Weight loss is an important goal for many Americans -- according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," more than a third of all adults in the United States are obese. The South Beach diet emerged in 2003 as an alternative to low-calorie and low-fat diets. This diet is designed to limit carbohydrates, particularly simple carbohydrates that the body quickly converts to glucose and stores as fat. Vegetables are important components of the South Beach diet, because they provide dietary fiber and nutrients to support optimal health during weight loss.
Celery
Celery is allowed during all phases of the South Beach Diet, including the restrictive induction phase, according to Dr. Arthur Agatston, author of "The South Beach Diet." This vegetable contains only 19 calories per cup. It is an abundant source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, potassium and vitamin C. It also contains B vitamins, which are important for protecting the nervous system during weight loss. Celery is primarily made of water, which aids in cellular hydration.
Cucumbers
Like celery, cucumbers are mostly water, which can improve hydration and help your stomach feel full more quickly. Cucumbers are low in calories -- a 1-cup serving of fresh cucumbers contains 13 calories, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website. This vegetable also contains dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and vitamin A. Cucumbers are appropriate for all phases of the South Beach diet, according to the South Beach Diet Plan website.
Broccoli
Broccoli is permissible during all phases of the South Beach diet, according to Dr. Agatston. This vegetable is an abundant source of vitamin C, which may help your body maintain immune system health, and vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting, according to The World's Healthiest Foods website. A 1-cup serving of broccoli also provides more than 20 percent of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber, which expands in your stomach and helps you feel full more quickly.
Other Vegetables
Enjoy numerous other vegetables while following the South Beach diet, according to the South Beach Diet Plan website. These include artichokes, tomatoes, asparagus, eggplant, mushrooms, okra, zucchini and spinach.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "The South Beach Diet"; Arthur Agatston, M.D.; 2003
- South Beach Diet Plan: South Beach Diet Phase 1
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Cucumbers
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Broccoli
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