Five years ago with the publication of The South Beach Diet renowned Miami cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston set out to change the way America eats. Now he has an even more ambitious goal: to change the way America lives by helping Americans become fitter as well as thinner and healthier . . . for life.

In the all-new The South Beach Diet Supercharged Dr. Agatston shows you how to rev up your metabolism and lose weight faster while following the proven healthy eating principles of the original diet: choose good carbs good fats lean protein and low-fat dairy. Collaborating with Dr. Joseph Signorile a professor of exercise physiology at the University of Miami Dr. Agatston presents a cutting-edge three-phase workout that perfectly complements the three phases of the diet itself. Based on the latest exercise science this ease-into-it fitness program combines low- and high-intensity interval exercise (with a focus on walking) and functional core body-toning exercises. The result: You'll look fitter and you'll burn more fat and calories all day?even at rest.

Also included is the latest nutritional research on how specific foods high in vitamins?? minerals?? fiber?? and a host of phytonutrients help keep you healthy; new and expanded lists of Foods to Enjoy; taste-tempting Meal Plans for phases 1 and 2; and dozens of easy-to-prepare new recipes?? including Eggs Frijoles?? Chock-Full-of-Veggies Chili?? Roasted Tomato Soup?? Homestyle Turkey Meatloaf?? and South Beach Diet Tiramisu. In every chapter you'll find inspiring success stories from real-life South Beach dieters and plenty of effective weight loss tips. And as an added bonus?? Dr. Agatston answers the questions you've most often asked him about the diet since the original book was published.

There are two types of people on the South Beach Diet: those who cannot wait to start Phase 2 and those who never want to see Phase 1 end.

Why are some people so enamored with Phase 1? The reason is that it's simple and to the point. You don't have to do a lot of thinking about food choices. You're basically eating lean protein?? high-fiber legumes?? low-fat dairy?? good fats (including some nuts)?? and plenty of vegetables. Those highly processed refined carbs that were your downfall are out of sight and?? within a few days?? out of mind (at least for most people). You're encouraged to eat until you're full and snack before you get hungry. And every time you step on the scale?? you get a big grin on your face because those unwanted pounds and fat are just melting away. So it's not surprising to me that Phase 1 fans often ask?? "oing so well on Phase 1?? why do I have to move on to Phase 2?"Phase 1 is not meant to be a long-term eating plan. Its dual goals are to jump-start weight loss for people who have 10 or more pounds to lose (thus providing immediate positive reinforcement) and to control swings in blood sugar and eliminate cravings for sugar and refined starches. Phase 1 can also have a positive effect on sugar in people with pre-diabetes. In just 2 weeks you should have achieved these two goals and be ready to move on.

Once your sugar and cravings are under control there's a key reason to go on to Phase 2: we don't want you to miss out on the myriad vitamins minerals and other nutrients that come from reintroducing whole fruits and whole grains to your diet not to mention the added fiber. These foods contain thousands of phytochemicals that protect your body against a host of diseases including heart disease and cancer. If you were to continue indefinitely on Phase 1 and deny yourself these foods you would not be learning how to make good food choices in the real world. More importantly you'd be missing out on some of the best medicine nature has to offer.

In addition if you were to continue with the smaller palette of foods recommended on Phase 1 your diet would get dull over the long haul. And once you're bored you're much more likely to revert to your old eating habits. For the diet to truly become a lifestyle--one that allows you to sustain weight loss and garner all the related health benefits--there has to be variety and satisfaction in your eating plan. That's another r