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South Beach Diet Q & A
Q: If I continue to stay focused on South Beach Diet Phase 2, is it safe to assume that it will take at least 5-10 more weeks to lose 10 more lbs?
Dr. Agatston: Yes. South Beach Diet Phase 2 is a slow weight-loss phase but sticking with it rather than prolonging South Beach Diet Phase 1 is important for sustaining weight loss. Studies have shown that progressive, rapid weight loss results in yo-yo dieting. The reason is that too rapid weight loss results in loss of muscle and bone mass, which slows our metabolism and makes it difficult to maintain our weight or to lose more weight.
Q: I'm losing very slowly. Is it because I'm post-menopausal? Is there anything special I can do?
Dr. Agatston: Your hormonal changes can certainly affect both fluid retention and the rates of weight loss. Your other hormonal problems such as low thyroidal levels may slow weight loss. Hormonal levels can be measured by your gynecologist. Also post-menopausal women tend to lose both muscle and bone due to lowered hormonal levels. A good exercise program including some resistance training can prevent much or all of this muscle and bone loss and can help maintain a good metabolic level.
Q: I have found that when I use artificial sweetener I end up craving sugar and carbs. Is this all in my head or is the taste triggering an insulin response in my body?
Dr. Agatston: Sugar substitutes do not cause an insulin response but if you're concerned, I would substitute other snack foods such as pistachio or macadamia nuts.
Q: I have had trouble moving on to the South Beach Diet Phase 2. Every time I do, the old cravings start kicking in again.
Dr. Agatston: There are really two approaches. One is stay on the South Beach Diet Phase 1 for another week or two because further weight loss often improves insulin and sugar metabolism, thus helping prevent the swings in blood sugar that cause craving. The other is to begin South Beach Diet Phase 2 very slowly adding just one carbohydrate at a time such as an apple for a snack. Experiment with different carbohydrates to find those that don't rekindle your cravings.
Q: I am in South Beach Diet Phase 1 of the program and am finding I have a real problem with irregularity. What will fix the irregularity?
Dr. Agatston: During South Beach Diet Phase 1 a decrease in intake of grains, i.e. fiber, may cause irregularity. Some dehydration may also be attributed. Make sure you are getting adequate fluids; also try a fiber supplement before meals such as Metamucil or Benafiber. Using the fiber supplements before meals helps bowel function and also decreases the hypoglycemic index of the meal. Gradually increase the fiber until you are regular.
Q: I would like to continue following this diet and have recently found out I am pregnant. Is the South Beach Diet safe to follow during pregnancy? My intent is not to lose weight but to stay healthy. I am taking prenatal vitamins and drinking lots of water.
Dr. Agatston: Yes, the basic principles of the South Beach Diet, eating the right (healthy) fats and the right carbs are the way men and women were meant to eat. During pregnancy you certainly should not be in the South Beach Diet Phase 1 rapid weight loss phase. But choosing low glycemic foods including whole fruits and vegetables gives you the natural vitamins that are good for you and for your baby. In particular make sure you get a lot of omega-3 (fish) oil. This is particularly important for brain development in the fetus and may help prevent post-partum depression.