South Beach Induction Diet

The induction phase, known as phase 1, of the South Beach diet promises a weight loss of 8 to 13 lb. in just two weeks. The South Beach diet began as a bestselling weight loss book written by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist based in Florida, and published in 2003. Of the diet's three phases, phase 1 is the shortest and most restrictive.

Features

The induction phase of the South Beach diet restricts carbohydrate intake to approximately 10 percent of the allotted daily calories, notes MayoClinic.com. Phase 1 includes three main meals and two snacks daily. Skipping meals or snacks is not advised by the diet plan. Fruit, bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, sweets and alcohol are not permitted during the induction phase.

Types of Foods

Lean meats and vegetables form the foundation of the South Beach induction phase. Fish, shellfish, lean cuts of red meat, soy, eggs and white-meat poultry make up the protein options. While starchy vegetables are not permitted, leafy greens and other water, fibrous vegetables are encouraged. Nuts, plant oils and reduced-fat cheese fill out daily meal plans during this phase.

Sample Meals

A day in phase 1 might begin with "Artichokes Benedict," composed of artichoke hearts with Canadian bacon, eggs and a mock hollandaise sauce. At lunch, enjoy a salad made with soybeans, radishes, cilantro, olive oil and rice wine vinegar alongside 3 to 4 oz. of grilled salmon. For dinner, broil 4 oz. of beef tenderloin and serve over sautéed peppers and garlic. Finish dinner with a "pudding" made from non-fat ricotta cheese, vanilla extract and no-calorie sweetener. Snacks like roasted almonds and string cheese keep hunger at bay between meals.

Purpose

Phase 1 eliminates cravings and helps stabilize blood sugar levels, according to the official South Beach Diet website. The restrictive two weeks will most likely result in weight loss because it is low in calories. After you complete the induction phase, you gradually reintroduce higher carbohydrate foods like small servings of whole grains, starchy vegetables and fruits to adjust to a more flexible approach to eating.

Concerns

The rate of weight loss promised during the 2-week induction phase exceeds the safe rate of loss of 1 to 2 lbs. per week as recommended by major health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Phase 1 discourages healthy, nutrient-rich food like fruit and whole grains. It also restricts carbohydrates significantly below the amount recommended by the Institute of Medicine. MayoClinic.com warns that when restricting carbohydrates to fewer than 20 g per day -- the amounts in the South Beach induction phase -- a medical condition known as ketoacidosis can occur. With this condition, the body turns to stored fat for energy, creating high levels of ketones and acids in your body, resulting in serious side effects such as stupor, coma or death.