History of the Diet
The south beach diet plan was developed in the mid-90s for patients with heart conditions, prompting the need for a diet plan that encouraged weight loss, controlling cholesterol, and controlled blood sugar levels (Ariagno, 2018). The plan gained popularity among many as an ideal weight loss strategy, increasing its popularity across the nation. A book release followed in 2003, and in mid-2004 an approximated 7.9 million copies had been purchased. Prominent leaders such as former US President Bill Clinton also adopted the diet in their daily meal plan (Ariagno, 2018). In 2008, the book was relaunched to incorporate both dietary plans and fitness tips such that people would incorporate weight loss and fitness in their daily routines.
Geographical and Cultural Origin
The diet originated in Miami and has adopted an Americanized Mediterranean culture, only limiting the amount of carbohydrate intake (Ariagno, 2018). It was named after the South Beach neighborhood near Miami Beach.
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How Old Is This Diet – For How Long People Practiced It?
The diet is over twenty years old, having been developed in the mid-90s. It is effective to date and is used as a weight loss program for all, despite having been initially developed for patients with heart issues.
Inventor
The diet was developed by a renowned cardiologist, Arthur Agatston, with the assistance if Marie Almon, who was a dietitian at the time (Ariagno, 2018). They had originally named it Modified Carbohydrate Diet.
Diet Philosophy
The main initiative of the diet is to induce dietary balance that encourages weight loss and healthy living (Ariagno, 2018). The diet is designed to be nutritious and vital for the body. It emphasizes the consumption of good fats and good carbohydrates.
What The Diet Actually Consist Of In General?
The diet comprises a balance of lean protein, good carbohydrates, and healthy fats, which make it rich in nutrients and fiber. The diet necessitates the need to eliminate unhealthy starch from the normal diet plan. It uses a systematic glycemic index and load that determines what carbohydrates one should avoid. This is because these foods are known to increase blood sugar levels at a faster rate (Serrano & Coleman, 2009). Increased blood sugar levels are known to increase appetite, which increases the chances of weight gain and diabetes. It identifies what fats are healthy and what are unhealthy, giving the benefits of eating a non-saturated fat diet. It emphasizes the importance of fruits and vegetables in the diet plan as well.
Give an Example for a One-Day Meal Plan Representative of This Diet
A crucial routine is the incorporation of exercise either in the morning or in the evening. Regular exercise is known to improve metabolism and reduce weight loss. The diet has three different phases. The first face is a two-week phase that has been designed to eliminate high sugar cravings as the weight loss routine begins (Ariagno, 2018). This includes alcohol or fruit juice. The second phase includes some of the meals that were barred in the first phase, such as brown rice. The third phase is a maintenance phase that is meant to be the new lifestyle principle of anyone involved
A typical menu for a beginner includes a protein filled breakfast that may include an omelet and smoked salmon, with a side of spinach, and with a cup of tea or coffee. Lunch may entail a vegetable-filled diet with protein and water or ice tea. Dinner is a no-carbohydrate diet that may comprise of grilled pork with vegetables and a salad. Snacks and dessert are highly recommended, as long as they contain low sugar and low-fat content.
Critical Assessment:
Describe How Well/Badly It Covers The Macronutrients And Micronutrients.
The diet is noted to have variations in its macronutrient contents, providing an estimated 2010 kcal per serving (Engel, Brenna & Mitmesser, 2018). Additionally, it also fails to provide the recommended amounts of micronutrients needed, such as selenium, calcium, and zinc.
Does That Diet Have Any Probiotic Components?
The diet has recently incorporated a Keto friendly diet that is designed to be high fat and low carbohydrate diet (Engel, Brenna & Mitmesser, 2018). This was meant to meet the needs of consumers who wished to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Does The Diet Achieve In Long Term What It Claims To Achieve?
If the instructions are followed to the latter in all three stages, the diet is known to have long term effects. Phase 3 is the maintenance stage that includes eating the recommended meals but in portions while incorporating regular exercise.
Should One Following This Diet Take Precautionary Steps, Such As Taking Extra Vitamins Or Supplements?
Vegetable oil is not recommended, as it tends to be highly processed and rich in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. As such, it would be advisable to use avocado oil or extra virgin oil instead (Engel, Brenna & Mitmesser, 2018). The diet also encourages the use of sweeteners like stevia that are not ideal in weight loss. Similarly, it is best to eat whole foods rather than eating frozen meals, as suggested by the plan.
What Do You Think Is The Greatest Weakness Of This Diet? How About Its Greatest Strength?
Some of the weaknesses of this program include its limiting nature in the first phase, which may be discouraging to most people. The diet also has some inconsistencies, especially in the third phase, where the author encourages its users to eat ant type of food. This conflicts the primary goal of the diet, sending a confusing message to its users. It may also lead to eating disorders amongst its users (Serrano & Coleman, 2009). Additionally, no evidence supports weight loss, as everyone’s body reacts differently to the program. However, the diet is known for balancing sugar levels, an important element in reducing hunger and heart conditions.
Is This Diet Practical For A Modern Lifestyle? (Maybe If You Need To Prep a Meal for 6 Hours It Is Not That Practical)
The diet is not practical for a modern lifestyle, as some of the meals suggested may take long to prepare, forcing individuals to eat frozen foods instead.
Is This Diet Expensive? Can Average People Afford It?
The diet is moderately expensive, as some of the vegetables and proteins recommended tend to be highly priced.
Could This Diet Be Particularly Harmful To Certain Age Groups Or Patients With Certain Medical Conditions?
Yes, the diet would not be recommended to young children. It would also not be recommended to women who are pregnant. This diet is also not recommended for bulimic or anorexic patients (Serrano & Coleman, 2009). The same applies to patients with kidney disease. Obese people have to receive a doctor’s approval to be on a diet.
Could This Diet Induce Food Allergies?
Yes. The diet is not recommended to people who are allergic to soy, peanuts, or latex
Could This Diet Be Applicable To A High Intensity Life Style? (Competitive Sports)
The diet would not be recommended for competitive athletes as they need high carbohydrate and protein based diets due to their high energy requirements.
Are There Celebrities Trying To Popularize This Diet?
Yes. There are celebrities known for using the South Beach diet, such as the Clinton Family, and Nicole Kidman.
Is There A Particular Food Industry That Would Promote This Diet?
The diet is known to have flooded the market, though they do their self-promotions rather than partner with companies. They do, however, partner with fitness partners.
Your Personal Opinion: Would You Do It?
I would not use the South beach diet as it is quite expensive and is not conclusive on weight loss.
Would You Recommend It To Your Family?
I would recommend the diet to some of my family members, especially those with a history of heart disease in the family. It would also help in controlling weight gain and emphasize on the importance of eating healthy.
References
Ariagno, M. (2018). The South Beach Diet. In Clinical Guide to Popular Diets (pp. 87-98). CRC Press.
G Engel, M., J Kern, H., Brenna, J., & H Mitmesser, S. (2018). Micronutrient gaps in three commercial weight-loss diet plans. Nutrients , 10 (1), 108.
Serrano, E. L., & Coleman, M. D. (2009). The Low-Carbohydrate Craze: Is it a healthy way to lose weight?.
