The South Beach diet might be best described as a good adaptation of the Atkins diet. Like Dr Atkins, Dr. Arthur Agaston is a renowned cardiologist who developed this diet for his patients.

Unlike the Atkins diet, the South Beach diet does include starchy carbohydrates, such as whole grain breads and cereals, and whole wheat pasta since according to the diet, these are have a low glycemic index The diet has three phases. In all phases of the diet, Dr. Agatston recommends minimizing consumption of bad fats. These include, fatty meats, animal fats, and in general all saturated fats.

Phase I, lasts two weeks. The purpose of this phase is eliminate insulin resistance by avoiding high or moderately high-glycemic carbohydrates, such as sugar, candy, bread, potatoes, fruit, cereals, and grains. During this phase, Dr. Agatston says the body will lose its insulin resistance, and begin to use excess body fat, causing the dieter to lose between 8 and 13 pounds. However most of this initial loss is water weight, especially during the first phase as carbohydrates are eliminated from your system.

In Phase II, whole grain foods and fruits are gradually returned to the diet, although in small amounts than were likely eaten before beginning the diet, and with a continued emphasis on foods with a low glycemic index. You are supposed to stay on this phase until you reach your target weight. Once you reach your desired weight, Phase III begins. In Phase III the diet expands to include three servings of whole grains and three servings of fruit a day.

Eating whole grains and large amounts of vegetables is encouraged, along with adequate amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, such as are contained in fish. It discourages the eating of overly refined processed foods (particularly refined flours and sugars), high-fat meats, and saturated fats in general.

Things I liked about it:

• You are allowed six (small) meals a day
• Good variety

Thing I didn’t like about it:

• Phase I is difficult. I was hungry
• Hard to come up with snack ideas if you are at work.