The keto and South Beach diets promote higher intakes of fats and protein and lower intakes of carbs and sweets. However, the South Beach Diet has a different nutrient composition than the standard keto diet, is more flexible, and allows the intake of healthy carbs during its second and third phases.

The South Beach Diet was created in 1995 by cardiologist Arthur Agatston, MD, and Marie Almon, RD (1). Initially, this diet was designed to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by emphasizing balanced complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

cardiologist Arthur Agatston, M.D. Definition. The South Beach Diet is a popular commercial weight-loss diet created in 2003 by cardiologist Arthur Agatston, M.D., and first outlined in the best-selling book "The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss."

In Phase III, the individual learns to make good food choices and maintain their new weight in the long term, while enjoying all foods in moderation. Phase III is the “maintenance phase.” Now, the person should feel that they are adopting a lifestyle, rather than following a diet.

Finally, because the Keto Diet places such emphasis on low net carbs, McCormick says it's difficult to maintain long-term. “The South Beach Diet allows for flexibility to still enjoy healthier complex carbs from time to time in order to be flexible to fit your lifestyle,” says McCormick.

The South Beach Diet is a low-carbohydrate diet that aims to jump start your body's fat burning. Lean meats, eggs, fish are the staples early in the diet, and then people can introduce limited amounts of fruits and whole grains.

Pros of the South Beach System

• The South Beach Plan Is Simple.
• Low in Saturated Fats.
• Encourages Individuals To Experiment.
• Its A Healthy Diet.
• It Recommends Eating Heart-Healthy Unsaturated Fats.
• Promotes Consuming Complex Carbohydrates.
• Discourages Eating Junk Food.
• It Makes Food Cravings Cease.

Miami Beach, Florida The South Beach Diet was developed in the mid-1990s by celebrity doctor Arthur Agatston with the assistance of Marie Almon, the former chief dietitian at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida.

Although there is little research on South Beach, it does suggest the diet is an effective way to lose weight in the short term. But whether following the diet keeps the weight off long term is unproven.

Losing weight can improve many health conditions, and the South Beach Diet is flexible enough to work for people with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. But check with your doctor before starting any new diet.

Yes, coffee and tea are allowable on the program as long as they are black. These beverages will factor into your daily water intake.

Phase 1. Phase 1 lasts 14 days. It's considered the strictest phase because it limits fruit, grains and other higher-carb foods in order to decrease blood sugar and insulin levels, stabilize hunger and reduce cravings. Most people can expect to lose 8–13 pounds (3.5–6 kg) of body weight during this phase.