a list of the most effective weight loss diets.

• 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.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

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.

The 18Shake Diet is supported by an entire 30 day money back return policy. All purchases are backed by this return policy offered with no questions asked. Discover more information about the 18Shake Diet, click the link provided.

How Does South Beach Diet Compare?

Product Name
User Rating
Easy to follow
Cheap Price
Fast Results

18 Shake Diet
(Editor’s Choice)
97/100

High Protein Diet
91/100

Dukan Diet
89/100

Paleo Diet
87/100

Plexus Slim
77/100

South Beach Diet
34 /100

User Reviews Archieved

> Leave Feedback

User Feedback

(Page 6 of 8, 148 total comments)

wendy

Love the south beach diet! need to get ready for south beach miami in feb :-)

posted Dec 30th, 2008 5:54 am

Cheri

I started South Beach on May 5, 2008. My husband's doctor said he had to loose weight and since I'm the cook, I decided to join him to support his effort.
The first two weeks I lost 14 lbs and he lost 8. Who in their right mind wouldn't continue??
To date he has lost 32 lbs and I have lost 67 lbs. I am elated with my new figure and my husband's new trim body.
I would have never thought I could do this and so easily.This diet really works! I have recommended this book to all who see me and say how awsome I look!
My medical doctor wasn't aware I had started the SBD and was blown away by my results. She thought I should be a spokes person for the plan!
To everyone who thinks this won't work you need to give it a chance. If you use your imagination with cooking you won't be bored with the lean meat and vegetables. This is the greatest discovery I have ever made.
I have changed my life.
Remember "nothing tastes as good as thin feels" And that's the truth!

posted Nov 16th, 2008 7:33 pm

Kyle

I liked the results

posted Oct 29th, 2008 11:21 pm

MissAshleigh

I have tried this "lifestyle change" and it WORKS! It REALLY does work! All it takes is tons of self discipline. After only 7 months, I have lost a total of 30 pounds.

posted Oct 27th, 2008 12:04 pm

Helen

Didn't really knew much about this diet. I read here you can lose a lot of weight, and you can still eat snacks and chocolate. That's awesome.

posted Oct 17th, 2008 11:10 am

peggy

This is my 10th day on the first phase. I have already lost 5 pounds as of last Wed. (which was only 4 days on the sbd) I actually saw that I'm not supposed to have yogurt or milk products. (I ordered the book from amazon last week and it's not here yet.) I had the book and tried this before..but gave up because I didnt' want to give up carbs. NOW...I'm determined. I work out approx 5 days a week and feel awesome. This has helped my perspective on food in general. I ate well before, but now I feel a little in control. I am a vegetarian, although i eat fish and cheese and eggs. This is for me....I love it....I do cheat and have a little vodka. I'm hoping to lose about 15 to 20 pounds.

posted Oct 13th, 2008 9:07 am

Lisa

I followed the diet for about 2 years and lost 40 pounds. They call it a "lifestyle", but I find it far too rigid for it to be that. All white sugar and white flour is banned forever. Many nutritious fruits an all fruit juices are completely eliminated. Everyone loses in phase 1, simply because carbs are eliminated and glycogen is burned, therefore water weight is lost, but in phase 2 - you have to be very mindful of serving sizes and you need to weigh and measure everything you eat. The obsession with portions takes away the common sense approach to "intuitive eating" or listening to your body as a guide. This diet requires a great deal of time; its not an easy plan to follow

posted Oct 12th, 2008 2:59 pm

Rita

I am new to SBD. yesterday was day 5from and I was down 171 t 166 (I am 5'5" and 35yrs old) today I weight 167.4, so a little dissapointing. My goal is 130 lbs. I cheated a bit with SBD salad dressing I had 2 tbs and I made taco meat which has a bit of a card count, other than that I have eaten meat cheese and veggies with a snack of nuts. I have NOT eaten enough veggies according to the plan though. I hope this diet continues to work for me!

posted Sep 26th, 2008 4:40 am

Pytor

I lost around 80 lbs on the SB diet in about eight months...coupled of course w/ exercise...I rid my house of processed / easy foods - a shocking process (27 grocery bags given to a thin thin friend)...and it was wonderful...don't have it available -you won't eat it...now though after a long winter on the road (with work) I have gained 25 lbs back...going on SB again for a wedding - and more important - for me...so I feel good, am healthy and able to particiapte in all of my life...it's a lifestyle choice - not a 'diet'...good luck!

posted Aug 6th, 2008 10:29 pm

Joshua101

At first, i loved this diet. You can eat a lot and still lost weight. After 3 months i had lost 25 pounds. However, by this time i am so sick of lean meat and chicken and that actually would look at my plate and get sick of it.

posted Aug 1st, 2008 8:51 am

singapore

i am on 4th day of South Beach Diet phase 1, and i lost 7 pounds. I am so happy and love the results. i quit my chew and spit disorder.

posted Jul 28th, 2008 9:11 am

Linda

I have been on the diet for 5 days and have lost only 2 pounds which is kind of discouraging given the talk of losing 10-15 pounds in two weeks. Does the weight loss pick up in the later stages or do most people lose the weight in the early stages?

posted Jul 20th, 2008 3:05 pm

Fran

I want to begin, but I don't like tomato juice, can I have gazpacho instead ? or what else?

posted Jul 15th, 2008 9:28 am

Sarah.S

I did the South Beach Diet just for the first two weeks as part of Phase 1, and I lost 12 pounds and I have never gained it back. I loved the results, but it was far too restrictive for me

posted Jul 14th, 2008 11:09 pm

brianbay

I am on a south beach diet, I am doing everything they say, but I am becoming bulky and gaining weight, what is this?

posted Jul 13th, 2008 9:09 am

Sydney

The SBD, first time around (phase 1), was a hard because I was surrounded by people eating junk, junk, and more junk. It was VERY difficult, I had to constantly distract myself. So my number ONE recommendation: have a small support group. Also, the first time around-while I was doing phase 1- I didn't exactly do the diet by the book... I mean I never anything on the 'bad' list..(no fruit, bread, rice, candy, cookie, cake, non-lowfat dairy, etc.) I ate a TON of veggies, lean meats, low-fat cheese, LOTS of celery, LOTS of eggs, and oh my goodness LOTS of salad & almonds. But, let me get to my point. When I did NOT cook the meals i ate by the book I was very 'out-of-it'. I took a nap every chance I could and had a lot of headaches (the reason being: before I was very addicted to sugar.. before SBD if I had a headache I would just pop a reeses cup in my mouth and be done with it.) Now I'm back to doing phase 1 again, a couple months later, and I'm doing everything by the book and oh my goodness I practically JUMP out of bed in the morning I have so much more energy. So... number TWO recommendation: Do SBD by the book. Also first time around I lost only 6 pounds in the full 14 days, this time it's been only three days since I started again and I've already lost 5 pounds!! DO it by the book!!!

posted Jul 3rd, 2008 12:57 pm

John F.

READ THE BOOK!! Too many people judge the South Beach Diet based on hearing there are no carbs and no fruit. This is simply NOT true! READ THE BOOK! Understand the program before you decide that it is not for you. The South Beach Diet teaches you eat properly and healthily. The first two weeks (Phase 1) restricts carbs and fruits in order to recalibrate your body and jump start your metabolism into a proper diet regimen. During Phase 1 you will eat plenty of vegetables (which do have small amounts of carbs) , meats, and dairy (low-fat). Make sure that you are eating proper portion sizes. Eating too much healthy food is still unhealthy. During Phase 2 you will start to introduce whole grain carbs and fruits. During Phase 3 you will begin the rest of your life of healthy eating habits and smart food choices. READ THE BOOK, implement proper portion sizes, and you won't even have to follow the meal plan exactly, you will know what foods and recipes you can substitute without hamperring the diet itself. Buy the recipe book for tons of delicious easy to make meals. Even without exercising, which I reccommend, your body will become healthy, you will feel better and have more energy and sleep more soundly. READ THE BOOK! That can't be emphasized enough. You have to understand why you are eating the foods prescribed so that you will understand that Phases 1 & 2 are temporary and merely a stepping stone to your future.

posted Jun 29th, 2008 5:47 pm

I used the south beach diet last year and did only Phase 1, I felt great I wasn't tired all the time and I had more energy. I lost around 3lbs at first. I do suggest the book. I left the program due to my working two jobs and never finding the time to be disiplined on my food habits. I am looking to do the program again.

posted Jun 26th, 2008 8:29 am

Jaime

I love the South Beach Diet......i went on it a few years back and lost 62 Lbs in just 9 months. ive gained most of it back now but only because of my own lack of disipline. once u cheat a little bit u wanna just keep cheating. i am starting it again 2morrow n getting the supercharged book today. i refuse to buy the products in the store i rather just know everything i am putting on my plate. even the people that come to me for advice to lose weight i tell them south beach or if they only have to lose a couple pounds and think its to harsh i tell them to go right to phase 2 which is just pretty much substituing anyways.

posted Jun 15th, 2008 2:33 pm

Anonymous

Phase I nearly did me in. I was weak and starved most of the time and left work early a few times because I was feeling so bad. Plus it was EXPENSIVE to purchase all the fresh veggies. I started it in the winter, however, when fresh produce is more expensive. I did lose weight - 8 pounds in the two weeks of Phase 1. Phase 2, where I could gradually re-introduce fruits and grains, was too hard to maintain. Plus I hated cooking for myself as I live alone. Most of the recipes in the book serve 4. I would recommend it but please read the book carefully. Realize that Phase 1 will be hard and you may be constantly weak.

posted May 5th, 2008 8:38 am

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QUICK FACTS Start the Diet Now Advertisement

Established: 1995
Founder: Dr. Arthur Agatston
Headquarters: Miami Beach, Florida
Accessibility: Online, Books
Diet Type: High protein, Low carb
Gender: Male and Female

Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?

BACKGROUND

If you're looking for a diet plan that has grown wildly popular over the past few years, gives your eating habits a dramatic makeover, and shares the name of one of the world's favorite beaches, then the South Beach Diet is for you. Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist, created this friendly contrast to other prohibitive weight-loss plans and offers a chance to achieve success where you might have previously failed.

The South Beach Diet differs from its low-carb competitor Atkins, in that it restricts saturated fats, which are linked with health problems like heart disease and high cholesterol. It promises that cravings for sugars, sweets and other carbohydrates will disappear as you go along because the diet is supposed to keep blood sugar levels maintained.

The South Beach Diet has three separate phases in which you'll wean yourself away from certain foods and incorporate other South Beach Diet "friendly" foods. The diet promises that you'll lose 8-12 pounds in the first two weeks as long as you adhere to the guidelines.

PRO

The South Beach Diet supports a clean way of eating that is void of refined sugars and trans fats
Its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats is an eating plan that is full of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids
Support from the medical science community
Thousands of satisfied clients
Updated its research in the 2008 release"South Beach Diet: Supercharged"
Has a maintenance plan
Named #5 in the Best Commercial Diets by US News, 2011

CON

Research shows that unless you're diabetic, sugar levels actually remain stable even if you eat a sugary candy bar
Many South Beach Diet food products contain sugar-alcohols, which may hard to tolerate
Not very vegetarian friendly
Its elimination of sugars, certain fruits like bananas and other carbohydrates make it difficult to maintain
Science behind Dr. Agatston's assertions about certain foods and their ability to raise blood sugar levels or put on weight is inaccurate
Original plan doesn't offer much for exercise guidelines

USER REVIEWS

A sampling of feedback and experiences shared by our community.

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, and that is a great relief! It's an amazing, healthy food plan. - Arlayna 5/28/11

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. - Tiredofdiets 2/1/11

A real quick success story. A coworker and I started the plan in February, he 2 weeks before I. As of today I am down 120lbs. He has reached his goal and is down 135lbs. I did not introduce an exercise plan untill I reached my first 100. The first 2 weeks suck, but once you break the cravings, everything becomes routine. - William 10/21/10

This is the healthiest eating plan I've ever seen. Tons of vegetables even in Phase 1, many of which provide vitamin C. There is meat, veggies and fudgesicles from the beginning and the short 2 week elimination of grains and fruit is a challenge the first few days, BUT any change of habit is. - Bree 8/22/09

Leave your own review and rating.

SOUTH BEACH DIET VIDEOS

Other videos

South Beach YouTube Channel

South Beach Diet Meal Plan

South Beach Diet Workout

DIET and NUTRITION

The first phase lasts for two weeks and has you remove starches like bread, pasta and rice, potatoes, fruits, milk, yogurt, honey and baked goods. Sugars are completely eliminated. During the first phase of South Beach, you'll enjoy three balanced meals and some snacks that should include lean meats and fish, eggs, low-fat cheese, fresh vegetables, beans and nuts.

Phase two of the South Beach Diet will allow you to slowly re-introduce fruits, whole-grain breads and pastas. You'll choose just one carbohydrate and include that in one meal each day for one week. You are encouraged to wait a few days and if there are no noticeable effects, introduce one more healthy carbohydrate. Continue this until you're able to successfully have two or three healthy carbohydrates each day. Phase two will continue until you meet your goal weight.

You'll begin the maintenance, or third, phase of South Beach once you've met your goal weight. It's here that you'll put to practice all that you learned in phases one and two.

The book and [website][1] offer many South Beach-friendly recipes. There is also a complete line of South Beach Diet foods that can be purchased in your grocery store from cereals to frozen meals. But many of the nutrition bars and snack items contain artificial sweeteners, which have been known to induce gastrointestinal problems.

If you become a member of the South Beach Diet web site, you will have access to specific meal plans for each phase of the program. You will also have access to a daily menu that you can customize to meet your specific tastes. The meals are only suggestions, but help give you some ideas to keep things fresh. Due to the first phase of the program being only two weeks, many of the recipes you will find for the South Beach Diet are for phase two of the program, which you stay on until you reach your goal weight. Below is a sample day of eating on the South Beach Diet during the second phase of the program:

Breakfast – Greet the Sun Breakfast Pizza; coffee or tea with low-fat or nonfat milk and a sugar substitute; Vegetable juice cocktail
Snack – Spicy Nut Mix
Lunch – Crisp Green Salad; Whole-Wheat Pizza Margherita
Snack – Veggies with Cilantro Pesto Dip
Dinner – Grilled Salmon; Edamame Salad; Baked Tomatoes with Basil and Parmesan; Mixed Field Greens Salad
Dessert – Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

EXERCISE

The South Beach Diet encourages you to incorporate a regular exercise routine as part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Exercise not only helps you lose weight faster, but it can also make you feel healthier, stronger and more energized.

Working out not only helps you get past weight-loss plateaus and lose weight faster; it can also make your heart stronger. Dr. Agatston recommends that that you do at least 20 minutes of interval walking every other day of the week.

The South Beach Diet website features numerous articles and tips on how to fit in fitness into your daily routine regardless of how busy you are.

The updated version of the South Beach Diet called South Beach Diet Supercharged offers a fairly detailed exercise plan. The fitness plan works on areas of the core, cardio and strength and flexibility. All of these areas are important to shape a fit and healthy body. Online members will automatically have access to the Fitness Club which includes:

A daily walking routine
Hundreds of Pilates-based core movements including pictures and step-by-step videos
Exercises for every level from beginner to advanced

Simply incorporating the fitness program along with the South Beach Diet will allow you to tone your abs, boost your energy and help you break through plateaus.

See the South Beach Diet Supercharged review

SOUTH BEACH DIET FAQ

Common questions asked about the South Beach Diet by our community. Click each to see the full answer

What is the cost of the South Beach Diet program? - Mary 7/5/11

What kinds of food can you eat on the South Beach Diet? - Yoga Jim 2/21/11

CONCLUSION

You must wonder if the South Beach Diet is just another marketing attempt to motivate folks who are desperate to lose weight? With its strong assertions and its complete line of food products hitting grocery store shelves everywhere, makes you question how much of its appeal is fact or fiction? The truth is that any diet that cuts calories will help you lose weight. The South Beach Diet is no different.

It's encouragement of eating vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is admirable. Its elimination of white sugar and refined carbohydrates is equally laudable albeit challenging to follow. And many people have had a lot luck losing weigh following the South Beach Diet. But the South Beach Diet itself has some scientific flaws and many nutritionists would argue that its promise of losing 8-12 pounds in 14 days is a bit aggressive and may not be able to stand up against the test of time.

But if you've got a lot of willpower and don't mind knowing that you might be buying into another fad diet, then this might be just the diet for you.

See the Official South Beach Diet Website

SOUTH BEACH DIET SLIDESHOWS