South Beach Diet The South Beach diet is a diet plan started by cardiologist Arthur Agatston for his cardiac patients and is based upon his study of scientific dieting research.

consumption of so-called "bad carbohydrates", those with a high glycemic index, creates an insulin resistance syndrome and diminishes the body's ability to properly process fat or sugar.

Arthur Agatston also believesthat excess consumption of "bad fats", such as saturated fat and trans fat, contributes to an increase in cardiovascular disease.

The diet has three phases.

Phase I: avoid high-glycemic carbohydrates, such as sugar, candy, bread, potatoes, fruit, cereals, and grains

Phase II: Whole grain foods, fruits and dairy products are gradually returned to the diet, although in smaller amounts than were likely eaten before beginning the diet

Phase III: a maintenance phase, the diet expands to include three servings of whole grains and three servings of fruit a day.