The South Beach Diet is just one of many popular weight-loss programs. This particular diet is broken down into three stages. The first stage lasts for about two weeks and is designed to help the body fight cravings and jump-start weight loss. The second stage is during the weight-loss phase and teaches healthy eating habits. The third stage is entered when the weight-loss goal is reached and it is followed for life to help maintain the weight loss. During each phase, there are acceptable foods to eat while on the South Beach Diet.
Seafood and Vegetables
During the first stage of the program, the goal is to curb cravings for sweets and processed foods. For the first two weeks, the focus is on eating lean proteins such as fish, lean meats or vegetarian meat substitutes, low-fat dairy products, and plenty of vegetables, claims the South Beach Diet website.
This is combined with eating healthier fats. If canned or frozen vegetables are used, they need to be low in sugar and salt, so it is important to read nutrition labels carefully. High-starch vegetables such as beets, carrots, corn and potatoes are not allowed during the first two weeks. Breads, baked goods, pasta and all forms of alcohol are also not on the list during phase one.
Whole Wheat and Multigrain Foods
During the second phase of this diet, the goal is to learn how to add in healthy carbs, which are carbs that have a low glycemic index, according to MayoClinic.com. Along with phase one foods, the diet can now include multigrain, oat, bran, rye and whole-wheat products as well as some red wine. The starchy vegetables and white, processed or refined carbs are not allowed.
Proponents of this diet claim that low glycemic foods help to prevent sharp increases in blood sugar, which can contribute to diabetes and may spike feelings of hunger. However, carbs only make up about 27 percent of the daily calories, which is considered low, and this type of diet may be hard to follow long term.
Snacks and Desserts
During phase three, the same foods are eaten as in phase two, but according to the South Beach website, at this stage the plan does not actually ban any foods. However, it is still important to watch fat intake and calories to avoid weight regain and diseases related to unhealthy eating habits.
South Beach sells packaged deserts and offers many recipes for healthy desserts including chocolate pie, chocolate fondue, nut and fruit mixes, and green tree truffles that can be enjoyed in moderation. Processed foods should still be limited but can be enjoyed occasionally. The goal of this phase is to stay at a healthy weight, so if a few pounds creep on it is important to go back to stage two until returning to a healthy weight.
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