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diet

guide

Whether you're looking to shift a few pounds in a week, drop a dress size for a big event or want to change your eating habits forever, find the best diet to suit you in our guides below...

diets

The South Beach Diet

Invented by Dr Agatston, an America Cardiologist, the South Beach Diet was created to improve the health and well-being of his heart patients. This diet is more about good health, than just weight loss.

Rules

The South Beach Diet is split into three phases:

1. The first low carb phase lasts two weeks. Starchy foods and sugars are replaced by proteins and vegetables and you must be strict, avoiding all carbohydrates, alcohol, dairy and processed foods.
2. In phase two, starchy foods and sugars are gradually re-introduced, starting with those with a low glycemic index (slow sugars like fructose cause insulin to be released gradually without disturbing blood sugar levels and are therefore described as having a low glycemic index), until your target weight is reached. You can re-introduce wholegrain carbohydrates and low-fat milk in phase two.
3. Phase three is essentially the rest of your life. A diet favouring good fats and good sugars is adopted for life.

You don't need to weigh food and you can eat three healthy meals and three healthy snacks a day.

Pros

Cutting out sugar means no alcohol which could do you good. You won't suffer from hunger pangs as portions are large and you can eat plenty of protein. It's a healthy, long-term lifestyle change that will benefit everyone.

Depending on what your eating habits were like before – you can expect to loose around half a stone in two weeks (mainly from around the abdomen).

Cons

Cutting out all carbohydrates and therefore sugar in phase one can cause sugar cravings and leave you feeling irritable and fragile

Eating out can be difficult especially avoiding alcohol.

It is often hard and expensive to find wholegrain and organic alternatives to common refined foods.

Celeb Fans

Nicole Kidman