The benefits of this diet are that it claims to be an effective weight loss program, as well as showing good results when treating heart and cardiovascular patients. Some of the disadvantages that some dieters have found include that it is quite strict and it demands that a dieter keep close watch as to the type of carbs that they consume. They are supposed to know how to detect “good carbohydrates.” This is what leads to the weight loss while following this program. It claims, that if followed carefully, a dieter will see good results. There have been criticisms regarding the South Beach Diet because it does not involve calorie-counting, but instead focuses on the appropriate levels of fiber and fats that are needed to make a dieter feel satisfied. 

The diet plan is comprised of three phases, but the most important phases are the first and the second. Phase One is referred to as the Induction. During this phase, most carbohydrates, including all starchy carbs are completely eliminated from the diet. This place should not exceed 2-3 weeks. Many claim that this phase causes the most weight loss, usually between 8-13 pounds. Phase 2 reintroduces whole carbohydrates into the diet, as well as good fats and lean proteins. This phase includes the education of choosing good foods and how a person can satisfy hunger.

There have been many people who have tried the South Beach Diet. Below you will find comments and testimonials that can found on a diet blog on the website: www.diet-blog.com/cgi-bin/mt-tb.cgi/2168 :

1) “I started the South Beach Diet in January and have had excellent results (70 pounds lost). I too questioned the reasoning behind Phase 1 and I've decided it's not really a biological necessity, just a psychological one. When you lose a lot of weight the first two weeks, the immediate positive reinforcement makes you want to stick with the diet. Without that, I bet more people would quit. Phase 1 also serves as a good starting point from which you slowly start adding in more carbs until you figure out exactly how many you can have and still lose weight. As for Phase 3, I too don't see how it's different from Phase 2. Really, I think the core of the diet is Phase 2.

2) “The South Beach Diet is not the only diet with an "induction" phase. I think you're right - it's psychological, and also about sales. "Lose 8-13 pounds in the first 2 weeks" is not a false boast. The massive drop in carbs allows this to happen.”

3) “I've tried a lot of other diets, and this one seems to be one of the most responsible when it comes to encouraging good nutrition and maintaining your health after reaching your goal. Going on SBD has actually encouraged me to eat a lot better. There are more healthy vegetables and more balanced nutrition in my eating habits now than there used to be.”

4) “I tried doing a vegetarian version of the South Beach diet (with fish occasionally). I had lots of egg whites, low-fat cheeses and low-carb meat substitutes as well as some fish and lots of green vegetables. After two days on phase 1, I was so ill that I had to stop. I had constant indigestion, terrible gas, constipation, stomachaches and nausea after meals, excessive bloating and very low energy (my mind didn't feel as sharp as usual and I could hardly make it to my normal workouts).

5) “I don't know how people survive healthily on this diet. I've never felt less healthy and I'm switching back to a commonsense low-fat, higher protein, carb-based diet immediately (20-20-60).”

6) “I started Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet a few days ago - the first and second days I was VERY hungry - I didn't plan well for lunch. There really is quite a bit of prep work it seems. Anyway, I learned from my mistakes and have been bringing more food to work, so I am not quite as hungry and I feel better.

I am also a vegetarian and would like to have access to the info on the SBD website without having to pay for it - it's really too bad that there isn't a SBD book dedicated to this. Thank goodness I eat fish occasionally. I also have fibromyalgia, and I immediately noticed a change in how I felt once I eliminated "bad" carbs from my diet. I feel much better, have mroe energy, and I am not nearly as uncomfortable physically due to fibromyalgia as I was prior to starting SBD.”