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South Beach Diet Pros And Cons: Health, Nutrition, Dieting, Weight Loss And Fitness

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Published: May 22, 2007

Slow and steady wins the race applies to weight loss plans. Weight loss and maintenance are not quick fixes to obesity, but can be obtained if adapted as a lifestyle - not a diet. Easier said than done, the weight loss industry remains booming in the United States. Annually Americans spend an estimated $30 billion on diet systems, books, CDs, fitness centers, weight loss groups, food products ,and supplements. Managing one's weight through proper nutrition, health, and fitness ultimately contributes to overall wellness.

A person is classified as being obese when he or she has too much body fat. Being overweight or obese can lead to numerous health issues including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, and cancers like endometrial, breast, and colon. Every little bit helps, as even 5% to 10% of initial weight loss can reduce the risk of serious health problems like heart disease and high blood pressure. Committing to weight loss plans that incorporate healthy eating, a balanced nutrition, and regular exercise are ideal for longevity.

One of the most popular weight loss plans is the South Beach diet. So popular in fact, that Kraft Foods licensed the South Beach diet trademark in 2004, producing a line of packaged foods specifically designed to meet the diet's requirements. Created by a Miami, Fla., cardiologist Arthur Agaston, the South Beach diet focuses on good carbohydrates such as grains, fruits and vegetables along with good fats that are unsaturated and slowly absorbed by the body. Developed in three phases, each phase calls for the elimination of highly processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars that are quickly absorbed by the body peaking blood sugar and increasing cravings.

Weighing the pros and cons of all weight loss plans is essential in identifying the most effective and safe program. A South Beach diet con is the speediness of the program. While tempting to the dieter, it could also be harmful to their health. Phase I of the South Beach diet lasts no more than 2 weeks and estimated weight loss ranges from eight to 13 pounds. Most nutrition professionals recommend a slow, steady weigh loss approach suggesting only losing 1-2 pounds a week. Rapid weight loss is usually fleeting once normal eating habits are resumed.

Also, Phase I of the South Beach diet eliminates sugars, candy, bread, potatoes, fruits, cereals and grains. The elimination of these foods can cause ketosis because of the lacking carbs in the fat burning process. Ketosis can result in weakness, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, dizziness, and dehydration. The South Beach diet recommends avoiding all carbohydrate-rich foods and also eliminates needed nutrients like vitamin b, iron and calcium. Among those in the medical field, little is known regarding long-term health effects of high-protein, high-fat, low-carb diets.

The South Beach diet does offer pros as well because Phase III is dedicated to weight maintenance. Safe weight loss plans should incorporate weight maintenance beyond the initial weight loss phase. Being the most difficult to maintain, weight loss plans should guide healthy dietary habits. The South Beach diet recommends three servings of whole grains and three servings of fruit daily during Phase III and beyond. Eating habits, a number of foods to choose from, and the ease and flexibility are the South Beach diets major pluses. Also, another pro of the South Beach diet plan is it encourages 6 meals a day, so the dieter won't become hungry.

Good health is a commitment that aids the wellness of the body. Fitness, normal day physical activity, nutrition, and dedication to a healthy lifestyle will help make any weight loss plan successful. Learning the pros and cons that each weight loss plan has to offer will help guide the decision to choosing an effective and lasting program.


Sources:
Healthy Weight Loss. American Obesity Association. 2001-2007. Helpguide.org. 21 May 2007. http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_weight_loss. htm
Obesity and Overweight. American Heart Association. 2007. 21 May 2007. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?ident ifier=4639
Introduction: Overweight and Obesity. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 26 Aug. 2006. 21 May 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/index.htm< br />“South Beach diet.” Wikipedia. 20 May 2007. 21 May 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Beach_Diet
South Beach diet Pros and Cons. South Beach diet 101. 21 May 2007. http://www.south-beach-diet-101.com/learn/south-be ach-diet-pros-cons.html
“Weight Loss.” Wikipedia. 15 May 2007. 20 May 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weight_loss
Weight Loss: Choosing A Weight-Loss Program. WebMD. 2005-2007. 21 May 2007. http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/choosing-weight-lo ss-program
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