What Is Phase One Of The South Beach Diet?

What Is Phase One of the South Beach Diet?

Mar 18, 2011 | By Amber Canaan

Dr. Arthur Agatston created the South Beach Diet. He developed it to help his cardiac and diabetes patients lose weight while improving their blood chemistries to help prevent disease. The South Beach Diet is broken down into three phases: Phase 1 is the introductory phase and is designed to jump-start your weight loss. The bulk of the weight is lost in phase 2; phase 3 is designed for lifetime usage.

Phase 1 Guidelines

During phase 1, you completely eliminate many carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, sugary drinks, pastries, fruit and fruit juice. Alcohol of any kind is also prohibited during this phase. You aren't asked to count your calories or restrict your portions; instead, you are allowed plenty vegetables, lean meats, low-fat cheeses, eggs and low-fat dairy. It is important to eat three meals per day, as well as two snacks, and to eat until you are full. Being hungry all the time can quickly sabotage the diet.

Time Frame

Although phase 1 of the South Beach Diet resembles other low carbohydrate diets on the market, it is much different because it only lasts two weeks. After two weeks, you move on to phase 2 and begin adding some of the forbidden foods back into your daily diet.

Purpose

Dr. Agatston explains in his book "The South Beach Diet," that phase 1 is important to help eliminate the cravings for sweet and sugary foods that lead to excessive weight gain and fat storage. Removing these foods from the diet for a brief period of time and then introducing some of them back slowly also helps normalize blood sugar levels.

Weight Loss

Those who follow the South Beach Diet can expect to begin losing weight during phase 1. Dr. Agatston notes that average weight loss during this phase ranges from 8 to 13 pounds. Results may vary and depend largely on how close the individual adheres to the restrictions of this phase.

Warning

The South Beach Diet may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult your doctor or health care provider prior to starting any diet. If you have any medical conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should definitely consult your physician prior to initiating this diet plan.