Cereals on the South Beach Diet

Cereals on the South Beach Diet
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Many diets restrict the foods you can consume, and this is especially true for plans such as the South Beach Diet. Some people find that the South Beach Diet works well for them, offering good variety and easy options. However, if you rely on quick breakfast options, such as cereal, you may have a more difficult time adjusting. Knowing the right cereals to choose and the phases that you can eat cereal will help you stay on track.

Phase 1

In the first phase of the South Beach Diet, you cannot eat carbohydrates. Cereal is one of those foods that you must avoid during this two-week period. Other breakfast options may include eggs and turkey bacon.

Cold Cereals

After you pass the two weeks of phase 1, you can start eating selected carbohydrates. If you want cold cereal, you must choose a cereal that does not contain a high amount of sugar. The South Beach Diet also recommends that you select a cold cereal that provides at at least 5 g of fiber for each serving.

Hot Cereals

You can eat hot cereals as well. Options include cereals such as oatmeal and Cream of Wheat. You need to avoid instant varieties of cereal and choose whole-grain, slow-cooking options. Look for cereals that have 3 g or more of fiber and a maximum of 2 g of sugar per serving.

Considerations

Read food labels carefully to make sure that you select options that fit the guidelines of the South Beach Diet. To keep from feeling stagnant in your eating, vary your breakfasts. Eat a hot or cold cereal one morning and have eggs and whole grain toast the next morning. Adding variety may encourage you to stick to the dietary plan.

References

Article reviewed by Danielle Last updated on: Apr 5, 2011

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