The South Beach Diet - Not Atkins -"the right carbs and the right fats"
Written: Aug 10 '03 (Updated May 24 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Clear Instructions, Nice Balance of Diet Theory & Advice
Cons: The Book is Excellent. The plan is demanding, especially if you like high-carb foods.
The Bottom Line: The South Beach Diet is a well-written dietary book that outlines and discusses a "right carb, right fat" regimen.
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| Lisa_J's Full Review: Arthur S. Agatston M.D. - The South Beach Diet: Th... |
Why?
During the high school, college, and young married chapters of time, it never occurred to me that there would come a phase in which I would need to look at dietary options. In fact during the high school and early college phase, I was often accused of being anorexic. That wasn't true, but what was factual is that I didn't have to think -at all- about what I ate, yet I maintained around a size 3 or 5. After the birth of my first child, my metabolism changed, and at approximately 30, it was obvious that the days of eating 'whatever' were long passed.
After flirting with a low-glycemic carb regimen for a substantial time, I realized that my energy level was significantly better. This led me to discuss diet possibilities with my husband. He needs to lose a significant amount of weight, and I would like to lose approximately fifteen pounds. I first became interested in cutting carbs after reading The Perricone Prescription. Although the book is full of worthy advice, and the plan presented makes sense (and I have witnessed it work), the dietary restrictions & recommendations are too rigid for me (strong emphasis on fish).
Yet having gleaned insight with regard to the benefits of low carbs, I was inspired to –at least– implement that change. This had been occurring in a free-spirited manner. I noticed an increase in energy and overall well being when attempting to maintain low carbs. In particular I have been especially impressed with many of the Atkins products. When venturing to the bookstore, my hubby and I purchased three books: Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, Atkins for Life, and The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss.
The Book
Renowned cardiologist Arthur Agatston, M.D. first developed the diet plan that is presented in The South Beach Diet for chronically overweight patients in his South Florida practice. Unimpressed with the results of previous diet 'plans' and discouraged by the failure, in particular the American Heart Association low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet, he set forth to create a working plan. This physician is well known in the cardiac field, with certain test procedures being named after him. He tells us that he aimed to create a dietary plan that would "significantly alter your blood chemistry, to the long-term benefit of your cardiovascular system." We are also told that he was shocked by the manner in which his dietary plan grew in popularity, and hadn't expected the recognition in this arena. Yet the book also explains how he has embraced this recognition and been inspired to further educate others.
I was encouraged by this mention:
"...dieters lose 8-13 pounds in the first 2 weeks without feeling hungry. Dr. Agatston's plan allows you to eat the foods you love -meat and fish, cheese, healthy oils and nuts, vegetables, and the right carbohydrates and sweets. There's no mandatory exercise, and you're never left craving more food...."
At the same time that I began reading The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss, my husband began reading Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution. Within the initial portion of this book, in which my husband refers to as the brainwashing section, the concepts of the diet plan are explained and we read tons of positive filler. It was quickly obvious that this diet differed from the Atkins plan. Whereas the Atkins diet put heavy emphasis on low carbs, the The South Beach Diet stated, "The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and the right fats....". And Arthur Agatston, M.D. openly discusses the primary differences between the Atkins diet and the The South Beach Diet.
We learn that this program has three primary phases:
Phase 1: Banishing Your Cravings
A very strict period, lasting fourteen days. Forbidden foods include: bread, rice, pasta, baked goods, potatoes, candy, cake, cookies, sugar, ice cream, beer, alcohol, and fruit.
Phase 2: Reintroducing Carbs
Because the introduction phase assisted with alleviating food cravings, phase 2 allows you to reintroduce banished foods. This phase is one that you will remain in until you reach the desired weight.
Phase 3: A Diet For Life
It is stated that by the time you enter phase 3, you will have made healthy changes that are lifelong.
This publication offers a sound dietary plan that is presented in a manner that is easy to understand and the information presented is supported by factual findings. Dr. Agatston walks us through the steps of The South Beach Diet, addressing possible cravings encountered during the initial phase and reminding us of the beneficial results (not just weight, but internal health too). He explains each phase in detail, allowing us to visualize the positive changes within our body.
Also there are testimony clips from patients whom this plan has worked for. These appear real, offer positive inspiration, and they address some questions that might be stirring within you. A major portion –more than half – of this book is aimed at telling you what you can and cannot eat during the three phases. There are suggested menus and recipes, including specialty recipes from Miami based chefs. I have tried a portion of the recipes and found them to be rather tasty. For example, the Chicken Pistachio Salad (even allowed during phase one)is scrumptious and relatively easy to prepare.
Throughout the entire publication, I felt as though Dr. Agatston was talking to me, refraining from a preaching mode, and I appreciated that he used terms that relate to common folk. Yes there is some medical jargon, but the terms are explained and important for us recognize and understand. My husband, currently attending medical classes, also read this book. He, too, appreciated the content and felt that it was soundly presented.
My Reaction
Initially I was very discouraged to learn that for 14 days I wouldn't be able to have any fruit. Honestly this was stated on page 4 and I dang near closed the book. Fruit is a, well, lifeline to me. Yet I was encouraged that unlike The Perricone Prescription, I wasn't being told that I best plan on eating lots of fish. So I proceeded with the read. Also I realized that if I could get past those 14 days, fruit would be reintroduced, as would other good carbohydrates.
So after eating a gob of fresh watermelon, nectarines and pineapple, with some hesitance, I proceeded to try The South Beach Diet. The first three days were especially hard, with cravings for fruit and baked goods attempting to derail my attempt. Because "sweet treats" are allowed, I was able to chase away the fruit desires by having a sugar-free popsicle or sugar-free hard candy. Prior to starting the diet I weighed myself, but didn't get back on the scale for a week. By the end of two-weeks I had shed 10 pounds. I entered into the phase two. Boy was I pleased to reintroduce strawberries and other fruit. Dessert on night one (of phase two): chocolate-dipped strawberries. I tried to adhere to the specified regimen. However events came along, such as team pizza parties, backyard BBQ's, and various other celebrations. Regardless I have stuck to many of the principles and maintained the approach for breakfast. I use many of the Atkins products for snacks and meal replacements. I have cheated a lot, but this is addressed in the book and the dieter is encouraged to not view 'cheating' as a mandate toward throwing the whole system out the door. In fact we are told that the diet is designed with knowledge that people are likely to have side-tracked moments, and that we can always reenter phase one.
Regardless the phase one, or rather initial two-weeks, taught me to not be so reliant on breads. As a result I have shed those baked-goods cravings. Does that mean that I don't ever want them? Heck no! But it does mean that I recognize the outcome of overindulgence and that I aim for a healthier balance.
I am trying to grasp the slogan, "the right carbs and the right fats", but often refer to The South Beach Diet as another low-carb regimen. I have noticed that 'healthy' (right carb & right fats) recipes are replacing our normal menu preparations. In turn I have felt more energetic and have maintained the smaller pant size. The major portion of loss was in my mid-section, with noticed change on my thighs.
Bottom Line
In my view, Arthur Agatston, M.D. did a remarkable job of explaining the diet, the phases, and what to expect. His expertise shows. The abundant portions of positive encouragements, laced within the entire book, assist toward adopting an 'I CAN' attitude. And of course the menus and recipes are helpful. But you have to decide if this is a possibility for you. It takes will power and it is change. Overall I feel that this book is well-written and I highly recommend it.
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The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss
320 pages
ISBN: 1579546463
Author: Arthur Agatston
Contents
Part One: Understanding the South Beach Diet
Losing Weight, Gaining Life
Good Carbs, Bad Carbs
A Brief History of Popular Diets
A Day in the Life
Good Fats, Bad Fats
Hello, Bread
It's Not Just What You Eat, It's How You Eat It
How Eating Makes You Hungry
Is It Diabetes Yet?
How to Eat in a Restaurant
Back to Cardiology
Why Do People Occasionally Fail on This Diet?
Part Two: Meal Plans and Recipes
Phase One Meal Plan
Phase One Recipes
Phase Two Meal Plan
Phase Two Recipes
Phase Three Meal Plan
Phase Three Recipes
Credits
Index
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Thank you for reading!
©2003 Lisa_J
Recommended:
Yes
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Lisa_J
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Location: Pacific Northwest - Washington State
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Mom of two wonderfully spirited daughters. Childcare Director. Spectator fan of dance.
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