The South Beach low carb diet is a weight loss plan in three phases. The idea of the South Beach low carb diet is to teach people which carbs are good and which carbs are bad. Yes, there really is a difference.

I always used to think that carbohydrates were fattening and that was that but actually that's not true. It is a fact that biscuits (cookies) and cakes are the worst sort of carbs to eat because not only are they fattening but they don't offer much nutritional value either. Sugary foods are quickly absorbed and therefore raise the blood sugar fast, the down side being that it drops again quickly resulting in hunger.

The South Beach low carb diet teaches that there are good carbohydrates which are known as "complex". You'll find them in brown bread, rice and pasta, potatoes (not fried or swimming in butter) and some fruits such as avocado.

You'll have to be brave to go on the South Beach low carb diet because in Phase One, you can't eat any carbs at all. That means you can't even eat carrots, which normally would be considered to be a really healthy snack but you can eat some fats such as olive oil.

In Phase Two, you'll be allowed some good carbs like unsweetened cereal and wholemeal bread. You carry on with this phase until you've reached your weight loss goal. This phase is meant to retrain your appetite and taste buds so that you don't want to eat desserts and sweets but find fruit much more satisfying.

Phase Three of the South Beach low carb diet is for maintenance when you've reached your ideal weight. Occasional, previously forbidden treats are now allowed if you still crave them but the idea is that you don't put on weight ever again.

If you can get through Phase One of this diet then the rest is a walk in the park and it certainly is a very healthy diet plan.