The South Beach Diet is divided into three phases. The first phase is the most stringent, as it aims to eliminate most carbohydrates and sugar from your diet. The focus is on consumption of protein, lean meat and healthy fats. The nutritional plan introduces meal plans that contain balanced amounts of complex carbohydrates and healthy fatty acids, among other nutrients, so your body does not feel deprived and you feel you appetite is satisfied.
Eggs
Although some nutritionists discourage consumption of eggs on account of the high amount of cholesterol, they are recommended in South Beach Diet. South Beach encourages eggs because they contain no saturated fats and provide good cholesterol. Eggs are allowed in all phases, including phase one of the diet plan. South Beach Diet recommended recipes include Egg Florentine, which is made with one poached egg on spinach and two slices of bacon. Other options include the Western Egg White Omelet, baked eggs with asparagus and mushroom omelet.
Non-Starchy Vegetables
Non-starchy vegetables are recommended because of the variety of nutrients they provide and they are low in carbohydrates. Salads are especially used during the first phase of the diet, since breads and fruits are verboten during this phase. Suggested salads include edamame salad, chopped salad with tuna, dilled shrimp salad with herb dill dressing, chicken-pistachio salad, warm beef salad and crab Cobb salad. Modest helpings of high-fiber, low-starch cooked vegetables, such as broccoli and zucchini, are also encouraged.
Seafood
Seafood is encouraged during phase one of the South Beach Diet, as it is high in protein and healthy fatty acids. Seafood leaves you feeling full and is recommended as a main course for dinners, since it is carb-free. South Beach suggests salmon, tuna and herring. You can cook these fish in extra virgin olive oil during phase one, as proper oils provide additional sources of healthy fat.
Snacks and Drinks
The South Beach Diet suggests snacks for phase one that remain vastly low in carbs and sustain hunger. The diet recommends turkey roll-ups with nut butter and low-fat cheese. Another South Beach Snack is a spicy nut mix, which is a blend of nuts, soybeans, and spices. This snack is supposed to give you a surge of energy. Drinks that are allowed during phase one include iced vanilla coffee, milk with cinnamon, and iced green and herbal teas. Plenty of water is also encouraged on the South Beach Diet.
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