What Foods Can You Eat On The South Beach Diet?

The South Beach diet, promoted by Dr. Arthur Agatston, may appeal to you if you want to shed extra pounds, but do not want to count calories or restrict your food intake. This diet focuses on reducing carbohydrates while increasing consumption of lean proteins. Numerous types of food are appropriate for all phases of the South Beach diet.

Lean Meats

Lean meats are staples of the South Beach diet, according to Dr. Arthur Agatston author of "The South Beach Diet." This includes skinless white meat chicken and skinless turkey. It also includes lean cuts of beef, such as top round, extra lean ground beef and tenderloin, as well as pork cuts like boiled ham, pork tenderloin and Canadian bacon. You can also enjoy all types of fish on the South Beach diet.

Vegetables

You can eat almost all types of vegetables on all phases of the South Beach diet, including dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, broccoli, eggplant, tomatoes, squash and artichokes. A few vegetables, including yams, potatoes, corn and carrots, are not permitted during the initial two-week phase of this diet, according to the South Beach Diet Plan website.

Beans

According to Dr. Agatston, beans are abundant sources of lean protein, and are allowed during all phases of the South Beach diet. These foods include butter beans, chickpeas, black beans, soy beans and green beans. These protein-rich foods help make it possible for vegetarians to adhere to the South Beach diet without losing energy or muscle mass.

Dairy Products

According to the South Beach Diet Plan website, low-fat and fat-free dairy products are appropriate for all phases. These products include string cheese, 1-percent or fat-free milk, and fat-free or low-fat provolone, mozzarella, feta, American and cheddar cheeses. You can also enjoy low-fat, plain, sugar-free yogurt and cottage cheese.