The South Beach Diet is a low-carb diet that breaks down into three phases. The first phase is the most restrictive, but, during this phase you will eat a variety of lean proteins, vegetables and other foods. The best way to meet your weight loss goals with the South Beach Diet is to plan your food intake so that you know how to shop for the necessary vegetables and other foods you'll eat in the first week.
Planning
During the first phase of the South Beach Diet you will eat a number of healthy vegetables each day, at least 2 cups with each meal. Before you begin your first day on this diet, take the time to plan out your meals for the week. This way you will have the items on hand, and this could provide less temptation to eat foods not allowed during phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. Planning out your menu will also help you study the vegetables and other foods you can eat.
Salads
Salads make an easy option for getting your vegetables with each meal. Make a list of the foods you typically eat in your salad so you will know what to purchase. You may choose different types of lettuce and greens, such as spinach and red leaf lettuce. Try adding cucumbers, carrots, broccoli and radishes. Adding vegetables such as these will add beneficial nutrients to your meals, but a salad also gives you the opportunity to try vegetables you have avoided in the past. For example, you may try adding kale and arugula to your lettuce mix. While you shop in the produce section, search out a vegetable that you would like to try and add this to the vegetables in your shopping basket.
Other Options
Eating salads with every meal with grow tiresome, so consider other ways to eat your vegetables. You may try steaming broccoli, cabbage and other vegetables. If time is a factor, you may want to look for frozen vegetables that you can cook quickly in the microwave. Read the labels to make sure the vegetable mix doesn't contain added products, such as sugar, that you need to avoid. You may also want to look for canned vegetables, but keep in mind that many canned foods contain high amounts of sodium and some may also contain sugar.
Vegetables to Avoid
As you shop, steer away from the vegetables you must avoid during phase 1 of the plan. Do not purchase carrots, corn, potatoes, yams or green peas. Also avoid pumpkin, squash and beets.
Considerations
Don't hesitate to try new vegetables, but make sure the vegetable is allowed during the first phase of the South Beach Diet. If you make your list based on your weekly menu you will have less chance of over-buying fresh vegetables that may go bad before you have the chance to use them. During this first week you will find that you may have to make adjustments to your menu, adding extra protein or vegetables to keep from feeling hungry. In these cases, you may need to make an additional run to the store for extra produce.
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