The South Beach Diet Supercharged: Faster Weight Loss and Better Health for Life

Instead of repeating other reviewers, let's focus mostly on seldom-discussed details of this book. The South Beach diet centers on natural foods. Agatson contends that portion size usually takes care of itself when natural foods are eaten. He opposes the taking of supplements with the exception of fish oils (p. 314), because he doesn't believe that supplements can adequately replace the nutritive content of natural foods. Fish oil is effective at reducing the inflammatory response that is part of the metabolic syndrome. (p. 81) Agatson traces the obesity epidemic in the western world. He points to the overconsumption of refined carbohydrates and other foods with a high glycemic impact, and the increase in sedentary living. In fact, he shows that NEAT (nonexercise activity thermogenesis) has declined not only since the Industrial Revolution, but even at much more recent times, owing to such inventions as the e-mail. (p. 57) Even subtle declines in everyday activity levels add up, over time, to increased fat accumulation. He points to the irony of the fact that American children are overfed but undernourished. This causes a host of problems beyond the most obvious ones. For example, the attention span of children in schools has declined in recent years. (p. 87) As an experienced educator, I fully agree. Belly fat is the most dangerous, as it contributes to the inflammatory process that leads to cardiovascular disease, strokes, etc. Agatson shows how crude weight measurements and the BMI have been superseded by measurements of the waist-to-hip ratio. It should not exceed 0.8 in women and 0.95 in men. (p. 64) Agatson prescribes many different kinds of exercise. He also stresses interval training, pointing out the fact that this facilitates fat-burning. Also, more intense exercise gives a longer afterburn, which is the time that fat burning is still occurring at above-resting rates after the exercise session has been finished. There are numerous menu ideas presented in this book. There is also a helpful table of food substitutions (p. 242) for use in the Phase 1 of the South Beach diet. For instance, mashed potatoes can be replaced by mashed cauliflower or pureed navy beans, and potato chips can be replaced by baked zucchini chips. This book concludes with a list of references, to articles in medical journals, which the research-oriented reader can use for further study.

I started the SBD in September 2007. I've lost 55 lbs and kept it off. I pre ordered this book and couldn't wait to read it. Phase 1 is so much easier than Phase 1 in the original book. The new recipes are fabulous. I also started the 3 phase exercise program contained in this book about 3 weeks ago. Phase 1 of the exercise plan is pretty boring if you already work out. So far I am being challenged by Phase 2 and appreciate the shorter work outs! I swear by the SBD and have been lucky to have a husband that didn't need to lose weight but wanted our family to eat healthier. I was a sugar and bad carb addict but also liked to enjoy a glass or two of wine and didn't want to give the wine up. This is the perfect lifestyle to adopt and this book makes it so easy if you are willing to take the time to plan your meals ahead of time. As one last comment - on phase 1 of the diet I did not cheat AT ALL and did not weigh myself until the 2 weeks were over. I had lost 13.2 lbs and completely lost my sugar and bad carb cravings. Anyone that I know that has success with this diet truly READ the book and didn't cheat AT ALL in phase 1.

If you were ever looking for "the answer" to your weight and health issues, the South Beach Diet Supercharged is it. I was lucky enough to receive an advance look at the latest update to the South Beach program and have been "living the lifestyle" since October. What a difference it has made not only in my life, but in the lives of my entire family. For the first time in my life I actually enjoy exercising. The interval walking program has taught me ways to be physically fit without having to devote major amounts of time to it. I am able to get a good work out in as little as 30 minutes. I also have the ability to change up the intervals by using the "interval time technique" on cardio machines such as ellipticals and treadmills this always keeps my workout new and fresh. My favorite part of the exercise is the palates program. In the beginning I questioned my body's abilities. I now can't wait to see each day how much farther I can push myself. My favorite exercise is the Roll Down which is found in Phase 1. The fist time I tried it I said "You have got to be kidding"! Now, I can achieve success without any problem (Hint: roll up a towel between your legs and squeeze it as you are rolling up. In no time at all you will be able to remove the towel!) Of course, the best part of the book is the new food choices and recipes. I am a HUGE foodie. I love cookbooks, TV food shows, magazines, anything related to food. This program allows me to continue loving food in a very healthy way. The family friendly recipes in the book will please even the pickiest of pallets! My husband and children are now huge lovers of foods like barley, quinoa and kale. The book also contains easy to use charts that offer you great South Beach friendly substitutes to many everyday cooking ingredients. This program has changed my life. Not only have I lost weight (36 pounds to date), for the first time in years, I feel healthy!

I have been a fan of the South Beach diet ever since the first book came out five years ago and have lost 40 pounds and kept it off (I do have a ways to go). Needless to say, I have been anxiously waiting for Dr. Agatston to update his original book and I love this new version. I am so glad to have the expanded lists of Foods to Enjoy for Phases 1 and 2 and all the suggestions for easy one-dish meals as well as the great ideas for soups, rolls and wraps, new desserts, and healthy salad dressings. These new features alone are worth the price of the book! Oh, and another good thing. I've never worked out before because I really don't have an hour to spend, but I am looking forward trying Dr. Agatston's new 20-minute a day exercise program (I do have 20 minutes!) Thanks Dr. Agatston for truly supercharging your great diet.