WHAT IT IS A three-phase plan that has been likened to the low-carbohydrate Atkins program
because during the first two weeks, South Beach eliminates most carbs, including bread, pasta,
potatoes, fruit and most dairy products. In PHASE 2, healthy carbs, including most fruits, whole
grains and dairy products are gradually reintroduced, but processed carbs such as bagels,
cookies, cornflakes, regular pasta and rice cakes remain on the list of foods to avoid or eat rarely.
Ditto for carrots, corn, bananas, raisins, pineapple, fruit juice and watermelon. This phase lasts
until the weight goal is reached. In Phase 3, adherents are urged to stick mostly with the same
foods as in PHASE 2. Agatston notes, however, that lapses are inevitable and dieters may need
to "switch back to PHASE 1 for a week or two" when they overindulge and regain weight.
HOW IT STACKS UP Calories aren't counted, but based on serving sizes and ingredients
provided in sample menus and recipes, intake in all phases runs about 1,200 to 1,400 calories
daily, provided that you eat reasonable portions. This calorie level should produce weight loss of
about a pound per week. Fat -- much of it healthful fat from salmon and olive oil -- provides 40
to 50 percent of calories, higher than the 30 percent or less targeted by low-fat diets and groups
such as the American Heart Association. According to the Healthy Eating Index, South Beach
PHASE 1 could fall short on fruit and grains for women and men, and may have too much
saturated fat, but it appears to hit the mark on milk, vegetables, meat, cholesterol and variety.
PHASE 2 may still skimp on grains and some dairy products and may have too much cholesterol
because of eggs. But for women especially, it appears to score well on vegetables, fruit, meat,
saturated fat, sodium and variety. Men may need more vegetables