The Mediterranean Diet plan and the South Beach Diet plan are two of the most popular diet plans on the market today. These two diets feature a wide variety of differences as well as some similarities. In order to determine which diet plan is right for you consider the following detailed comparison.
Mediterranean Diet Explained
The Mediterranean Diet is often called “The Healthiest Diet in the World” because of its healthy weight loss benefits. Just as the name implies, the Mediterranean Diet has been enjoyed by people who live in the Mediterranean region, particularly Italy and Greece, for thousands of years. However, it is only recently that the Mediterranean diet has gained popularity in American.
The Mediterranean diet is a diet low in saturated fat with healthy mono-unsaturated fats being provided through fish, nuts and olive oil. The Mediterranean diet features foods such as:
- dried and fresh fruit such as apricots, melons, apples and oranges
- vegetables such as arugula, celery, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, mushrooms, etc…
- whole grains
- salmon, turkey, lamb, and tuna but almost no red meat
- a small amount of wine
The Mediterranean Diet is the most studied diet in the world. Study after study has proven that The Mediterranean Diet is effective in preventing gallstones, breast cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The Mediterranean diet is inherently a high fiber, high carbohydrates diet that helps dieters and health conscious individuals achieve their weight loss goals through portion control and the consumption of low glycemic index carbohydrates.
The Mediterranean Diet is right for you if:
- You are willing to make a lifelong commitment to learning proper portion control
- You enjoy discovering and preparing new recipes
South Beach Diet Explained
The South Beach Diet is a newer, low-carb, high protein diet where carbohydrates are prohibited during the first phase of the plan, and then are slowly introduced back into the diet after two weeks.
The South Beach Diet features three phases all together, with the third being for maintenance. The focus is on lean sources of protein such as chicken, turkey, shellfish, and fish as well as nuts, eggs, and low-fat cheese.
The South Beach Diet’s benefits include fast weight loss and a long-term balanced diet plan to help with weight maintenance. However, the potential long-term health benefits or health hazards of this diet have not yet been thoroughly studied.
The South Beach Diet is right for you if:
- You don’t mind following a very strict diet plan in order to lose weight fast
- You are not vegetarian
- You do not have diabetes or kidney disease. High protein diets are generally not recommended for diabetics and people with kidney disease because of the extra strain these diets place on the kidneys
How The Mediterranean Diet Compares To The South Beach Diet
The similarities of these two diets include:
- Restaurant quality meals
- Both diets provide an avenue for fast weight loss
- Both diets feature a plan for lifetime weight loss maintenance
How The Mediterranean Diet Differs From The South Beach Diet
- With The Mediterranean Diet, alcohol, especially wine, is allowed in moderation.
- Alcohol is prohibited in the first phase of the South Beach Diet.
- The Mediterranean Diet is high in fiber while the South Beach Diet is extremely low in fiber during its initial two phases.
- Portion control is the main focus of The Mediterranean Diet.
- The South Beach Diet restricts what is eaten by prohibiting certain fruits and vegetables.
- The South Beach Diet has only been around a few years.
- The Mediterranean Diet has been around for thousands of years.
- Studies have shown that those eating a Mediterranean Diet have less risk of major diseases and can even increase longevity.
- The long term effects of The South Beach Diet have not been studied, yet.
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February 4, 2012 at 2:07 PM
We believe that we should all joint forces to promote the mediterranean diet. Please check out site http://www.mediterraneandietforall.com to see that we mean it.
February 4, 2012 at 3:06 PM
Great blog! Thx for sharing
February 7, 2012 at 1:38 PM
Pauline,
Nice comparison of the diets. The other important factor that makes the Mediterranean diet work is the lifestyle of the people living in the Mediterranean countries, where they walk quite a bit and they have regular habits for meals. As a friend of mine said, “There is a time and a place to eat.” The factor of the eating habits of this diet should also be considered.
February 7, 2012 at 1:47 PM
What a great point to make Mireya!