Many people mistakenly believe that the South Beach Diet is an Atkins, or “low-carb” diet, but the plan is a bit more complex. This diet makes use of the glycemic index to decide which foods and in what quantities certain foods are acceptable.

Like the Atkins diet, the South Beach Diet begins with two weeks of a strict (some might say “detox”, or, less generously, starvation) phase, and lifts restrictions as it progresses. During that initial stage, all enriched, or “bad” carbs, including pasta, bread, potatoes, fruits, and sweets, are banned. Instead, Dr. Agatston recommends vegetables, lean meats, and small quantities of fat-free dairy products.

After two weeks, dieters are permitted to add a few prohibited items back into their daily food intake. This second, less-restricted stage continues until weight-loss goals are achieved. During the third and final stage, participants can eat whatever they wish, under the assumption that they have established healthy eating habits.

Portion control and the importance of regular exercise are emphasized throughout the program. Long term, the South Beach Diet does not eliminate any food groups. Registered dietitians and other independent evaluators say the South Beach Diet is generally safe and healthy, though people trying to lose weight should be aware that it may not work for everyone. They also warn that the weight lost during the first stage is likely to be water, not true fat loss.

The South Beach Diet is not a “fad” or “get-thin-quick” diet, and as such, it promotes lifestyle changes and education. Always check with your physician before beginning any weight loss or exercise program.

The atkins diet worked in a limited way for her and maybe could have worked better if she was responsible to her own problems. Her down fall has been always portions and love of cheese and a hatred of fruits and vegetables. Atkins offered the promise of large portions and her favorite food; she was drawn to it like a bug to zapper blue light. I remember eating some fruit, blueberries and her response was that she could not eat it because it was not part of diet.

Of course, Atkins does allow fruits and vegetables, but my sister’s reaction brings up the problem with diets like the Atkins diet for her and I suspect many others like her. The Atkins’s promise, large portions and all the protein one can eat, fed her natural inclinations to avoid fruits and vegetables. She could live without pasta, only if she could have all the bacon, cheese, and bunless burgers.

I think she did not accomplish what her weight goals were because Atkins did not answer for her major problems. She did lose weight on the diet, about seven pounds in two months, but I wonder how much more weight and how much more healthier she would be if she balance her food intake with more fruits and vegetables. For those who do try the Atkins diet, my advice would be not to forget the fruits and vegetables and do believe the hype about portion control. The best advice about diet still apply, cut back on portions and get your veggies.

There are a few steps that you should consider and follow before investing in the low carb diet. The low carb diet is meant to be healthy so it has to be maintained with a fine balance. The first step should be something simple. Don’t change your diet drastically, instead just alter a couple of things.

Choose one or two items that would help eliminate the unhealthy carbs in your personal diet. Since there is no one set standard low carb diet, the choices and overall results are going to be up to you. If you want to switch out pastas, donuts and potatoes and switch them up with onions and tofu which are both great in low carbs and good for you too! It is important to try and keep your eating habits the same, especially at first.

If you have a set lunch or dinner, substitute one item for another. It is always better to plan ahead for the low carb diet that way you can eventually build up your overall goal and learn to become familiar with the new types of food that you are eating.

There are plenty of resources at your disposal when it comes to the low carb diet. You can hunt for recipes online. There are even many restaurants, especially the bigger franchises which usually have a specific spot on the menu dedicated to low carb food items. All it takes is a little research to find your niche in the low carb dieting world.

There are many critics that oppose the low carb diet for various reasons, which you will surely encounter along the way. This is why it is very important that you set a plan, do the research and set your own standards when it comes to choosing the low carb diet that is right for you.