The South Beach Diet focuses on eating the right carbohydrates and lean proteins, not only for weight loss but for your health. This diet restricts the foods you eat, especially in the first phase, a two-week period that eliminates nearly all carbohydrates. You can have milk and other dairy products during this period. However, if you have lactose intolerance, you'll need to find alternatives that fit into the allowances of the plan.
Foods to Avoid
Lactose is a form of sugar found in dairy products. If you have lactose intolerance you will need to avoid foods such as cheese, milk and yogurt. You can eat these on the South Beach Diet, but dairy products do not play a significant role in the plan. You will need to find substitutes that provide the nutrients you need, as well as foods that can help ease your hunger throughout the day.
Protein Alternatives
The South Beach Diet views low-fat cheese as a protein source, so you may choose to simply add extra-lean protein to a meal or snack to make up for not adding cheese. Add extra servings of protein only if you still feel hungry after eating your first serving. You may also want to look for low-fat soy cheese, since you can have soy-based products on the diet.
Other Dairy Alternatives
Instead of animal milk you can choose soy, almond or coconut milk. You should read labels carefully to make sure that the product does not have a high fat content. Look for light options that have 4 g of fat or less in an 8 oz. serving. You can choose vanilla or other flavored milk alternatives, as long as the sweetener is an artificial one. Follow the same low-fat, artificially sweetened rules for nondairy yogurt and sour cream.
Considerations
Before beginning the South Beach Diet, discuss the program with your physician, and she will discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with the plan. If you decide to follow the diet and do not plan to consume alternative products, talk to your doctor about the use of supplements to ensure that you have a good intake of nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D.
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