South Beach Diet

Fad diets come and go, but the ones with lasting power demand our attention. The South Beach Diet is one that has gotten quite a bit of press and celebrity endorsement. Will it be around for a while or is it a flash in the pan? More importantly, is the South Beach Diet safe to go on?

One major problem with the South Beach Diet is that it is very, very strict. It is basically a low carb diet and views many carbohydrates, even good carbohydrates, as bad - especially in the first couple of weeks. The danger associated with this is that it calls for no fruit. Fruit is essential for keeping the immune system strong and the mind clear. It is also a main source of fiber for many people. Going without it for the period of time that the diet calls for can leave the body robbed of important nutrients.

Another problem is that the dramatic drop in caloric intake can leave the body's natural energy burning system, or metabolism, low. You will lose weight while you are following the diet but if you go off it, even for just a little while, your body will have a very difficult time burning off the added calories and the weight can pile on quickly. Fast weight gain is very hard on the body and can cause high blood pressure, heart problems, and many other health conditions including diabetes.

Is the South Beach Diet safe? The answer is the same as it is for almost every fad diet. No. There are simpler, safer, and even easier methods of weight loss that are extremely effective.