The South Beach diet was developed by a cardiologist, Arthur Agatston, practicing in the Miami, Florida area. This way of eating is frequently confusingly compared to the Atkins diet, which is a low-carbohydrate diet, while the South Beach Diet emphasizes so-called "good carbohydrates", mainly ones that are high in fiber or nutrition, and typically low in glycemic index. The South Beach diet was developed for cardiac patients to lose weight without risking ketosis.
In the initial phase, lasting a few weeks, dieters severely restrict intake of carbohydrates by eating no Cereals or fruits. After this phase, grain-based foods and fruits are gradually returned to the diet, although in smaller amounts than were likely eaten before beginning the diet, and with a concentration on foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains instead of refined flour. The more strict initial phase may be reinstituted at any time to speed weight loss, but should not be undertaken long enough to induce ketosis.
The diet also emphasizes the difference between good and bad carbohydrates, combinations of foods, and good and bad fats. Good carbohydrates have a low glycemic index, that is, they are digested and absorbed slowly. Eating fiber or fat with carbohydrates will slow their digestion. Good fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Saturated and trans fats are bad.
The diet is inaccurate when it fearmongers about ketosis. Ketosis is necessary for the loss of body fat, usually during the long overnight fast known as sleep. Perhaps the diet is refering to ketoneuria, the presence of ketones in the urine which is encouraged in the Atkin's diet, which also does not represent a risk.
