south beach diet scam?

I have heard from different people that the south beach diet is bad for you and I was just wondering if anyone hear had used it or is thinking about using it?

I read an article that said that it could be bad for you due to lack of proper nutrition.

Click to read article

Hi Sammi and welcome to the Diet forums. I went and had a look at the article and near the end it does say “I’m not going to say that this diet doesn’t work or that its a “scam”“. However, I’ve not tried this diet, because it tends to deal with counting carbs and I’m more the calorie counting type. Low carb diets tend to cut out more of the foods I eat, so for me it’s better to try a lower calorie diet which can be based on your height, etc.

Here’s a link to more articles on the South Beach Diet. The diet does work if you stick to it.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I hope to see you around on the boards! Welcome.

Donna

I’ve never tried the South Beach diet, but I know that low carb eating plans don’t work for me. I just like rice and breads and refuse to give them up. I do make an effort to eat brown rice and whole grain breads instead of refined white carbs, but on the rare occasions I go out to dinner, I do take a piece of bread out of the bread basket.

I’ve read the South Beach Diet book and followed the diet for a short period of time. Like most diets, it works for some. It didn’t work well for me. I don’t think it’s a “scam”.  Most diets that call for restricted calories, or counting anything, at least limit caloric intake enough to help followers lose weight.  And, when people begin counting calories and writing down what they eat, the awareness alone is often enough to help them lose weight. It’s amazing how putting pen to paper and logging food intake makes you suddenly realize you are eating enough for two (I speak for myself here).  Anyway, I don’t think South Beach is a scam, but perhaps it isn’t right for some people.

I agree with Del, that a low carb diet doesn’t work for me. Not that it couldn’t, but it’s not in my makeups to give up carbs. I read that the South Beach Diet is an adaptation of the Atkins Diet, but that allows more foods. I started reading the book, but didn’t finish so I can’t give an expert opinion.

Donna

I never thought much about it, but you could be righit - it might be an adaptation of the Atkins Diet. There is definitely more leeway in terms of carbs, with more of a focus on the quality of the carbs. I think any diet book or program can work for a short period of time. It’s working over the long haul that’s challenging!

The South Beach Diet is not a low carb diet. The diet does not require counting carbs at all. Even in the first stage of the diet, which is the most restrictive, you can eat most vegetables. After the first two weeks, it’s fine to add back in relatively low glycemic fruits and healthy whole grains. It’s not intended to be a quick fix program, but rather a healthier way of eating. It does work for me, because it helps me make wise food choices while still getting plenty of the healthy carbs that anyone’s body needs to function properly. While it may not be the best option for everyone, it is certainly not a scam and not low carb.