In 2003, in the midst of the low-carbohydrate diet craze, Dr. Arthur Agatston released a book detailing a new take on the low-carb diet. This diet, the South Beach Diet, breaks down into three phases, with the first two limiting the types and quantities of certain foods. In the third phase, any food goes as long as you practice moderation. Before you start the plan, know whether you can eat foods, such as lemons, during a particular phase.
Phase 1
In the first phase of the South Beach Diet, you can use lemon juice as a condiment, such as for flavoring fish or other foods. You should not use lemon juice sweetened with sugar, but you may use artificial sweeteners if necessary.
Phase 2
In the second phase, you can also use lemon juice, and, if you choose, you may also eat all or part of the lemon. A whole lemon that will count for one serving of fruit, and, in this second phase, you may have one serving of fruit at first, gradually increasing your fruit servings up to three each day.
Other Fruits
You can treat lime the same as lemon while on the South Beach Diet, but you must avoid all other fruits during the first phase of this eating plan. Once you pass the two week period of phase 1, you may add fruit back into your diet. However, you will need to avoid certain fruits such as watermelon, pineapple and figs.
Considerations
The South Beach Diet requires strict elimination of certain foods, particularly in phase one. Speak with your doctor before starting the program to determine if this is the right diet for you. If you and your doctor decide that the benefits of the South Beach Diet outweigh any negatives, your doctor can help you create an eating plan that will provide you with the nutrients you need for good health.
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