The South Beach Diet is a plan focused on cutting out high-glycemic index foods and focusing on lean proteins and low-carb options. The diet has different phases, each one allowing certain foods and banning others based on carbohydrate content and glycemic load.
Phases of the Diet
During the early stages of the diet, many foods are banned. These foods can be slowly mixed back in in later phases, so long as you continue to focus on low-carb, high protein eating habits. During the first phase, no wheat or grain products are allowed, so Wheat Thins and other processed crackers would not be an option for your menu during these 10 to 14 days. According to South Beach Diet creator Dr. Arthur Agatston, foods high on the glycemic index cause hunger to increase, often leading to weight gain. Sugars, processed foods, wheats, enriched flour, and some fruits have this effect on the glycemic level and blood sugar. Conversely, lean meats, nuts, fish, and other sources of protein stave off hunger and keep blood sugar balanced.
Foods the South Beach Diet Promotes
The South Beach Diet promotes foods high in protein and healthy fats and low in carbohydrates. During later phases of the diet, whole grains can be added to the daily meal plan to introduce more fiber and healthy complex carbohydrates. During each phase, however, the following foods are emphasized: fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel; lean meats such as turkey, chicken, lean beef, lamb, and Canadian bacon; healthy dairy such as cheeses, almond milk, low-fat milk, yogurts, and calcium-rich cottage cheese.
Foods that Are Prohibited or De-Emphasized
The diet de-emphasizes foods that do not provide healthy proteins, fats, and other effective energy sources for the body. These foods include crackers, chips, candy, salty snacks such as tortillas, buttered popcorn and pretzels, and white breads. Sugary fruits are also de-emphasized during the beginning phases of the diet when the body is supposed to be entering a state of ketosis in order to burn its own fat for energy.
Conclusions
While Wheat Thins may be a tasty snack that appear to be healthy at first glance, they are not a whole grain carbohydrate and, according to LIVESTRONG's Myplate, they contain only 1 g of fiber per serving. With 21 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of sugar, Wheat Thins contain little healthy carbohydrates and very little fiber, making them a poor choice for the South Beach Diet. Compared to other carbohydrate-filled foods you could be eating, such as whole grain bread or whole grain crackers, Wheat Thins are not a good choice for any phase of the South Beach Diet.
References
- The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss, Arthur Agatston, M.D., 2005
- The South Beach Diet Cookbook; Dr. Arthur Agatston, 2004
- Livestrong: MyPlate: Nabisco Original Wheat Thins
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