?South Beach Diet? is a name that comes on the lips of every person who has even an iota of interest in the world of diet and dieting. It is formulated by renowned Miami based cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston. The diet is a result of research undertaken by Dr. Agatston who wanted to reduce the incidence of strokes and other cardiovascular ailments in his patients. However, word-of-mouth ensured that the diet attained popularity throughout America.

South Beach diet stresses on avoiding the intake of bad carbohydrates, which are mainly found in processed items and products made from refined flour. It also asks the dieters to avoid food containing saturated fats

If you have already started following South Beach diet or are in the process of starting with it, it will augur well if you keep the following tips in mind.

Tip No 1:

Make sure that you take at least eight glasses of water. In fact, if you are following the South Beach diet, it is ideal if you can increase the intake of water. The first phase of South Beach diet restricts the amount of carbohydrates that enter your body. In the absence of carbohydrates, the body is compelled to use the fat stored in the cells. This also leads to drainage of water from the cells. Hence, when following South Beach diet, it is advisable to increase consume large amounts of water.

Tip No 2:

As far as beverages are concerned, South Beach diet does not allow the intake of soft drinks. Similarly, beverages containing caffeine are to be avoided. However, you are allowed to sip decaffeinated beverages such as club soda, tea, coffee, or decaffeinated sugar-free soda.

Tip No 3:

Vitamin and mineral supplements are necessary if you follow South Beach diet. Since many food items become off limit, the body may be deprived of essential nutrients. This is especially true in the first phase, during which the dieter is supposed to refrain from fruits, wheat and other grains etc. Hence the necessity to take vitamin and mineral supplements.

Tip No 4:

Ideally, while preparing meals for South Beach diet, you should try to balance all the three vital constituents i.e. carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The meal taken by you should be complete, wholesome and nutritious.

Tip No 5:

In case, you are accustomed to having a sustained workout or exercise which lasts for more than 90 minutes, it is advisable to go in for a low ? glycemic index carbohydrate snack, otherwise you will feel tired and might not be able to prevent yourself from overeating. The snack should be ideally consumed about an hour before the scheduled workout.

Tip No 6:

As a South Beach diet follower, it will do well if you try out different permutations and combinations. This will allow you to come up with food items that you like and avoid those that you don't. Take for instance cottage cheese. It is a good alternative to the full breakfast and many people find it convenient and tasty.

So follow these tips and you have launched yourself onto the road of success.