Low carbohydrate diets have gained popularity in the United States and other countries because they claim they provide rapid weight loss without calorie restrictions. These diet plans, which include the South Beach diet, believe that the increase in insulin levels which accompany carbohydrate consumption results in weight loss. By heavily restricting carbohydrates, these diets claim that the body instead burns fat. In the earliest portion of the South Beach diet, also known as phase I, dieters have to stick to approved foods.
Meats
During phase I of the South Beach diet, users may eat as much lean meat as they want. This means that lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin, lean or extra lean ground beef, tenderloin and top round cuts are all acceptable. Users may also eat lamb and pork -- if excess fat is trimmed -- boiled ham, chicken and turkey breast and all kinds of fish and shellfish, the South-Beach-Diet-Plan website reports. As a general rule, any form of lean or low-fat meat is on the "approved" list. Eggs are also on the approved list.
Dairy
Some dairy products are allowed during phase I of the South Beach diet, GlycemicEdge.com reports. Similar to meat, low-fat dairy options are preferred during this phase to help keep fat intake manageable. This means that low-fat or skim milk is on the approved list, as are cheeses made with reduced fat milk. String cheese, shredded cheese and cottage cheese made with reduced fat milk may be staples for many dieters.
Vegetables
The selection of vegetables is somewhat restricted for South Beach dieters, as many vegetables are naturally high in carbohydrates. Some vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli, celery, cucumber, asparagus, tomatoes, lettuce, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, onions, fennel and eggplant are on the approved list, however, because of their relatively low carbohydrate content, Free Dieting states. Most beans and legumes are also on the approved list
Nuts
Limited quantities of nuts are allowed each day for people in phase I of the South Beach diet. Fifteen almonds, cashews, walnuts or pecans are allowed each day. Alternately dieters may eat four Brazil nuts, 20 small peanuts, eight macadamia nuts or 30 pistachios daily.
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