The South Beach Diet by Arthur S. Agatston M.D. (2003)

I wish I had not waited so long to buy this book after learning about this diet. It is a marvelous lifestyle plan. I have lost 40 pounds since mid December of 2004 (yes, that's right I started this diet just before Christmas) This diet is by far one of the healthiest I have ever encountered. It is the emphasis on good vs. bad carbs, good vs. bad fats and use of lean protien that is the key to both instant results, and LONG TERM success. I was on Atkins twice with good results but I never could quite lose the nagging thoughts about all that fat and cholesterol laden meat, eggs and cheese so I could not strictly follow it and the weight came back. With South Beach the weight has come off, stayed off and I am continuing towards my goal on a pace that is neither too fast nor to slow. My doctor is quite pleased with my weight and my vastly improved cholesterol numbers. My ultimate goal is to get off the low doses of medication I use now to keep my blood pressure under control.

South Beach takes Atkins one step further and is much more healthful than Atkins will ever be. It really is just common sense once you know the not so secret secrets. It only took 6-8 weeks before I was able to eat almost anything I wanted as long as I avoided white flour, white sugar, corn, carrots, and potatoes. That still leaves plenty of vegetables to chose from. It's almost as if once I got to a certain point that my body reset some switches and I eat less, crave less and feel excellent.
If one can get over the sugar cravings of the first two weeks there is no reason that anyone should not succeed on South Beach.

I see one major pitfall being people's past eating habits being a stumbling block to success on this diet more than any flaw with the diet itself. If one has spent a lifetime consuming little else besides bread, potatoes, pasta, sodas, baked goods etc., etc. with only an occasional salad and vegetable thrown in they will have problems. If that same diet has been filled with white flour, refined white sugar, white potatoes in every form imaginable the first two weeks will be a struggle. It does require developing a taste for more natural and non-processed foods. If you have been eating heat and eat dinner from a box for most of your life be warned that it will take a major change on your part to make this work.

Still, even small changes inspired by the book will be helpful so anyone who has been on the fence about South Beach should not hesitate to pick up a copy of the book, or recipe book or both on Ebay.

I won't be selling mine. This diet is a diet for life and I'm keeping them right here with me.

I had been trying to loose an extra 10 pounds for 5 years and then a friend recommended this book, outlining the South Beach Diet. This is such a helpful book and here's why:
Dr. A wrote the book to help you day by day. You'll never have to wake up and wonder what to eat. He gives you menus, recipies and recommendations from other dieters. He also gives you the science of why it works and reference charts so you can adapt your own tastes to the diet.
It's also great because if you fall off the diet a bit, he'll get you back on plan. He even tells you how to order at a restaurant.
I read the book, followed the diet about 90% of the time and lost 12 pounds in 5 weeks. I eventually lost the cravings for bad carbs and felt so healthy! I then passed the book to my Mom and she lost the same amount of weight.
I just had a baby and plan to jump right back on the South Beach Diet. If you buy this book, you will use it every day on your diet. I've never bought any other diet guides, but mine is right next to my stove, is bookmarked and has sauce all over it! It's sooo worth it!

I’ve tried countless diets, as I sure you have too, but this one REALLY worked for me! In the first two weeks I lost 10 lbs! This diet is so unique because its not just about losing weight but changing your lifestyle and focusing on a healthier you. I love this diet because it stresses not having to feel hungry and isn’t complicated!

This is the perfect diet for everyone, mainly because you do not have to deprive yourself! You'll enjoy normal size helpings of meat, poultry, and fish. You'll also eat eggs, cheese, nuts, and vegetables AND (my favorite part) - snacks are required! You'll learn to avoid the bad carbs, like white flour, white sugar, and baked potatoes. Best of all, as you loose weight, you'll loose that stubborn belly fat first!

The intial two week period is the most restrictive part of the diet. This phase was hard for me because I am always craving bread, pasta and fruit but there are still choices and snacks. The second phase offers somewhat more choices, including whole wheat bread and other selected carbohydrates. Also, roughly half the book is comprised of complete meal plans along with simple recipes!

I also love how the book is written – in a conversational tone and inviting manner that makes the book more appealing than many other diet tomes. From someone who was sick of counting calories and fad diets – the South Beach Diet was my answer and can be your too! Give it a try – what’ve you got to lose (besides a few pounds)?

I have done this diet it`s the best diet I have ever tried.Within two weeks I lost all my belly fat,in three weeks my arms legs were thining like crazy.It makes you feel on top of the world.I have fought with depression all my life tried the meds made me feel fuzzy not in control spaced out.After three weeks on this diet I have not felt that good since i was in my 20`s.This cures deppression and is very helpful for menupause gives you energy like you would`nt believe.Your skin just glows healthy it takes 10 years off your face