Editorial Review:

For years, cardiologist Arthur Agaston, M.D. urged his patients to lose weight for the sake of their hearts, but every diet was too hard to follow or its restrictions were too harsh. Some were downright dangerous. Nobody seemed to be able to stick with low-fat regimens for any length of time. And a diet is useless if you can't stick with it.

So Dr. Agaston developed his own. The South Beach Diet isn't complicated, and it doesn't require that you go hungry. You'll enjoy normal-size helpings of meat, poultry, and fish. You'll also eat eggs, cheese, nuts, and vegetables. Snacks are required. You'll learn to avoid the bad carbs, like white flour, white sugar, and baked potatoes. Best of all, you'll lose that stubborn belly fat first!

Dr. Agaston's diet has produced consistently dramatic results (8 to 13 pounds lost in the first 2 weeks!) and has become a media sensation in South Florida. Now you, too, can join the ranks of the fit and fabulous with The South Beach Diet.

The verdict is in: those simple carbs 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, wheat toast, carrots---are actually evil. To avoid blood sugar surges, Agatston created a modified carbohydrate plan, recommending plenty of high-fiber foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while cutting bread, rice, pastas, and fruits. 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 stabilize 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 organized. 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

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

Love this book!:

My Dr. suggested this diet to me after coming to him several times with no luck on other diets. So far, I've lost 15 1/2 pounds and I've only been on the diet 3 weeks.
The diet is not for everyone. ALWAYS check with your family doctor first. If your Doctor ok's it and you follow what the author says and keep in close contact with your doctor. You can lose weight and be healthy.

Five-Star Product and Delivery:

The book I received -- The South Beach Diet -- arrived very quickly, was well priced and in perfect shape just as the seller said it would be. I would recommend the book and Amazon as the method for purchasing it.

An Eye Opener:

The South Beach Diet is a great guide to developing healthy eating habits for life. It is educational delving into the history of diet and nutrition in America. Not only that, it answers thought provoking questions like why am I so hungry when I just ate... The South Beach Diet will help you to stop overeating and gain control of your health if you take it to heart.

You lose the CRAVINGS ! Good time to stop bad habits:

First, I am not a dieter! I never believed in that, but for a short stature, and midlife, my weight was at a standstill after lots of walking daily. I needed to lose at least 15 pounds, possibly 20.
Hubby, on the other hand, was the first to diet, since he has trouble walking fast or great distance. I figured this is the most efficient method for him to lose stomach fat! He effectively needed to lose 20 pounds to be more physically fit for age and health.
The South Beach Diet was our choice, and... more info

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