[yeli]

Here are some pros and cons about the South Beach diet;

Food experts preach balance, variety, and moderation. Food exclusions are usually a red flag for an “extreme” diet. Phase One of the diet encourages many food exclusions such as fruits, breads, pasta, potatoes, and dairy products.
The healthiest part of this program is Phase Two and Three with the emphasis on whole grains, lean proteins and dairy, and fruits and vegetables. This diet can indeed help people lose weight and in addition help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, the risk of heart attacks and cancers, as well as other chronic diseases. Because fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber they aid in weight loss by providing a feeling of fullness with few calories. Anyone wanting to lose weight and prevent and manage diseases should increase their fruit and vegetable intake. The author also includes healthy dining out tips such as order double vegetables, order ½ portions, and eat only three bites of your favorite dessert and share the rest. Some exercise is included, but should include more.

I would not recommend my patients read the theory behind the diet because the science doesn’t match up, but I might recommend the meal plans and recipes in Phase Two and Three because they are rich in whole grains, lean proteins and dairy, unsaturated fats (such as olive oil) and high in fruits and vegetables. The weight loss rate of Phase Two is healthy and this Phase promotes consistent meal times, snacks, a healthy dessert, and plenty of water. Some of the recipes included are fun and unique such as the “mashed potatoes” made actually from cauliflower.