Foods To Enjoy On Phase 1 Of South Beach Diet

Foods to Enjoy on Phase 1 of South Beach Diet

Mar 28, 2011 | By Melanie Clatfelter

The South Beach Diet, created by cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston, was designed to help dieters make better food choices. Agatston states that this is not a low-carb or a low-fat diet plan. Instead, the diet focuses on choosing the right carbohydrates and fats for optimal weight loss. Phase one of this three-phase plan lasts two weeks and focuses on breaking the body's addiction to refined carbohydrates and returning to the natural, complex carbohydrates provided in vegetables.

Meat

Dieters on the South Beach Diet plan are encouraged to eat lean cuts of beef such as sirloin, tenderloin and top round. Poultry, like cornish hen, turkey and chicken are allowed too, just be sure to remove the skin. Dieters can enjoy all types of seafood and shellfish. Tenderloin pork and veal cutlets are also permitted during phase one.

Eggs and Dairy

The South Beach Diet does not limit the use of whole eggs during any phase. Cheeses like American, cheddar cottage cheese, feta and Parmesan should be low-fat or fat-free. String cheese is even permitted for between meal snacking. Milk should be 1 percent or skim and yogurt must be plain and fat-free.

Vegetables

Due to the carbohydrate component of some vegetables and legumes, the South Beach Diet plan limits their consumption during phase one. More vegetables are added back as the diet progresses. However, during the first two weeks of phase one, dieters can enjoy artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, eggplants, spinach and zucchini. Salad lovers can still enjoy any variety of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and snow peas.

Cooking Oils and Seasonings

During phase one, the only cooking fats allowed are canola oil and olive oil. Dieters should avoid vegetable shortening, lard and butter. Spices are not limited unless they contain sugar. Vegetable, beef and chicken broths are permitted.

Sweets

Sweets should be limited and only sugar-free treats are permitted. South Beach Dieters enjoy daily treats of sugar-free fudgsicles, gelatin or popsicles. Drinks and other treats should be sweetened with sugar substitutes.