Our Experts Weigh In: A Keto-Friendly Approach to South Beach Diet

We all know there are a lot of diets out there. But the best diet is one that ensures you are getting adequate nutrients, helps you lose weight, and is one you can stick to. Recently, the Keto Diet has gained headlines and everyone has a friend that’s diet is now considered “keto friendly.”

The South Beach Diet vs. The Keto Diet

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According to Harvard Health, the Keto Diet was developed years ago to treat epilepsy in children, and different versions have gained traction as an effective weight loss plan.  There is no true definition of what a Keto Diet is. The South Beach Diet aligns with many of the dietary patterns made popular by the Keto Diet, and Registered Dietitian Courtney McCormick explains why: “A Keto Diet is one that restricts carbohydrates in favor or healthy fats in order to release ketones into the blood,” she says. “It’s popular because it alters your body’s metabolism to become much more efficient at burning fat for energy.”

Hmmm…does that sound like anything you’ve heard of before? Yep. South Beach Diet works the same way. But here’s the big difference: “The South Beach Diet does not believe nutritional ketosis needs to be obtained to gain the benefits of a ketogenic dietary pattern or low carb diet for weight loss and overall health and wellness,” McCormick says. Translation: The Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet may be easier to reach your goals and stay on plan.

8 Tips for Following Our Low-Carb Plan

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So will you lose weight following our keto-friendly approach to South Beach? Yes, you’ll see results quickly. And is it safe? Yes. “Low-carbohydrate diets have been shown to be safe and effective solutions for managing weight, and improving glycemic control and cardiovascular risk,” says McCormick.

Stock up on meat, poultry, fish, eggs, avocados, oils (olive, avocado, etc.) and non-starchy vegetables to create healthy meals. On South Beach, you are given the added flexibility to practice the principles of our low carb approach with DIY breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. For our full Grocery Guide, click here >

“There are a lot of great pantry foods that can help to add flavor and spice to your meals, side dishes and snacks and still be keto friendly,” says McCormick. “I recommend mustard (most do not contain carbs, except avoid honey mustard), mayonnaise made from olive or avocado oil, unsweetened nut and seed butters and spice blends.”

Staying hydrated is also vital to weight loss success. When it comes to water, we recommend drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces each day.