It’s the hottest, most talked about beach since the French Riviera. Ironically, it has absolutely nothing to do with sunbathing, swimming or sand, but everything to do with giving your diet the ultimate makeover. Created by Dr. Arthur Agatston, the South Beach Diet has become one of the most popular weight-loss programs in the industry over the last few years.

For those people who’ve struggled to lose weight and have yet to achieve success, the South Beach Diet offers a glimmer of hope. The kindler, gentler version of other, more restrictive low-carb diets, Dr. Agatston’s program offers a balanced mix of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, olive oil and canola oil, and lean proteins such as chicken, fish and turkey. By eliminating unhealthy carbohydrates, it prevents the body from experiencing blood sugar spikes and lulls. Unlike Atkins, the South Beach Diet restricts saturated fats, which have been linked to heart disease, high cholesterol and other health concerns.

Divided into three phases, the first two weeks eliminate bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, baked goods and fruit. Sugars are eradicated. Instead you’ll consume three balanced meals, along with snacks, largely made up of lean meats, fish, eggs, reduced-fat cheese, nuts, beans and vegetables. Expect to lose between 8 to 13 pounds and your belly fat during Phase 1.

As you move into Phase 2, you’ll welcome fruit and whole-grain breads and pastas back into your diet. But you’ll do it gradually. Pick one carbohydrate and add it to one meal a day for an entire week. After a few days, if you don’t notice any negative effects, bring another carbohydrate into the mix. Repeat the process until you can successfully consume two to three healthy carbs a day. Remain in Phase 2 until you reach your goal weight.

Phase 3 is the maintenance phase where you continue to put what you’ve learned to use. Feel free to try new dishes and ingredients. With recipes like baked sweet potato fries, peanut butter and jelly cookies, warm beef salad, baked barbecue chicken and roasted eggplant with lemon and olive oil, you won’t have to worry about feeling deprived.

Interested in finding out more about this particular diet?  The meal plans, recipes, and exercises are available online now.  Check it out now at www.southbeachdiet.com.