Dr. Arthur Agatston developed the South Beach diet to help his overweight patients safely and healthily shed their extra pounds. Phase 1 of the diet is the strictest, but it also produces the quickest weight loss. Many people lose as many as 8 lbs. to 13 lbs. in a two-week period. Guidelines are not as strict in Phase 2, when dieters are expected to lose 1 lb. to 2 lbs. per week until they achieve their ideal weights. Consult your physician prior to trying the South Beach diet, or any other diet to reduce your weight.
Step 1
Discard any foods from your kitchen that are not permitted during Phase 1 of the diet. Phase 1 is the most restrictive. Staring at a chocolate bar in your desk drawer may provide too much temptation during this phase, when you are taking your first dieting steps. Foods not permitted during the South Beach Diet's Phase 1 include alcohol, foods high in fat, foods high in sugar and any starchy foods, according to "The South Beach Diet Supercharged: Faster Weight Loss and Better Health for Life."
Step 2
Stock up on foods that are allowed during Phase 1 of the diet. Keeping these foods readily available will make it easier for you to stick to the diet. Foods permitted during Phase 1 include lean beef, lean poultry, seafood, cheese, non-starchy vegetables and eggs, according to "The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss."
Step 3
Keep a Phase 1-allowed sweet snack with you. Place one in your car, your kitchen and your office so that you have a South Beach-approved snack on hand if sweet cravings strike. Sugar-free hard candy and sugar-free gelatin are allowed during Phase 1 in moderation.
Step 4
Avoid making plans to dine at restaurants or to attend dinner parties during Phase 1. The temptations presented on a menu may be too much to cope with when restricted to such limited fare. It is best to avoid powerful temptations during Phase 1.
References
- "The South Beach Diet Supercharged: Faster Weight Loss and Better Health for Life"; Arthur Agatston, M.D. and Joseph Signorile, Ph.D.; 2009
- "The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss"; Arthur Agatston, M.D.; 2005
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