The South Beach Diet was originally not developed for weight loss purposes. Instead, it was developed to be a heart-healthy way of eating for (diet creator) Dr. Arthur Agatston's patients. In other words, weight loss turned out to be a really great bonus.

LIKE MANY COMMERCIAL DIETS,

The South Beach Diet is divided into phases. Three, to be exact:

PHASE 1

Consider this phase the carbohydrate boot camp! It lasts for 2 weeks, and is similar to a low carb diet. You will cut out all flour, sugar, fatty meats, fruit and fruit juices, dairy (except for some low fat cheeses) and alcohol. Starchy vegetables like potatoes,

corn, carrots and most dried beans are also taboo during this phase. Allowed however are lean meat, tofu, mozzarella cheese sticks, olive and canola oil, cottage and ricotta cheese, most non-starchy vegetables, nuts, fish, and up to 75 calories a day of sugar substitute treats.

ACCORDING TO DR. AGATSTON,

You will lose up to 13 pounds in this first phase, depending on your weight. This also depends, however, on wether or not you already are a low carber. If you are, you will not lose as much weight up front on the South Beach Diet.

PHASE 2 OF THE DIET

Is considered the "long haul", so fortunately you get to add some tasty carbs back into the plan. You first add back in some fruit, sweet potatoes, whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, and brown rice.

WEIGHT LOSS SLOW DOWN

Can occur when you start adding back in these foods. For a balanced diet it is however important that you indeed do reintroduce them to the plan. Start by adding one serving a day, and continue doing so as long as you are still losing weight. If, during Phase 2, you actually stop losing weight --or even begin to add on some-- you need to move back to Phase 1, or at least cut back on some of the carbs that you started to reintroduce.

STILL FORBIDDEN

In Phase 2 are white flours and potatoes, carrots, corn, bananas, sugar, honey, cookies, cakes, etc. The key is low sugar, whole

grains, and good fats. But it can be hard to add in just the right amount of carbs. Furthermore, portion sizes are not very specific on South Beach. So instead, you have to learn to eat until you are no longer hungry. Thus, two great reasons to join an online menu service!

EXAMPLE:

You might be stumped on lunch, and are tired of chicken breast, broccoli and brown rice. If you join an online service, you might

well find tasty meals like smoked turkey pitas with raspberries. Yum, now that sounds like a diet that we can stick with!

DON'T FORGET

That the South Beach Diet wants you to take a multi vitamin daily, take calcium supplements, drink plenty of water, and cut caffeine down to a minimum.

PHASE 3

Of the diet is for the rest of your life. On it, you go back to 'normal' proportions, which basically means adding a handful to

each Phase 2 meal. You can splurge for dessert more often, or eat more bread, but you will of course still need to watch your calories.

SO, TO SUM IT ALL UP:

The South Beach way of life is an excellent choice for a diet. It may feel a bit confusing until you get the hang of it, but the foods

are very tasty, and overall satisfying. The online menu services are recommended more so for this plan than for most others.