The South Beach Diet: A Doctor'S Plan For Fast And Lasting Weight Loss

Leading cardiologist Dr Arthur Agatston originally tailored this diet for his patients to improve the state of their heart, and of course their general health as well. But, almost by mistake, they began to lose weight too. News of this fantastic regime spread like wildfire throughout Florida and soon his office was inundated with requests for the diet. Developed with the help of a professional nutritionist, Dr Agatston's diet provides you with easy-to-follow eating plans and recipes to keep you firmly on track. The delicious recipes are simple to prepare, quick and what's more, you generally lose the weight from your waist first. The results and health benefits are immediate and long-term. There is no counting calories, no fighting with exercises and on top of all this, positive results can start to show within just two weeks. Amazon Review The verdict is in: those simple carbohydrates we've been living on are killing us. For good health, we've got to get our blood sugar under control and stop the incessant cravings. Or so says Dr Arthur Agatston, author of The South Beach Diet. The first half of the book details the science behind the diet. Most of the explanations revolve around why things you thought were healthy--orange juice, wholemeal bread, carrots--are actually evil. To avoid blood sugar surges, Agatston created a modified carbohydrate plan, recommending plenty of high-fibre food, lean protein and healthy fat and reducing bread, rice, pasta and fruit. Major differences from other diets include a lack of concern over portion size and a serious indifference to exercise. Feeling full while on a diet is a beautiful thing, but it seems odd that a cardiologist buries his exercise recommendations in a solitary sentence. The last half of the book covers his three-stage plan; daily diets are mixed with recipes, some of which are from South Beach restaurant chefs. The most restrictive period lasts just two weeks, enough time to stabilise your urges and lose a few pounds; stage two adds fruits and a handful of other carbs, while stage three is meant to last the remainder of your life, with occasional lapses for white bread or birthday cake. While the diet is sound, the book could be better organised. The first half mixes scientific study with anecdote in a seemingly random way, while the mix of meal plans and recipes can be confusing. Still, the recipes are varied and tasty and you'll never feel deprived, unless you currently happen to live by bread alone. --Jill Lightner About the Author Arthur Agatston is a Medical Director at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Florida. He has an outstanding international reputation in cardiology, and regularly contributes to many leading American journals. He lives in Miami with his wife and two children.