The South Beach Diet has set restrictions on allowed foods and you much follow these guidelines for the best weight loss results. Some people find that they do not achieve the claimed weight loss even when they feel certain they have followed the plan, but in some instances, the dieter might not know she is not following the plan accurately. Knowing some of the pitfalls that can prevent you from losing weight will help you avoid weight gain or plateaus.
Food Choices
If you do not lose weight on the South Beach Diet, you might need keep a food journal. Write down everything you eat and drink as you continue to follow the plan. Make sure you include tastes of food or small bites you take of any food item. Keep track for a week and then go through each day's food, comparing the foods you consumed with the list of allowed and non-allowed foods on the plan. You might find that a food you thought was allowed on the diet is a food you should avoid.
Amount
You can eat many vegetables and proteins without monitoring the serving size, but other foods require you to limit your daily intake. Foods you can eat in limited portions include fruits, dairy, oils and carb-rich foods. In your food journal, include the serving size for everything you eat.
Exercise
If you lost weight when you started the South Beach Diet but then reached a plateau where you've stayed the same weight, or if you began the diet and have not noticed weight loss, you might need to add exercise to your daily routine. The South Beach Diet plan does not require that you begin an exercise routine, but this approach might not work for every person. Adding in physical activity could jump-start your loss. Before you increase your activity level, consult your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough for physical activity.
Considerations
Even though some people experience quick weight loss with the South Beach Diet, your body might react differently to the plan and it might take longer to lose the same amount of weight as others. Do not compare your weight loss with how quickly others lose weight. However, if you follow the plan for several weeks and do not lose weight, you might want to talk with your doctor about alternative eating plans to find one that will work for you.
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