Like most other low-carb diets, the South Beach Diet is divided into three phases:
· Phase One (14 days), an initial phase during which carbs are particularly restricted;
· Phase Two during which you may slowly add back carbs that are higher on the glycemic index;
· Phase Three, beginning when you have reached your ideal weight, which is a long term weight maintenance plan.

In simple terms, the South Beach Diet is different from other low-carb diet programs because it emphasises the different types of carbs to be consumed, rather than quantities.

However, like many other low-carb plans, greater importance seems to be given to carbs than calories.