How lucky would you feel if you can suddenly fit into your jeans from your college? Well, this might sound like an impossible thing right now. But, many people have experienced similar things by following the South Beach Diet!
Though it is widely popular among weight-loss aspirants, it comes with some drawbacks too. And the most common complaint is the south beach diet headache.
Before we dig into the three different phases of this diet, let’s look at the reasons behind that diet-related headache.
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Reasons Behind South Beach Diet Headache
Naturally, our body requires food as its fuel. If the body faces a lack of food while maintaining a diet plan improperly, it will start revolting. Headache is one of the first signs of such revolt.
So, what causes the headache when you are following the south beach diet for a beach body?
Dehydration
Loss of fluid due to the breakdown of fat can result in dehydration. It is an irritating feeling accompanied by pulsating ache. This ache will increase with any physical activity.
Rapid Weight loss
Rapid weight loss can cause south beach diet headaches for some people. Be gentle on your body and eat what your body genuinely requires. Let’s not stop taking the essential foods to expedite weight loss.
Hypoglycemia
This is the situation when blood sugar falls beyond usual. Our body needs glucose as a source of energy. But, the south beach diet reduces its intake by cutting down fruit and sugar consumption.
This hypoglycemia will create headaches, and dizziness can accompany and worsen it.
Caffeine Withdrawal
For me, coffee is like oxygen! And it may be true for you too. So, it will be hard for coffee lovers like you to reduce the caffeine intake. Unfortunately, the south beach diet recommends doing so.
This coffee cut can result in a severe south beach diet headache, especially in phase 1 (I will be there, I promise). But, this will go away in phase 2, when your body starts coping up with the caffeine cut.
Lack of Low-Glycemic Carbs
Like caffeine, the south beach diet suggests cutting down simple carbs. Simple, aka low-glycemic carbs, are the primary source of carbohydrates during this time. And lack of it will make the body feel tired that will cause headaches.
Phases of the South Beach Diet
South beach diet comes with three phases, and I promised you to discuss them. So without making further ado, let’s get an idea about them.
Phase 1
This south beach diet phase 1 is designed in a way that will cut your long habit of having sugar and starch. You need to avoid all kinds of carbs and sugar.
Pasta, rice, bread, and all carbs are a big NO.
Only high-fiber vegetables and lean proteins are on the list of foods included in this phase. You can also add seafood, nuts, and avocados.
Unfortunately, most people give up at this stage due to its strict food routine. I know you always stand alone and will definitely move to the next step.
Phase 2
Phase 2 starts when you add back some of the food you had cut off. You can begin taking whole-grain bread, brown rice, and fruits.
This phase is like a breath of fresh air after completing the “vicious” phase 1. Stay in phase 2 until you reach the goal weight. And that infamous south beach diet headache will be gone in this stage.
Phase 3
This is the phase where you have already reached your goal. Now it’s all about maintaining the weight. Eat everything in moderation once you get this point.
It is simply the continuation of everything you have learned in phases 1 and 2. All you have to do is to continue the habits to stay healthy.
Pros and Cons of South Beach Diet
Diets are not just a way of losing weight. It is also a plan of living a healthy life. Proper nourishment, adequate exercise, and maintaining weight are what make a diet effective.
However, not all aspects of a diet are suitable for the body. Along with making you lean and strong, it can cause some severe health issues.
Secret Weight Loss of Jessie James Decker by South Beach Diet
South Beach Diet Benefits
Leta take a look at some of the most prominent benefits of south beach headache. You can make a significant change in your lifestyle while utilizing these benefits.
Low Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are bad for your arteries. It can build high cholesterol levels and can result in heart diseases and strokes.
The south beach diet is low in saturated but high in healthy fats. This promotes good nourishment in the body.
Simple and Easy to Follow
The diet includes lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. One can opt for their choice of protein and unsaturated fats.
It is simple as you do not have to measure or count calories. Just select the food from the list and have it. At least there will be no south beach diet headache while selecting the food.
Reduces Risks of Heart Disease
It is a heart-healthy diet. There is barely any unhealthy option to eat.
The south beach diet reduces the risks of high cholesterol and heart attacks. One can even shrink the risk of diabetes through this diet.
Discourages Starvation
Many people maintain a diet with starvation (intermittent fasting is a different issue). This leads them to constantly craving for more food. But, the scenario is different in the south beach diet.
This diet ensures a good amount of fulfilling food. You can always have south beach diet snacks to help diminishing hunger. It also allows occasional indulgences. How cool is that?
Promotes Eating Complex Carbs
Complex carbohydrates are essential for a healthy gut. They help in digestion and proper excretion. And the insulin level also comes under control due to this.
The south beach diet helps avoid simple carbs, so the tummy is full for a long time. It prevents frequent snacking and weight gain.
South Beach Diet Disadvantages
The diet plan also comes with a few drawbacks too. Unless you are fully aware of them, things can go wrong. So, learn all the details before you initiate the diet plan.
Initial Restrictive Phase
The south beach diet phase 1 is rigorous. It restricts us from having a lot of food. This can last up to 4 weeks and requires great determination to follow.
This restrictive first phase is hard to cope-up with. Many people fail to stick to the diet just because of this strict phase.
Ketosis Risk
The risk of kick-starting ketosis is exceptionally high in phase 1 as no fruit is included at this time.
Fruits are an essential source of vitamins, fiber, and nutrients like glucose. Without glucose, the body can start ketosis. This results in a south beach diet headache, dizziness, mental fatigue, etc.
How Much Sugar Will Kick You Out of Ketosis?
Health Risks
Health risks do not exclude this diet either. Rapid weight loss can be the cause of severe health issues. So, one must be careful before hopping into the train of weight loss programs.
Doctors and professionals always suggest losing body weight according to BMI. Losing an insane amount of weight in a short period may sound heroic but is unhealthy. Lack of vitamins and minerals in phase 1 can cause severe other immunity problems too.
Lack of Diet Structure
The south beach diet does not have a definite diet and meal structure. Individuals take food according to their wishes. Besides, there is no calorie counting or food measurement.
It is also a confusing process as there is no meal plan for the south beach diet. It can lead someone into eating way too much or way too little. And for the newbies, this diet can be a hell of a job to maintain.
Recipes for South Beach Diet
Like your typical meal routine, the south beach diet includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some prefer snacking in the middle of these meals.
No specific south beach diet list of foods or measurements is there. But, to avoid headaches, it is crucial to have food properly. Let us quickly check some meal ideas that one can try in this diet!
- You can have grilled or smoked salmon. Salmon is an excellent source of protein and healthy Omega 3 fat.
- Include eggs in your meal. Omelet, boiled, or just the way you like to have them!
- Baked ham and stir-fried spinach will fulfill your need for protein and fiber.
- Scallops or shrimps sauteed with vegetables is a great meal.
- For dessert, you can try cheesecake without sugar. Espresso custard or ricotta cheesecake will meet your dessert cravings.
- Have almonds, sesame seeds, or roasted chickpeas as your snacks. Include tea or coffee if you want some caffeine.
Besides these, hydrate yourself with enough water. This will save you from constipation or that notorious diet-related headache.
FAQ
What is the South Beach Diet?
South beach diet is a commercial name for a weight loss process. It is named after the town of South Beach in Miami, Florida. It was Cardiologist Arthur Agatston who introduced this popular diet in 2003.
It promotes the inclusion of healthy fats and lean protein in the diet. You will find the diet preaches the importance of complex carbohydrates. However, it is not entirely a strict low-carb diet. According to the south beach diet definition, one might find it similar to the keto diet.
Can the South Beach Diet Cause Headaches?
The south beach diet is usually a safe way of losing weight. But, it also has some adverse side effects, and headache is one of the most common ones.
Nausea, fatigue, and dizziness are other side effects you may face. These side effects are the product of strict restriction of carbohydrates resulting in ketosis. One should limit the intake of carbohydrates but not cut off totally.
Try to take complex carbohydrates in a limited amount. This will help to prevent your body from going to ketosis.
Who Introduced the South Beach Diet?
Before you opt for a diet, you should know the person behind it! Not everyone is qualified enough to start a diet notion.
The south beach diet is the brainchild of famous Cardiologist Arthur Agatston. He created it in 2003 to help overweight, diabetic, and pre-diabetic individuals. He has discussed this in his best-selling book, “The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss.”
The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss.
This diet is packed with lean protein and seafood. It is both healthy and tasty. Cutting out the carbohydrate plays the most crucial role here.
This diet helps to reduce weight and shrinks the possibility of heart diseases. The low carbs, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats serve the purpose.
What are the Dangers of the South Beach Diet?
The south beach diet has some risks associated with it. Fluid loss due to fat breakdown can result in fatigue and muscle cramp.
Add some extra salt to food if you engage in vigorous exercise. Stay hydrated to avoid cramps, fatigue, and that notorious headache.
Low blood sugar is another side effect of the south beach diet. This can cause irritability. Besides this, one can face nausea, mental fatigue, and bad breath.
What Should Be Included Into the South Beach Diet List of Foods?
The south beach diet is divided into three phases. Each of them has some addition and subtraction of ingredients.
A typical day of phase 1 includes eggs, salmon, and hams in breakfast. One can also have spinach and a cup of tea or coffee.
Different non-starchy vegetables, scallops, or prawns are a source of good protein. Roasted chickpeas work as great snack items. Finally, one can have a ricotta cheesecake as dessert.
Conclusion
A diet plan is something that is getting popular every day. When hectic schedules, junk food habits are making lives miserable, only a balanced diet can bring life on track. You can try the famous south beach plan for losing weight and staying healthy.
One can get rid of the south beach diet headache by following the proper instructions. Stay hydrated and take the necessary amount of carbohydrates. With this, you can lose weight without suffering from headaches or dizziness.
