Dr. Arthur Agatston, a golf-loving cardiologist who's passionate about preventive medicine, designed his South Beach Diet for heart disease patients, but says it will help just about anyone lose weight, stabilize cravings and reverse risk of heart attack and stroke. His program is a three-phased approach. In each of its three phases, dieters are steered away from highly refined bad carbohydrates like white bread and white rice. Instead, South Beach encourages eating good carbohydrates, such as whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables.

Diet Fundamentals:

Phase I: First Two Weeks
• Eliminate all starches — bread, rice, potatoes, fruit and alcohol.
• Eat lots of vegetables, lean protein, low-fat and nonfat dairy, and some good fats, like olive oil.
• Forget about portions — eat until satisfied.
• Typical weight loss is significant — eight to 13 pounds on average.

Phase II: Reaching Goal Weight
• Reintroduce certain carbohydrates such as fruits, whole-grain breads and rice or pasta.
• Weight loss slows to one to two pounds per week.

Phase III: Lifestyle
• Incorporate the South Beach Diet into your lifestyle to remain at goal weight.