Dr. Arthur Agatston:
Dr. Lisa's Interview

Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, September 3 and December 10, 2005
Show 223

"Tell us how your book came about?" asks Dr. Lisa.

"There was a lot of new information on good fats and good carbs and I developed a diet for overweight heart patients. This went from research and clinical trial to the public realm," say Dr. Arthur Agatston, cardiologist and noted author of The South Beach Diet.

"Since 2003, your book has sold more than eight million copies," says Dr. Lisa.

"The book shows that it's important to focus on the right carbs, which are nutrient dense, not low carbs. Nutrient-rich carbs such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains have a lot of fiber and antioxidants, which are healthy and promote weight loss," says Dr. Agatston.

"The government's new guidelines are like the South Beach Diet," says Dr. Lisa.

"There is a growing consensus about eating healthy. The challenge is application. We just partnered with Kraft to come out with frozen "South Beach" meals to make fast, convenient foods healthy. We are overfed and undernourished. We need to eat carbs and fats rich in antioxidants that prevent cancer, heart disease and chronic illnesses," says Dr. Agatston.