I originally memorized some foods that I could always count on to be low fat and low glycemic. Over time, my wife would ask me if I could have food X or Y. Since this question always came up at the grocery store or in a restaurant, I couldn't answer her . . . because my copy of the South Beach diet was at home.

I also found that I couldn't remember very well what a portion was without constantly referring to the original book. That was frustrating too.

The South Beach Diet Good Fats Good Carbs Guide proved to be a solution to all of these problems. It has all the information I want about what foods to eat and which to avoid . . . and what a portion size is. Whew! With this guide, the South Beach Diet becomes even easier . . . and tastier too. A lot of foods that I had been avoiding are actually all right on the diet.

The size of this book will fit into almost any purse and jacket pocket. It will even fit into a hip pocket (but it won't be very comfortable to sit on).

If you've liked the South Beach diet, I suggest that you give yourself the gift of this book as well.

If you haven't tried the South Beach diet yet, I suggest that you buy both The South Beach Diet book and this one. You'll do even better, I think, if you do.

Nice job, Dr. Agatston!


Beach Diet Good Fats/Good Carbs Guide: The Complete and Easy   February 22, 2004
 25 out of 47 found this review helpful

Having read and followed the Atkins Diet for 2 months and lost 25lbs and subsequently gained 20lbs, I was looking for an alternative diet which would keep the pounds off. The theory behind both books is the same, 2weeks pain for big initial loss. The South Beach favours low-fat options,is written by a Cardiologist (OK medically!)and more rigid, with 2weeks of diet plans to follow. On the face of it this may seem a better way, but some of the menu's contain ingredients that are either very expensive, are quoted in cups or not stocked by many supermarkets ie Asparagus Tips and Ricotta cheese; whilst no recipe is given for the Vegatable fruit cocktail which is frequently recommended for breakfast. Neither diet include fruit during the inital 2 week period although Atkins does allow Rhubarb! Both authors suggest Phyllisum husks or Fybrogel to aid digestion and help prevent constipation.

After searching for The South Beach ingredients to start the diet, I can't bring myself to begin the pain. Personally I prefer the freedom of Atkins!


A handy guide   February 3, 2004
 20 out of 21 found this review helpful

If you've already read the original South Beach diet book, this is a useful guide to help you choose your good carbohydrates and fats, with pretty comprehensive listings of foods.
If you've yet to discover the good doctor's first book, this is a simple introduction.


very disappointing   February 3, 2004
 51 out of 52 found this review helpful

Having enjoyed the first main book I thought this would be a useful supplement - however, it spends far too much of its slim pages telling you what you can't eat in an increasingly annoying fashion instead of telling you what you can incorporate into the diet.

Anyone with an ounce of sense would know that a doughnut was off limits - there is no need to then list 6 other kinds of doughnuts and confirm the blindingly obvious fact that you can't eat those either. It makes much of the GI index at the beginning and then doesn't even give us the ratings for the foods that are listed. This is very very poor indeed.