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South Beach Diet: Just another fad?

See how WebMD's expert dietitian weighs in on the popular plan, the South Beach diet.

The opinions expressed herein are the guest's alone and have not been reviewed by a WebMD physician. If you have a question about your health, you should consult your personal physician. This event is meant for informational purposes only.

Question: Is South Beach just another fad, or is it really a good diet for weight loss?

Answer: The South Beach diet is not a dangerous diet. It will most likely promote weight loss if you are able to stick to it. However, it is a rather restrictive diet. Chances are that you will have a difficult time adhering to it in the long term.

When it comes to losing weight, I recommend a reduced-calorie eating plan that you will be able to stick to. If you are following a diet that does not allow you to eat your favorite foods (in moderation, of course), chances are that you will feel deprived and will end up going off the diet.

Read the South Beach diet and see if it seems like something you could stick with. If you decide to try it, let us know how you do!

Martha McKittrick, RD, CDE, is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and certified fitness instructor who specializes in weight control, cardiovascular health, diabetes, sports, and general nutrition.

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