Food

Here's What Nutritionists REALLY Think About All the Most Popular Diets

Experts weigh in on the pros and cons of keto, Paleo, Whole30 and more

by Sharon Feiereisen | COMMENT

PHOTO 9/12

South Beach Diet (SBD) The South Beach Diet is a low-carb, high-protein, low-sugar plan that focuses on the glycemic index — how certain foods elevate blood sugar.

Pros: "As with all diets that promote eliminating simple and refined carbs, including baked goods and sugary soft drinks, a benefit is weight loss," Zembroski says. "It also increases the awareness people have on the effects of adding specific carbohydrates into their diets, allowing the identification of which foods and their quantities create cravings and it helps with sugar cravings based on the plan's different phases."

Cons: "There's no cut-off on calorie intake and without understanding an individual's metabolic rate, overconsuming calories sets the stage for increased body fat," Zembroski says. He also notes that it allows for the consumption of a large dose of dairy, including up to two full cups of milk or yogurt, and all the low-fat cheese needed to satisfy hunger, which can cause inflammation and is linked to chronic health issues.

Image via @southbeachdiet

SEE NEXT PAGE: Whole30 Diet

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