For those who have struggled to lose weight and have not yet achieved success, the South Beach Diet offers a large glimmer of hope. The more kind and gentle version of other, more restrictive low-carb diets, Dr. Agatston's routine offers a balanced mix of fruits, whole grains, vegetables, olive oil and canola oil, and lean proteins such as fish, chicken, and turkey. By getting rid of unhealthy carbohydrates, it prevents the body from experiencing blood sugar spikes and lulls. As opposed to Atkins, the South Beach Diet restricts saturated fats, that have been linked to heart disease, high cholesterol and other health concerns.

Divided into three distinct phases, the first two weeks eliminate potatoes, rice, bread, pasta, baked goods and fruit. Sugars are eradicated. Instead a dieter will consume three balanced meals, and some snacks, made up of lean meats, eggs, nuts, fish, reduced-fat cheese, beans and vegetables. Expect to lose between 8 to 13 pounds and some belly fat during this first Phase.

As the dieter begins Phase 2, they welcome fruit and whole-grain breads and pastas back into their diet. But this must be done rather gradually. Pick one carbohydrate and add it to a single meal a day for a full week. After a couple of days, if one does not notice any negative effects, they then bring another carbohydrate into the mix. This process is repeated the until a person can successfully consume two to three healthy carbs a day. The dieter remains in Phase 2 until they reach their goal weight.

Phase 3 is the maintenance phase where dieters continue to put what they have learned to good use. Trying new dishes and ingredients is an important aspect of this stage. With recipes like baked sweet potato fries, peanut butter and jelly cookies, warm beef salad, baked barbecue chicken and roasted eggplant with lemon and olive oil, dieters won't have to worry about feeling too deprived of anything.

Are you interested in finding out more about this particular diet? The meal plans, recipes, and exercises are available online now. Check it out now at www.southbeachdiet.com.