The South Beach Diet plan was started in Florida by Dr. Arthur Agatston who like Dr. Dean Ornish was looking for a diet that would benefit his heart patients. His book became a New York Times best seller and has become popular for those looking for diet solutions that work.

The Diet is divided into 3 phases and most South Beach Diet meals at the start are low carb. The diet rates carbs based on the Glycemic Index which is based on how fast they are broken down by the body. Carbs that are high on the Glycemic Index are broken down fast and cause a rapid release of insulin which is not good for weight loss . Conversely carbs that are low on the index like pasta break down slow and do not cause a rapid release in insulin.

Fats are also viewed in the same way with saturated fats being eliminated and monounsaturated fats like those that are found in olive oil allowed in moderation. Good fats are thought to play a key role in the bodies metabolism and to help lower the bodies LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol which is responsible for clogging arteries.

Like the Atkins diet meat is allowed but lean cuts are stressed and generally white meat should be consumed. Those starting on phase 1 will find the South Beach Diet meals very restrictive and bland as the choices are limited but as the diet progresses more and more options are available.

With south beach recipes meal plans, it would be more flexible and convenient for you. They would not be focusing on traditional and strict rules on the proper weights and measures of what food meals to eat. They don’t have rigid guidelines that you would be following; instead they would be all about nutrition intake designed for losing weight. South beach diet meals plan will be carried through the three phases, with the first two aiming for the weight loss program while the last phase going about maintenance guidelines which you would be using for your own decisions to create your own meal plan.

The first phase

The first phase of south beach diet meals plan asks you to restrict amounts of carbohydrate intake. During this phase, more intake water than the normal recommended eight glasses of water a day is suggested. With the absence of carbohydrate intakes of your body, water in the cells of your body drains fast. This happens because your body needs to use the fats stored in its cells in substitution of the carbohydrates. That is the reason why drinking large amounts of water is vital. Also, you have to be careful in intakes of other beverages. Sodas are not allowed, as caffeinated drinks are. Decaffeinated ones are allowed however.

The second phase

In the second phase of the meal plans, recipe with whole grains are already allowed. You can introduce this recipe on the day meals, with salad and whole grain pitas as your best meal plan throughout the afternoon. While at dinner, it would be easier to create meal plans as healthy meat, tofu dishes, and vegetables are allowed. You must also remember using those healthy substitutes such as olive oil, canola oil, and peanut oil, or non-fat/low-fat dairy products, as well as all-natural sweeteners.

The third phase

The third phase is the easiest part of making south beach diet meal plans. There are no particular restrictions and limitations. You only have to adopt the first and second phase concepts of the healthy foods. You can do your own recipe as long as you keep away from the foods that are not allowed for the south beach diet recipes. You can mix and match so preparing meal plans during this stage would not be boring for you.

Once you have adapted to the style of south beach diet, it would be easy maintaining your meal plans all through the years. Results of this diet may not be as what you think it would be, but when followed properly and religiously, they would be effective. South beach diet meal plans are healthy and nutritious, so this program is after the real requirements of your body while effectively losing that weight over time. So, if you need real, nutritious diet meal plans, south beach diet program is for you.

By Anthony Lee - burn-fat-lose-weight.info

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