Three phases make up the eating plan of the South Beach Diet, according to South Beach Diet.com. Phase 1 of the South Beach diet lasts for two weeks and the strictest of the three. Phase 1 may be the toughest part of the eating plan to get through, but this phase introduces healthy foods and snacks into your diet.
Vegetables
During Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet, you are required to consume a minimum of 41/2 cups of vegetables per day, according to South Beach Diet Plan.com. The vegetables can be raw, cooked or even canned -- as long as the label does not show any added sugar. You can choose leafy vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce and spinach. Adding mushrooms, beans or radishes to a salad can spice up the taste while allowing you to consume several options from the food list of Phase 1 for variety. Snow peas, asparagus squash and eggplant are delicious options for sides when preparing a meal during the first two weeks of the South Beach Diet.
Protein
You can eat lean protein for each meal during Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. You can choose from chicken, lamb, veal, beef and turkey bacon. Any type of fish or shellfish is also acceptable in Phase 1, as is low-fat or fat free lunch meat. None of the protein may be fried. Vegetarians can substitute soft or low-fat tofu for any of the meats. Eggs and fat-free or low-fat cheeses are also an option. Nuts are limited to one serving a day--dry roasted preferred--and you can enjoy almonds, cashews, macadamia, pecans, walnuts, pistachios and regular peanuts.
Snacks
Snacks are allowed on Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet, with a limit of 75 calories per day. Sugar free candies, fudge pops, gelatin, and popsicles are all snacks that you can eat during the first phase of the diet. You can also eat protein-rich snacks, such as nuts or string cheese. Combining other foods allowed during Phase 1 to make snacks gives you a healthy option when you want a treat. For example, wrapping a piece of lettuce around a piece of fat-free lunch meat, combining a slice of tomato with a piece of mozzarella cheese and olive oil or eating celery with a cream cheese substitute are all options for snacks during Phase 1.
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