The South Beach Diet

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“While there are some drawbacks to this diet, it's an overall healthy approach to eating higher quality meals.”

Read The South Beach Diet Review

At a Glance

By Karen Asp

The South Beach Diet hit bookshelves back in 2003 and continues to be one of the most popular diets on the market today.

The plan first gained fame in Miami, when chronically-overweight heart patients of cardiologist Arthur Agatston, M.D., experienced huge weight-loss success following his diet plan. The buzz spread quickly, which prompted Agatston to introduce his three-phase diet to the rest of the country.

The first phase is the strictest and lasts only two weeks. During this time, Agatston promises you'll lose eight to 13 pounds, largely because you're cutting out processed carbohydrates. In the second phase, you'll reintroduce healthy carbohydrates to your diet, and although you'll continue to lose weight, you'll slow to one to two pounds a week. Once you hit your goal weight, you'll move into phase three, which you'll maintain for life.

Cost: Minimal.
Meals Provided: No.
Diet Duration: Phases one last two weeks, phase two is until you reach your goal weight and phase three is to be followed for life.
Fitness Requirements: Brisk 20-minute walk daily, stretching and strength training.
Time Commitment: Moderate.
Eating Out: Yes.
Alcohol: Yes, but only in phases two and three.
Vegetarian-Friendly: No.
Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Strict in phase 1, but becomes more flexible.