The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss Reviews

• It worked for us!

  
  By AH5575LDUQOC1 on 2004-03-30
  I WAS 149, 5'4'' 39 yrs; Since our daughter was born 3 years ago I was just going up and up, I didn't want to see 150!! After 6 weeks on South Beach Diet my husband and I lost 15 pounds; It was my first diet; My mother started 2 weeks earlier and lost as of today 18 pounds (after 8 wks)at 65 yrs. Mother tried many diets and liked this one a lot and the idea of following a daily menu from breakfasts to dinners & snacks; The first 2 weeks are a bit difficult but its great to see within 7 days that we are really melting! Grocery shopping cost: much higher with all those fresh veggies, spices & meats, for 2 its $50-80 more a week-we followed exactly the menus; But I heard any diet is expensive; The recipes are great but time consuming; Plus getting lunches ready for work I felt I was always in the kitchen! Today we are still following Phase 2, we like it; I sometimes borrow recipes from phase 3 dinner or we switch breakfast; We like those chocolate treats for desert too; We really liked SBD and being now at my pre-pregnancy weight I feel so much better; It worths putting the time & energy in the kitchen; The recipes are so good.
  That was in 2002!
  Today in 2005 after going back to 149 pounds I gave south Beach a 2nd try. I lost less, 5 pounds but I kept it down by having very ligth lunch- salads, veggie soups- and an afternoon snack -like the ones suggested in the south beach diet- and I kept the weight down after 6 months.
  its a lifestyle change for life...
  
  

• Thank You Dr. Agatston

  
  By on 2003-09-29
  This is a wonderful way of eating! You name the diet - I've done it (yes, Atkins too). I lost 7 and 1/2 pounds the first week and I'm sticking with it. You truly lose your cravings (and I was a pretzel and popcorn person not to mention gummi bears!) Yes, you do need to plan your day but it's not a big deal. I truly like the no pressure of measuring at first - eat until you're satisfied - not stuffed so you're not stressing out about ounces. The first couple of days of any new way of eating is difficult but it's worth it - you'll be happy that you did.
  
  

• finally, a diet that should improve cardiac health

  
  By A3IXV8MI24BND5 on 2003-04-22
  Arthur has done it again! Dr.Agatston's contribution to technology (electron beam tomography "heartscan") for the early detection of coronary disease is well known to many clinicians. His work in the early 1980s has helped revolutionize our understanding about the detection and prevention of cardiac disease.

  In his usual self-effacing style, he now tackles a problem that has troubled many doctors---how to develop a rational program of weight loss which will ultimately keep the coronary arteries in good shape. Over the years, the "Diet" he developed has been shown to be easy to follow, logical and exposes the coronary arteries to less cholesterol and fat than other diets like Atkins which seem similar on first glance.

  His discussions about glycemic index and other less publicized aspects of weight management are especially clear. At my prevention centers, I will be recommending "the South Beach Diet" without reservations.
  
  

• Great methodology to beginning low-carb dieting!

  
  By A1365M5OLN8UE7 on 2003-05-02
  Dr. Atkins, who recently passed away, was without question the pioneer of the low-carb diet. His work showed us conclusively that it wasn't the fat persey but the carbs in our food that were causing so many of us to retain weight, keeping us from losing it without great difficulty.

  Since then, the big dilema has been how does one come off carbs if they've been so dependant upon them for years. Many found Dr. Atkins' methods to restrictive and unreasonable. His princepals were good, but his methods needed work. Many have offered their own plans and diets based on Dr. Atkins' research. Most notably was "Sugar Busters," but even celebrities like Suzzanne Summers offered their own versions of the Atkins diet.

  I think Dr. Agatston's 'The South Beach Diet' has gotten it right. Yes, the first two weeks will be tough but overall the plan is easy and it works!

  If you're already familiar with the Atkins plan but can't seem to get it working for you, here's the diet book for you! If you've never studied the Atkins plan but would like to, this book will be a great start.
  
  

• Good, sensible eating and oh by the way YOU LOSE WEIGHT!!!

  
  By A26RB7ZJ2JKR33 on 2003-04-28
  I bought this book because in addition to wanting to lose a little weight, I really wanted the healther long-term lifestyle Dr. Agatson describes in his book. I just finished the first 2 weeks, and I've lost 8 pounds and an inch off my waist but more importantly I've drastically changed my eating habits for the better. In order to simplify the cooking, my husband agreed to participate, and he's very pleased too -- lost between 10 and 15 pounds but more importantly he's really lost his cravings for food between meals and after dinner. SBD is not just a diet, it's a lifestyle change.
  
  
• Testimonial from a vegetarian
  By on 2004-01-06
  This diet really works. At first I was a little bit reluctant about trying the South Beach diet. After all, I am a vegetarian.
  However, I've been able to stick to it for 18 days. So far, I have lost 14 pounds [couple of inches around my waist :)] the results are very noticeable. Now, I am not the only techie doing this but couple of more geeks in my department.

  CD
  
  

• The diet is better than the book
  By on 2003-10-14
  First off, I can't really give the diet less than four stars, because it is a month into this diet and I have lost 18 pounds (of a goal of about 40 lb) and my husband has lost over 30 pounds (of a goal of 90 lbs). This diet is not Atkins; it allows a far larger palette of foods. We feel we've done well and not felt deprived, though, because we've gone somewhat beyond what the book says in black and white and made some of our own decisions. In general, the book espouses a diet low in saturated fat, one that avoids refined carbohydrates and uses limited portion sizes for unrefined carbs. It recommends a high fiber content and regular small meals as a way to keep from feeling hungry, and that does work. Because carbs aren't cut out entirely, we feel we can stay with this way of eating indefinitely. We haven't followed the menu plans, but we feel we have followed the "spirit" of the diet. And that is my main problem with the book. The editor needed to have made sure that the "spirit" was more easily accessible. Nobody wants to have to study a diet book to "get it." Rules are restricting, but some of us number-heads want easy methods for decision-making.

  Among my other problems with the book:
  The author uses glycemic index to determine which foods are okay and which aren't. Glycemic index is an experimentally-determined value. Not all foods have been tested, and the tests vary as to whether healthy or diabetic subjects were used. This leaves lots of foods in a limbo of "who knows"? I think he could go out on a limb, though, and suggest similar foods based on their contents of simple carb, complex carb, fiber, etc.
  The summary lists of "allowed" or "to avoid" foods for each phase of the diet is too limited. The lists should give the general guidelines used to decide what makes or doesn't make the list, especially with regards to meats and other proteins after Phase 1. A guide as to what is acceptable "whole wheat" bread (e.g., #grams fiber per #grams carb or something similar) would help, too. (Our doctor suggested 4-5 grams of fiber per 100 calories of bread, for instance.)
  Coucous is recommended, even though it is a food with a high glycemic index... and that number is on a list in the book! Some editor should have caught that, but the South Beach website still gives menus with coucous on them. (Although many think it is a whole grain, couscous is a form of semolina pasta, a South Beach no-no.)
  Whole grains, and especially delicious fast-cooking whole grains such as millet, quinoa, buckwheat(kasha), and bulgar aren't given much attention. Once in Phase 2, reasonable portions of these grains fit very well into that "hole" on the plate where the potatoes and pasta used to be.
  The author allows legumes in the first two weeks, but they rarely show up in the Phase 1 menus. If you miss your "starchy" side dish, these fit the bill even in Phase 1. A small (less than 1 cup) portion of black beans with tomato, bell pepper, and "Latin" spices is a satisfying, fiber-rich side... the internet has recipes that are easy and the mixtures freeze and reheat well. (And by the way, we did not have any problem with gas on this diet, even with the added beans and raw vegetable salads.)
  The chapter on why the diet might fail you is inadequate. It lists the problems, but gives essentially no help in overcoming them. It may as well be titled, "Why Many of You Won't Lose Weight Unless You Buy Dr. Phil's Book"
  The allowed meats for Phase 1 make it a bit of a rich person's diet: the breast only of chicken and turkey, tenderloin of pork and beef, Canadian bacon. Even canned tuna is not cheap unless you like the kind that tastes like cat food. The same goes for ham. The Phase 2 and Phase 3 "allowed food" and "restricted food" lists don't mention meats... are the Phase 1 meats what we get forever?

  My husband has also said he would have died on this diet if I had not been home finding interesting ways to prepare meals within the limitations of the food "palette." Still, in a form, this book worked for us. Grocery stores are picking up the trend and offering high-fiber, low-carb versions of stand-bys such as tortillas and even pasta. Unless you need help with issues surrounding your eating that go beyond menu choice, this book is worth a try.
  
  

• South Beach diet laughs in the face of proper nutrition
  By on 2003-08-04
  In my un-dying quest to drop the last bit of weight from my stomach I decided to try the South Beach Diet, which, is in essense the same diet as Akins' without the cheeses, fatty meats and eat all forms of protien attitude.
  I will say that I did lose about 5 lbs in the first week.Although, I don't believe that I have the books food plan to thank.Instead, it was more the portion sizes that lost me the weight. One thing you will relise while on the SBD is that the food portions that you are accustomed to eating are way too big if you want to lose weight.If you don't follow the SBD to a "T" you will be hungry.
  While I did lose about 5 lbs in the first week it wasn't until the 6th day that the pounds finally started to come off.Why you ask did it take so long? Because I was totally and completely constipated for the entire first week. The sixth night my bowels finally opened up and I spent the better part of an hour on the throne.The protien diet that this essentially is, was too much for my system to handle correctly.I wasn't your typical fast food grubbing American who poured gallons of sugar over all of my food.I don't drink, smoke, drink soda or eat processed foods.I eat fruits, veg's, whole grains, tons of water, lean meats and exercise on a regular basis.
  Before starting the SBD I had lost 15 lbs in the last month and a half, so obviously I was doing something right.The SBD goes against logical thinking of eating your fruits and vegs, healthy yogurts and whole grains.Granted you are allowed to start eating these essential foods after the first two weeks, but only limitidly.
  I am a follower and firm believer in the "Eating Right for Your Type" series of books.It makes more sense to me to follow a food plan that your blood and body agree with rather than a high protien diet plan that was developed for over-weight heart patients.
  I lost three pounds in the second week, again, I think it has more to do with portion size than the actual food plan.

  I did learn some good ideas on eating, portion sizes and looking at ingredients in a different way from the SBD however,I will be sticking with "eating right for your blood type" and continue to feed my body the bright foods of life.
  
  

• Easiest and most satisfying diet ever
  By on 2003-07-09
  I'm 52 and have had a slight to moderate weight problem my entire life (about 25 lbs.) Have been on many diets and always lost weight but never could make it a "lifestyle change". This is so simple - I think some those who have given negative reviews are reading more into it and making it more complicated than it is. Who cares if it is a little like the Atkins diet in the first couple of weeks - at least I don't have to do any carb calculations!! I've been on it for 5 weeks, have lost 12 pounds and have lost my usual cravings for candy, cookies, and chocolate. I am able to totally ignore the Krispy Kreme donuts in the employee lounge. You don't have to eat the menu plan - those are just suggestions for people who don't have any creativity when it comes to cooking. Just eat the things on the allowed list and don't eat foods on the "may not eat" list and make sure you eat your snacks and eat enough at mealtime to satisfy you. Yes - once in a while I feel hungry because I've been too busy to eat what I should - so I just catch up by eating allowed foods. Up until now I've always been a "carboholic" and it's really an odd feeling to not need that. I find the Atkins plan too complicated. I have found that most people doing the Atkins plan don't really follow the "rules" but modify it to suit their needs, and I've never met anyone who has stayed on it permanently - so, to each his own!
  
  
• It's A Keeper for Lifetime Eating
  By on 2003-04-18
  I started The South Beach Diet with Phase Two and I continue to lose weight steadily. This diet has balanced my cravings for foods high in sugar. I no longer obsess over food or when I can eat again. The South Beach Diet is not based on fads. It is not about eating a diet of fatty meat products, drinking glass after glass of water, eating expensive prepared foods, preparing time consuming recipes, counting calories or counting points. It is about eating familiar, unprocessed foods that are accessible in all grocery stores and all restaurants. Dr. Agatston has researched and developed a diet that is simple and logical. That's why it works.
  
  
• This works!
  By on 2003-05-14
  I can only tell you my personal experience with this diet and you can take it from there. I have tried several diets and they never worked because you couldn't stay on them long plus I stayed hungry all the time. I counted calories and exercised for two years and only lost 20 pounds and then stopped losing for months. With this diet, I have lost 27 pounds in 6 weeks and am still losing. The best part is that I can see myself doing this the rest of my life. The first few days is a little hard but you get excited because you will be amazed at how little you get hungry. I ate three large meals a day plus two snacks. I definitely had plenty to eat. Best part is that although I occasionaly have dessert, I don't crave them! And like the book says - I lost weight in my belly first (I am a forty-plus year old woman). It might not work for everyone - no diet does but this one is healthy and worked for me. It's worth a shot if nothing else has worked for you - trust me!
  
  
• The wrong way to go about losing weight
  By on 2004-06-28
  The South Beach Diet is extremely similar to the Atkins diet, except most people will admit it is not nearly as strict. Overall, this diet is not a great way to lose weight for several reasons.

  An assumption these low-carb diets have is that carbs are the enemy and are the sole reason that we are fat. This is grossly misleading. This completely ignores the fact that it is actually calories which make us gain weight. A calorie is simply a unit of energy (ie. a piece of cheesecake has enough calories to power a 60W light bulb for 2 hours). When you consume 3500 calories more than you expend, you gain one pound of fat. When you expend 3500 calories more than you consume, you lose a pound. It is simple arithmetic. 3500 calories of carbs, protein, or fat are the same thing in the end.

  One of the major flaws is that it puts forth unrealistic goals. The diet, although less extreme than the Atkins version, is still very hard to follow. The majority of foods in the world have carbohydrates in them, so avoiding them at all costs for the rest of your life is simply impossible. Staying on this diet for a month isn't so hard, but can you imagine yourself staying on it for a year? 5 years? 20 years? I doubt it. Can you imagine going to a party, or high school reunion, or wedding, and not being able to eat any cake, pasta, any type of alcohol, chips, pretzels, etc. As I said, it is extremely restrictive. You should be allowed to enjoy any foods you wish, so long as you do it in moderation.

  Why do diets not work? A diet, much like a book, always has a beginning and an end. You say to yourself "Ok, I want to lose 20 pounds by June so I can wear my swimsuit in public." So then you start a diet, lose the weight, and figure "Now that I've lost the weight, I can go back to how I was before." The weight is regained in a few weeks, and the cycle begins all over again. I've seen it happen with so many people I know.

  So what's the best way to go about losing weight? The answer is strength and resistance training. That's right folks, and here's why. A pound of muscle requires about 50 calories per day at rest just to sustain itself. A pound of fat takes 2-3 calories per day. This means that the more muscle one has, the more calories they are burning. For example, over the course of a year, 5 pounds of muscle will burn about 26.2 pounds of fat!! By building muscle all over your body, you will increase your metabolism and cause your body to burn a lot more energy. If you couple this with cardio exercise, you will lose weight even more quickly. By eating less and doing these exercises, you will literally see the pounds melting off your body. It works for everyone who has the right attitude, dedication, and patience.

  If you don't believe me, listen to this. Bodybuilders have so much muscle on their bodies that they literally have to eat massive amounts of food just to maintain their body weight. Arnold Schwarzenegger's body at one point in his life required so many calories that he was documented eating about 7000-8000 calories just to maintain his weight!! By building sufficient lean muscle tissue, you will see the number on the scale drop, as your body will turn into an energy burning machine. You don't have to be nearly Arnold's weight to have similar experiences. Even a little lean muscle tissue will allow you to lose tons of weight.

  I understand that if you're on this page, you've already decided to buy this book. I can't change your mind, but I hope that I've at least made you think. If you're already here, it means you realize that you have to lose weight and live more healthfully, and I applaud that. But please, look at all the options before you commit to anything. I wish you all good luck.
  
  

• Great diet to lose belly fat, but lacks organization
  By AXURUQUQ5U5RW on 2003-08-05
  Like a modified Atkins...lower in saturated fats but not lowfat.
  You can put milk in your coffee, have dessert every night, and eat as much as you want. Of course, you can only eat so many calories of lean meats, veggies, and lowfat cheeses. Even if you eat a lot, the calories don't add up as quickly.
  There are enough carbs on this diet that you don't feel like you are dragging. And, you DO lose BELLY FAT first! The first week, you will notice a difference!
  But you do need to try their very creative and very simple recipes...the "Mashed Potatoes" are great, and the "Ricotta Creme" desserts are good especially the mocha one.
  I think the diet works, and it is safe enough to recommend to others. The only strict limitation is for the first 2 weeks, and you are definitely not starving.
  The only negative is that the book could use a little better organization or a way to present more of the info in a summary method. I felt like I missed a lot just skipping to the Foods to Include/Foods to Avoid sections and Recipes and Menu Plans(who can follow a menu plan??). Other than the way the book is laid out, I have no other complaints. Great diet!
  
  
• i finally get it!!!
  By on 2003-04-14
  i read this book and it finally put everthing under perspective. i understand the body chemistry and have started the diet. it works wonders. though i personally dont have a heart condition, it does run in my family and i an a young female so you never know what will happen in the future. i have both my parents on this diet. my mother has a heart condition and my father is over-weight. the diet itself is very hard the first week but it is worth the weight that you loose. no fruit,BAD carbs (like starch and beer)and no dairy in phase one. i even started to work out too. i think if you dont get diets, get this book, it will tell all. Good Luck!!!
  
  
• This diet actually works
  By on 2004-02-10
  To my amazement, it really helped me lose weight at a steady pace. It is really a healthy, sensible diet. There is alot of preparation involved that is time consuming. But if your willing to make the effort you will lose weight. It gets easier once it becomes habit, you find shortcuts along the way. Although fish is really good for you, there's alot of fish I don't eat so I would substitute chicken recipes for some fish meals and still lost weight. I buy the prepared salad blends to make life easy and lots of frozen vegetables that can be sauted, steam cooked in the microwave or oven roasted, just open the bag and pour out the veggies... simple.
  Its easy to follow. Just cut out or substitute bad carb choices for healthier ones. Just cut out pasta, white bread, starchy foods such as potatoes, and eat more fiber and protein.
  No sugary snacks, sodas or fruit juices, having instead water, diet soda, sugar substitues, sugar free jello and so on.
  Its all about chosing... good carbs, foods low in saturated fat, and green vegetables..lots of them. I thought I would be tired on this diet after cutting out sugar and caffine, but I actually have more energy, and I feel better.
  The book explains everything, how the diet works and, and inlcudes really good recipes. I really miss sweets, pizza and pasta (which is allowed occasionally) but I'd rather be thin and healthy.
  
  
• Food tastes good, but no weight loss
  By on 2004-04-16
  I've followed the daily diet plan to the letter for five weeks. I started out at 270.

  I have lost a whopping 5 pounds in five weeks-- which at any given time during the day, disappears with normal body flux with fluid intake and such. It's been extremely disheartening.

  Although a few of the recipes have made my boyfriend and I make faces, most are quite good-- and we have been eating more fish (and are less afraid to try cooking it) than we were before. However, after five weeks the craving for carbs has not subsided, and I have broken down literally in tears from feeling so miserable more than once.

  For perspective, I lost no pounds during the "lose up to 15 pounds in Phase One" timeframe. I lost my mind, however.

  Unfortunately, the misery that has been attached to this diet has made me feel like such a life change really isn't healthy, nor is making me feel better. If anything, I've felt far more depressed, frustrated, and deprived than ever before. I feel like it's better to stay fat and just accept myself the way I am.
  
  

• Works, but maybe not the best eating plan...
  By A37C28ZSZQA2SJ on 2004-08-01
  I am asian, and giving up noodles and white rice was absolute torture. I stayed on the SBD for two weeks (Phase I), during which I lost 8 pounds, so it does work, but I was completely miserable. Starting week 3, I was working at a university in Italy and just couldn't keep up with SBD and stay sane, so I completely gave it up and ate pasta, pizza, gelato, while living the Italian lifestyle (i.e., walking everywhere). I had at least an ice cream a day and guess what, I had lost 2 pounds after a week of this.
  
  So I looked around and noticed, Italians (young ones anyway) are incredibly thin and fit. Asians eat noodles or white rice basically for every meal and are generally very thin.
  
  I think that staying thin has more to do with lifestyle than these fad diets that pop up every year or so. I've decided to try a new diet based on my Italian experience and I've continued to lose weight and feel healthy and happy. My advice:
  
  1) Walk as much as possible. Park in the farthest spot in the parking lot. Don't move you're car from store to store in the big strip malls! Don't go to the closest bathroom at work. Take the stairs. The old buildings in Europe don't have elevators. You don't see Europeans jogging and spending hours at the gym, they exercise in everything they do. Is parking close to the store really convenient if you need to go to the gym an hour every day?
  
  2) Enjoy your meals. No food or drinks on the run. Italians don't grab a cup of coffee on the way to work. They go to a bar and enjoy the coffee (they also don't drink capuccinos or lattes outside of breakfast). Make time for your food and drink and enjoy it. Meals in Italy are a special occasion. Italians may consume a 1000 calorie dinner just like an american, but they're enjoying a three course meal of vegetables, pasta and meat, made with the best unprocessed, full-fat ingredients (in smaller portions than americans). Make eating a special occasion and eat really good food. Butter, whole (or 2%) milk, etc. You'll be satisfied and not need to snack as much.
  
  3) Don't snack absent-mindedly. When the Italians at work snacked, they left their desk, sat outside and had an ice cream, cookies, fruit or whatever. Don't snack in front of the TV. Go to the kitchen and sit at the table, or sit outside under a tree. You won't be snacking out of boredom then and you'll be able to concentrate on how good your snack is and when you're full.
  
  In conclusion, the SBD works, but it seems strange to me that it outlaws many of the foods that make up the cuisine of the healthiest nations (Italy, Japan). I hope my tips helped other strugglers out there like me.
  
  
  
• Straight from the pages of 'Atkins'
  By A3PEOF0GX4EN38 on 2005-07-19
  "The South Beach Diet" is just a healthy way of eating. It's not a miracle or anything new for that matter. Other than it being an obvious take on "Atkins", it is what experts have been telling us for year. Cut out the bread, cookies, candy, and eat more lean protein and lots of vegetables. So what is so new and innovated about this? Nothing worth spending your hard earned money on. The recipes are "involved" not easy throw togethers. It's hard to imagine incorporating them into a daily lifestyle. Who has the time?
  One recipe I did try was nothing short of awful. Trying to flavor ricotta cheese with Splenda and cocoa powder and pretending it's cheesecake is pretty insulting. You would do much better use age old wisdom and cutting out the crap in your diet. We all know the rules and this book is not a magic device to help you follow them.
  You have to remember calories count, you can't eat a ton of them and lose weight, no matter what their make-up.
  Keep your protein lean, eat lots of vegetables, cut out the sweets and starches. When you do eat bread, go whole wheat and you'll lose weight and be a lot healthier. You'll be richer too because you would still have the $17.00 you didn't spend on the book.
  
  
• I'm Ready!!
  By on 2003-12-30
  I've been one of those people who has put on two or three pounds a year for the past fifteen years and I don't like what's happened to me. Lately, I look in the mirror and I don't see myself anymore. After reading the interesting Redbook article about The South Beach Diet and holiday eating, I decided to pick up a copy and try to lose all -- or most -- of the weight I've put on over the years. I've been on the Diet for four weeks and have lost 19 pounds. 13 the first two weeks and 6 in the third week. And, now I'm actually planning to wear outfits that I thought would remain in the back of my closet for the rest of my life. It's been a fabulous few weeks and I plan to stay on track. I think I've finally found the way to eat that's right for me.
  
  
• it really really works
  By on 2003-06-04
  i've been on the south beach diet for one week, and i've already lost seven pounds. i get hungry eventually, but not the kind of starving feeling i'd get when i was craving bad carbs. now i'm satisfied after i eat, and i feel much healthier. this book is seriously worth it.
  
  
• Not a Great Diet
  By A2SYMCC1A6GQ4X on 2005-03-13
  One knows that there is a problem with this book by page 3, where the Phase One stage of The South Beach Diet - extremely low-carb - is said to produce a weight loss of 8-13 pounds in 2 weeks, but then there is never any estimate given of how fast or how much weight loss is possible after the first two weeks. Atkins followers know that the early weight loss on an extremely low-carb diet is mostly water loss. "You'll eat three balanced meals a day..." is a complete misrepresentation of the ultra low-carb Phase-One. Not that "balanced meals" - roughly equal calorie amounts of carb, fat and protein - were a good idea for many people anyway.
  
  The strengths of this book are the admission that the low-fat diet of the American Heart Association and many other NGOs does not work (p8); that there are good and bad forms of LDL cholesterol (p33); that fruit juice with no fiber is worse for you than whole fruit (p46); that more cooking raises the glycemic index (GI) of many vegetables (p53); that fiber consumption will slow digestion of carbs, which is good (p64); and that the bread basket served in restaurants is a diet disaster because of the high GI carb content of the breads (p86). While he understands the value of low GI foods, he is blank on glycemic load, the amount of high GI carbs in a food.
  
  The weaknesses are: Dr. Agatston claims not to have found literature support for a medium carb diet in the literature in the mid-1990s, showing an appalling inability to read the literature, including books by Richard K. Bernstein, MD, Barry Sears, PhD, John Yudkin, MD, and many others. He parrots the nonsense that high cholesterol is a major factor in heart disease (p7, p96) despite evidence from 1937 that it is not, nor is high LDL. See Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD, "The Cholesterol Myths", 2000. He misrepresents the Atkins Diet as low-fat (p10), and misrepresents most fruits, vegetables and whole grains as containing "good carbs" (p10 and many others places) despite the long-known fact that starches that turn to glucose and the fructose from fruits are not beneficial in large amounts. He claims that low-fat dairy products are not fattening (p11) despite their content of high-GI lactose without enough fat to slow its absorption. See Mary G. Enig, "Know Your Fats", 1999. He recommends polyunsaturated oils, especially the omega-6 ones (p22), which are definitely not healthful, and worsen heart disease. He slams saturated fats with no evidence whatever on their safety. In fact, a recent study showed that high saturated fat consumption reversed coronary artery blockage, while monounsaturated fat (olive oil) narrowed arteries slightly, and polyunsaturated fats (soybean oil) narrowed arteries seriously (Mozaffarian D et al., Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:1175-84). He recommends balsamic vinegar (p29) despite its high sugar content. He claims that "carbs are good for you" despite evidence that there is no nutritional requirement for them at all in humans (Fred & Alice Ottoboni, PhDs, The Modern Nutritional Diseases, 2002). In dumping on beer (p50, p88), he is unaware of low-carb versions. He thinks apple skin has special benefits; there is no evidence given for this, and not eating it spares you all the pesticide content (p55). In pushing red wines (p56), he ignores the high sugar content of most of them, and is unaware that wine does little to reduce all-cause mortality. He does not emphasize that eating fat will slow digestion of carb much better than fiber (p64). His GI table (pp70-74) leaves out all the foods with low GI, such as meat, fish, fat, oil and nuts. He confuses the sugar content in beets with the lack of it in MSG made from beets (p88). He failed to warn of the dangers of extreme exercise (p92); see Henry Solomon, "The Exercise Myth", 1984. He fails to warn of dairy, grain and wheat allergies, and the relationship of these foods to arthritis and cancer (p92). He recommends a form of carb-loading before exercise (p93), contrary to the findings of Barry Sears, PhD (Enter the Zone, by Barry Sears, PhD, and Bill Lawren. New York, NY:Regan/HarperCollins1995).
  
  He lauds both statin drugs and aspirin despite their bad effect on women of higher mortality and their lack of benefit in men (Duane Graveline, MD, MPH, "Lipitor Thief of Memory", 2004). He neglects beneficial effects of vitamin C other than on heart attacks (p94). He mistakes the d-alpha-tocopherol as "the natural form of vitamin E" despite clear research findings that vitamin E is a mixture of 8 compounds (p95). Despite his specialty of medical imaging, he fails to comprehend the findings that the extent of calcified plaque deposits in coronary arteries as found by electron beam tomography has no correlation whatever to serum cholesterol levels (Hecht HS et al., Am J Cardiol 2004;93:101-3).
  
  Most evidence was testimonials, not controlled trials. There were no citations to peer-reviwed journals.
  
  The South Beach Diet is not so great - Bill Clinton used it for years. Some of the most healthful fats are disparaged, and carbs of no value are touted. Grain and dairy allergies are almost ignored. The many recipes given in the book are flawed for this reason. See Joel M. Kauffman, Low-Carbohydrate Diets, J. Scientific Exploration , 18(1), 83-134 (2004).
  
  
• Read it, get lean and healthy
  By A2GN3SRMEKQSPK on 2007-09-19
  This is a concise and easy-to-follow book. The diet is very restrictive, especially during the first two weeks, but once you totally commit yourself you will realize that it is actually easy to follow. The good thing is that you are allowed to eat as much as you like but you may not consume any carbohydrates. However, you will notice that you actually eat less than usual because you are simply not hungry. It wasn't easy for me to give up on my evening desserts but the reward was that I was losing almost a pound a week and that is what kept me motivated. I got great results and after a few weeks I can again put on the pants from four years ago.
  
  I find South Beach diet very healthy which is also very important to me. I am believer in a lean and healthy body, not a starved one. I think that it is also very important not only to control what and how often you eat, but also how you combine the foods, as outlined in another great book that I highly recommend, titled "Can We Live 150 Year?" The author of this book also brings awareness of the bad habits that lead people to obesity. Here are some of them:
  
  1. The habit of eating fast and not chewing the food well
  2. Drinking fluids at meals
  3. Frequent snacking or constant chewing
  4. Incorrect combining of food products
  5. Lying down after meals
  6. Sitting lifestyle
  7. Eating while watching TV
  8. Eating while irritated
  9. Eating before bedtime or at night
  10. Eating mostly refined and cooked food products.
  
  Good luck. Read the books, get lean, and be healthy. I am.
  
  
  
• Finally!
  By on 2003-05-16
  I am also like alot of other people who have tried Weight Watchers Etc.
  I love this book and the diet. My husband was so impressed with my lack of "crabbiness" with this diet that he is doing it too!
  I have lost 8 pounds in 10 days and love it!! Hubby just started and has already lost 3.
  I definitely would recommend this book to people who want to lose weight without starving and deprivation! NO shakes, pills, point counting. It really is great and it works!!
  
  
• A revolutionary breakthrough, everone must know about
  By on 2003-03-30
  This book is a tremendous breakthrough in the world of health. One of te reason for this is that it was not only designed by one of the most renowned cardiologists in the country, but it wasn't initially designed to be a diet! It was designed to change the blood chemistry of his patients, and in the process they lost a substantial amount of weight, in a very healthy way. The writing is so simplistic anyone can understand how their body works when it comes to food digestion and weight loss. More people need to be aware of this book. Take my advice, get a copy for yourself.
  
  
• This is just Induction and Maintenance of Atkins
  By on 2003-05-06
  For the person who wrote that Atkins was unhealthy because of lack of vegetables, they didn't read Atkins' book or follow the plan at all (maybe you had the old '70s version). Vegetables are supposed to be the main source of carbs on Atkins, then eventually *tada* you add back "good carbs" such as whole grain breads, fruits, and pastas. This is basically Atkins. It skips the On-Going Weight Loss (OWL) section where you add back good carbs (usually about 5gm/week) until you stop losing, then goes straight to the Maintenance phase. It's just that so many people stop Atkins after the first 2 weeks that they just assume they must continue induction (which, by the way, you should be getting plenty of vegetables at this time also). Or they just hear from friends that they can eat all the meats and fats they want and end up eating a pound of bacon and calling the diet unhealthy. If you already have the Atkins book, save yourself some $$. Just do Induction and then go straight to Maintenance. Same plan.
  
  
• Better info on SBD on the Web
  By AJPPGDMUFICHH on 2003-10-09
  This isn't a bad book, but it could be so much better. The principle of the diet and the potential health benefits of it are nicely discussed and, so far, I am having quite a bit of success with the diet - but not so much with the help of the book. It's lacking in several areas.

  I found a wealth of information on the South Beach Diet at www.prevention.com in an article by Dr. Agatston. Not only did the site provide overall information on the program but it also provided lists of foods that are fine to eat during the the first phase (the book offers no such list) as well as a rather large list of foods and their glycemic number (book doesn't have that either).

  If you go solely by the meal plans in the book, you might be disappointed. I was. First, there were foods I couldn't eat, things I am allergic to and then there is the fact that, besides seafood, I eat no other meat and use many soy-based products for my protein. There was no guidance in the book (at least none that I found) on how to substitute food or even if that was possible. I would never have proceeded on the diet if I hadn't found the alternate, more expanded info on the Web.

  My hope is that in the next incarnation of the book Dr. Agatston provides a more comprehensive list of those foods that are OK, the glycemic index for various foods (within reason) and more focus on HOW to do the diet in the various phases (instead of just saying, "here, eat this.").
  
  

• Good, but some helpful information is missing
  By A3SQUAXHPFJQLH on 2006-08-17
  I have been successfully using the South Beach diet for several years now. I initially lost my law school weight using it. Now, I seem to be in a cycle where I need to start with Phase 1 every summer, I move on to Two and Three and but then a year later, I find myself off the wagon and starting to gain weight, so I go back to Phase 1. But, my weight stays within a 10 lb range, and I haven't ever come close to where I was. And if I stuck with it, it would work consistently.
  
  However, there is some critical information he does not really address that I think is important, particuarily Phase 1. You need to know that your body may initially go into shock when you cut off those carbs in Phase 1. I have experienced severe mood swings, depression, fatigue, headaches, dehydration, constipation, and intense hunger (even when eating a ton of food) within the first few days when my body tries to switch modes. If this happens to you, know that its temporary and will only last a couple of days. Once you get through it, you'll feel better than ever. Also, I recommend a few strategies to make it tolerable - first, drink LOTS of water - you're supposed to this generally anyway, but it will make an immediate difference in how you feel. Second, take Citracel with at least one, if not two meals a day. This will help with constipation and cut down on the hunger. Also, although Agatston would probably not like this, I say cheat on the fat if you are feeling really hungry. You may get to the hunger point where you are wondering how your beloved children and/or pets would taste with a little cheese sauce...if so, let yourself have fat until your body makes the switch to running off fat stores instead of incoming carbs. You won't kill the positive effects of the diet and eventually it won't be necessary.
  
  
  
  
• Healthy sustainable diet
  By A2FDPTUOKJ3PMC on 2003-09-05
  Many reviewers have stated that this diet is similar to the Adkins diet. It does share several common characteristics, particularly in the first two weeks, but the differences are nonetheless very important. I won't try to itemize all the differences here, but extensive personal research convinces me that The South Beach Diet is far more nutritionally and medically sound than Adkins and other currently popular diets. Dr Agatson did not conceive a diet in which goal is simply to lose weight, but rather he approached diet from a cardiologist viewpoint with the emphasis on good nutrition and improvement in lab results. While many popular low carb diets do get the weight off quickly, they are very poor choices long term. Additionally, recent studies indicate that a large percentage of low carb dieters regain the lost weight and gain even more within a year because restricted carbohydrate diets are simply unsustainable for most of us. Dr Agatsons diet is nutritionally sound and phase 3 can be followed for life. My wife had been unable to stay with any of the fad diets including Adkins, but has enjoyed tremendous success with Dr Agatson's diet. We also purchased "The Good Carb Cookbook" for additional delicious recipes after moving into the maintenance phase and highly recommend it as well. My wife and I have lost a combined 68 pounds and have also experienced improved blood test results, increased energy, enhanced mental acuity (subjective), and simply feel better physically and emotionally (subjective again). This is not just another weight loss diet, it is a nutrition improvement plan for life and it accomplishes the goal. There will always be another fad diet every few months, but Dr Agatson has provided a true nutrition plan that I can live with indefinitely and enjoy the benefits of excellent health.
  
  
• Great DIET, but the BOOK is bland.
  By AMDNJNZ6DRKUP on 2004-01-15
  I pulled this diet off of the internet before I read the book. In essence, this diet requires a two-page print-out to adequately follow the diet, NOT A 320 PAGE BOOK!
  First, let me say that I am totally satisfied with the diet. I have lost 15 pounds in a month, and that included the holiday season. So, the diet is great.

  The BOOK, however, falls short. The most important thing, it seems to me, is the glycemic index, and the book offers this information on a very limited number of foods. For example, peanuts are fine, but what about almonds? Like other reviewers, I found the recipies to be a total waste of ink.

  My advice is to find the diet online and then, if you MUST, check the book out from the library. But I promise it is a waste of your time.
  
  

• A comparison of Diet Books
  By A34IC48GLL4U3Y on 2007-06-03
  Like many of you, I found myself wondering what the differences were between the various diet programs. What I discovered is that all of the major diet books are well written and share many similarities. None of them offered an "silver bullet" to weight loss - it primarily comes down to keeping your calories burned greater than your calories eaten. There are theories presented about glycemic index, good vs. bad carbs, etc., but at the end of the day it's about calories and exercise.
  
  In this review, I've tried to offer brief summaries of each diet book/program in hopes that it might help you pick out the one that would work best for you. Don't pay too much attention to the number of stars, as it's my own subjective rating based on effectiveness, ease of use, and ability to stick with the diet. Instead, try to discern which diet might fit your lifestyle better.
  
  The Abs Diet, ****
  This book is written by David Zinczenko, the editor of Men's Health Magazine. The diet likes the number 6 - promising "6 pack abs in 6 weeks," by eating 6 meals a day. Each meal is built around the "power 12" foods. There is a strong emphasis on whey supplements. The fitness program was easy to follow but perhaps too strenuous for beginners and seemed better suited to men. Strong points are excellent nutritional content and strong exercise. Weak points are questionable claims about rapid weight loss and "6 pack" abs, and mediocre meal plans. Average recommended daily calories are 1,890, with 7 fruits and vegetable servings.
  
  The South Beach Diet ****
  The SB Diet is a slightly more permissive version of the Atkins low-carb diet. It is based on the premise that eating low-glycemic foods (foods that raise blood sugar) decreases cravings for sugar and refined carbs. Like many of the diets, there are two phases. In the first phase, fruits, sugar, and grains are banned outright. Phase 2 allows some fruit, high-fiber grains, and dark chocolate. The simplicity of the diet might appeal to many busy dieters. However the emphasis on the glycemic index and insufficient exercise sections are a drawback. Recipes are easy to prepare, but some called for unusual ingredients (a clever cook could make substitutions). Average recommended daily calories are a mere 1,340, with 13 fruits and vegetable servings (mostly veggies).
  
  The Sonoma Diet ****
  The Sonoma Diet is an updated low-carb diet with a Mediterranean theme. Again, it is broken into two phases, called "waves." In "Wave 1," the dieter is banned from eating most sweet or refined foods. The much longer "Wave 2" permits fruits and wine. It has a unique method of calculating portions by filling sectors of small plates with specified food categories. The diet is healthy but complex. It is also very restrictive, which makes it more difficult to stay on. Also, the book doesn't offer enough on exercise. The recipes were tasty but elaborate to prepare. Average recommended daily calories are a mere 1,390, with 10 fruits and vegetable servings.
  
  Ultra-Metabolism ***
  The Ultra-Metabolism Diet is designed around the assertion that people get fat because their body's systems become toxic, inflamed, and imbalanced. Again, this is a two phase diet. Phase 1 is an initial "detox" period. The longer Phase 2 is a "rebalancing" period. Overall, the dieter must eliminate white rice, refined grains, most red meats, and caffeinated beverages. The theory of your body requiring detoxification goes beyond any scientific evidence and rings a bit of late night television "miracle detox bowel-cleansing pills." The diet is fairly restrictive and complicated. The exercise section was brief but practical. Average recommended daily calories are 1,660, with 12 fruits and vegetable servings.
  
  Volumetrics, ****
  The Volumetrics Diet is based on Penn State research. It aims to maximize the amount of food you can eat for a given caloric intake. This is done primarily by eating reduced-fat products, adding in lots of vegetables, and using low-fat cooking techniques. It encourages eating a first course of broth-based soup or low-calorie salad (not heavily laden with dressing, cheese or bacon) to take the edge off your appetite. Recent clinical studies have shown this diet to be very effective. The recipes are appetizing but time consuming. Average recommended daily calories are 1,500, with 14 fruits and vegetable servings.
  
  The Zone Diet, ****
  The Zone Diet was designed to keep your blood sugar and hormones at optimal levels so that you can better fight obesity and diseases. It requires that each meal consist of 30% protein, 30% fat, and 40% carbs (based on calories). The diet allows many fruits, but almost no grains except oatmeal. The meals are simple to prepare and nutritionally balanced. But having to keep to the 30/30/40 balance is very tedious and requires lots of preplanning. Recent studies showed that the overall weight loss was below average. Average recommended daily calories are 1,660, with 17 fruits and vegetable servings.
  
  Eat More, Weigh Less, ***
  The Eat More, Weigh Less (Ornish) Diet is a low-fat vegetarian diet that bans all meat, fish, oils, alcohol, sugar, and white flour. Their clinical studies suggest that strictly following the diet can prevent or reverse some diseases. Ornish argues that it is easier to make drastic changes to diet rather than small ones. The diet offers the most food per calorie of any of the diets. It is actually lower in fat than current USDA guidelines recommend. Studies have shown good long term weight loss, but a relatively high drop-out rate. Average recommended daily calories are 1,520, with 17 fruits and vegetable servings.
  
  Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, ***
  The Atkins Diet is the grand daddy of them all. As with many of the other diets, it is divided into two phases. The first phase is a two week induction period that bans nearly all carbs. The second phase is only slightly less restrictive, but does slowly add more vegetables, fruit, and wine. Research has suggested that Atkins' dieters are less hungry than on many other diets. But the diet is difficult to adhere to and has a high drop-out rate. Long term weight loss has been shown to be average. The single most glaring concern with the Atkins diet is that the nutritional profile is far outside conventional dietary guidelines. (We've all known people eating handfuls of bacon, eggs, and cheese for breakfast, claiming they were on a diet). Average recommended daily calories are 1,520, with 6 fruits and vegetable servings.
  
  Again, please don't worry too much about my ranking of the diet books - it's completely subjective. My suggestion is to simply find a program that seems to fit your lifestyle best.
  
  Please be kind enough to indicate if reviews are helpful.
  
  Written by Arthur Bradley, author of "Process of Elimination" - an intense thriller in which a martial artist, a greedy corporate attorney, and a sexy conspiracy theorist team up to stop a world-class sniper from killing presidential candidates.
  
  

• The South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook: 200 Delicious Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less (The South Beach Diet)
• The South Beach Diet Good Fats/Good Carbs Guide (Revised): The Complete and Easy Reference for All Your Favorite Foods (The South Beach Diet)
• The South Beach Diet Cookbook (The South Beach Diet)
• The South Beach Diet Dining Guide: Your Reference Guide to Restaurants Across America (The South Beach Diet)
• The South Beach Heart Program: The 4-Step Plan that Can Save Your Life