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There are several different variations of the basic low-carb diet plan and it can be really confusing to pick one from among many. Going by media reports however, one of the most popular amongst the different low-carb plans is the Zone Diet.

Riding High on the Zone Diet

First introduced in the 1990’s, the Zone Diet has recently gained immense popularity because of the number of celebrities who have tried it out and have not been able to stop raving about its effectiveness.

Ben Stiller, Jennifer Anniston, Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Cindy Crawford and Sarah Jessica Parker are just a few of the many celebrity advocates of the Zone Diet. Although you will find that so many diets seem to come and go without gaining a glimmer of recognition, the Zone Diet shows no sign of losing its popularity any time in the near future.More...

Obesity has quickly become one of the largest health concerns all over the world. A stunning two thirds of Americans are considered overweight, while another 35% are considered obese. Genetic factors, overeating and the modern lifestyles have been attributed as the direct causes of the dramatic rise in obesity.

Why Obesity is so Worrying & What needs to be Done

There are many significant health factors that are a direct result of obesity, including high blood pressure, diabetes and major knee problems. If left untreated, obesity can results in more serious health issues including stroke and heart disease. Obesity can also lower your life expectancy and is often the culprit in reproductive problems in women.

The only good thing about obesity if at all there is one, is the fact that it can be prevented. Irrespective of the cause of obesity, a healthy lifestyle is a must for weight loss. More...

Many of today’s weight loss diets are specifically designed to be short term solutions to weight loss. These are great for those people who simply do not have the time to stick to stringent diet programs but need to lose a few pounds for an upcoming event. One of the most popular of these types of diets is the Grapefruit Diet.

This diet has been around for many decades and was actually known as the Hollywood Diet back in the 1930’s. Many celebrities will use such a diet for an upcoming award show or to kick start another diet program. These diets are not one for long term use as a diet plan but have many benefits for quick weight loss. Kylie Minogue and Brooke Shields have found the Grapefruit Diet very helpful in getting rid of a few pounds very quickly. More...

The South Beach Diet has quickly become one of the most popular diet plans across the world. A derivative of the Atkins Diet, this low-carbohydrate diet program is somewhat more evolved than its predecessor. Nicole Kidman, Bill and Hillary Clinton and Kim Cattrell are just some of the celebrities who follow the South Beach Diet quite faithfully.

The Characteristic Feature of the South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet was developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston. As a cardiologist, he wanted to create a specific eating program that would not only help his patients lose weight but also lower the risk of developing heart disease. The interesting feature of the South Beach Diet is that it does not specify portion sizes; you can eat as much as you want to and are comfortable with. However, what it does is, it specifies which foods you can and cannot eat. This makes it so much easier for people with large appetites to follow. The South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook is brimming with information that explains this diet and makes it very easy to maintain.

The Principle Behind the South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet breaks the carbohydrates down into good and bad carbs and does the same for fats as well. Good carbs are those that are high in fiber while simple sugars such as those found in cakes are the bad carbs. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are considered to be good fats.  They also have a low glycemic index.

One of the most important concepts of the South Beach Diet concerns the glycemic index. This scientific terminology refers to the measurement of blood glucose and how it responds to the intake of specific carbohydrates. The higher the glycemic index, the higher the peak value is of the postprandial blood glucose level.  Many of the more popular low-carb diets, such as the South Beach Diet and the Zone Diet, allow for the consumption of carbohydrates as long as they contain a low glycemic index. 

Why the South Beach Diet is so Popular

One of the reasons these diets are so successful is that the bad carbohydrates are limited, thereby promoting optimal insulin production and functioning. Insulin processes sugars and fats in the body. When working properly under favorable conditions and when aided with a lower calorie intake, the insulin processes sugars and fats faster and more easily, which leads to weight loss.  However, when you consume carbohydrates that have a high glycemic index, insulin resistance occurs and weight loss becomes more difficult.

Unlike the Atkins Diet, which specifically restricts all carbohydrates, the South Beach Diet focuses on eating the right carbohydrates and the right fats. Cereal, pasta and bread, which are all high in fiber and have a low glycemic index are highly recommended along with brown rice, vegetables, and nuts, which are all excellent sources of fiber. However, white rice is to be avoided because of its high glycemic index. 

The 3 Stages of the South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet is broken up into three stages.  In each stage, you are allowed to eat a different set of foods and carbohydrates are introduced slowly. 

1^st Stage- During the first stage, no sugar, bread, cereal, potatoes or fruits are allowed. This phase focuses on lean meat, low fat cheeses and fish, which helps the body lose its insulin resistance, thereby promoting weight loss.  This phase lasts about two weeks. 

2^nd Stage- By the second stage, whole grains and fruits are introduced.  Geared towards a weight loss of one to two pounds a week, some carbohydrates are reintroduced, such as whole wheat pasta, fruit and sweet potatoes. 

3^rd Stage- The third stage is the maintenance phase. This is where your body has become adjusted to functioning without bad carbs and fats. While there are no foods that are specifically forbidden, the South Beach Diet will require that you use the information you have learned on good and bad carbs and fats and apply it to your lifestyle. 

You can find a lot of good recipes that can help you follow the South Beach Diet guidelines in The South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook.

One of the reasons that the South Beach Diet appears to be slightly more effective for many people as compared to the Atkins Diet is simply because it is easier to follow and allows for larger portions. There is also a wide variety of prepackaged foods that you can choose from, such as The South Beach Living Meal Replacement Bars. These dieting aids can make it a lot more convenient for those with very active lifestyles.