The South Beach Diet is a diet that has been developed by the Florida Cardiologist, Dr. Arthur Agatston who stresses on the intake of "good carbs" and "good fats." Dr. Agatston did a scientific research based on this diet for his cardiac patients.

Dr. Agatston has reason to believe that excess consumption of "bad carbohydrates" such as those that are rapidly-absorbed carbohydrates have a high blood glucose level that creates an impairment of the hormone insulin's ability to properly process fat or sugar. Also, that excess consumption of "bad fats" like the saturated fat and trans fat are responsible for an increase in cardiovascular disease. To avoid this, the Doctor's diet reduces consumption of bad fats and bad carbs and propogates increased consumption of good fats and good carbs.

The diet plans are in three phases in which Dr.Agatson suggests the minimal consumption of bad fats. Phase I which is for two weeks is an attempt for dieters to remove the insulin resistance by abstaining from high or moderately high-glycemic carbs like sugar, candy, bread, potatoes, fruit, cereals, and grains. With the Phase I of the diet, Dr. Agatston says the body will lose its insulin resistance and begin to use up the extra body fat making the dieter lose between 8 and 13 pounds.

After two weeks of Phase I, Phase II begins. Whole grain foods and fruits are gradually added to the diet, although in small amounts, with a continuous emphasis on foods with a low glycemic index. Once the dieter has the desired weight, Phase III starts. The Phase III diet now allows three servings of whole grains and three servings of fruit a day. The Diet shows that:

Good carbs are high in fiber or in good fats, and have a low glycemic index, that is, they are digested and absorbed easily and at a slower pace. Other preferrences of carbohydrates are those which have more nutritional value. For instance, brown rice is allowed in moderation, but white rice is not. When eating any carbohydrates, Dr. Agatston recommends also eating fiber or fat to slow down the digestion of the carbohydrates.

Good fats are polyunsaturated as well as monounsaturated fats especially those that contain omega-3 fatty acids whereas the saturated and trans fats are the bad fats. It stresses on:

(1) a permanent change in one's diet plan
(2) an increased variety of foods
(3) in an easy and flexible manner.

Good Nutrition: Whole grains,a large amount of vegetables is neccessary along with sufficient amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated fats.Omega-3 fatty acids, e.g. fish, are to be included. Avoid eating overly refined processed foods (especially refined flours and sugars), high-fat meats, and saturated fats.

There is no need to count calories or limit your servings. Infact, Dieters are allowed upto 6 meals a day including breakfast, lunch and dinner with small snacks in between each meal.