The South Beach Diet is a low-carbohydrate eating plan intended to help people lose weight by limiting carbs and increasing protein intake. With more protein, dieters should feel more full and energized after meals. During the three phases of the South Beach Diet, people on the diet are provided with listings of foods they are allowed to eat and foods to avoid. Caloric restrictions are not given on the eating plan.
Time Frame
During the first phase, carbohydrates are not permitted at all during this time. People on the diet are not to eat fruit, starches, alcohol, and certain vegetables during the first two weeks of the diet. Restricted foods include soy, peas, yogurt, potatoes, corn, carrots, pastries, candy, baked goods, ice cream, fruit juice, all fruits, oatmeal, cereal, dark chicken meat, honey ham, whole milk, low-fat milk, pasta and bread.
Types
Foods that can be eaten during all phases of the South Beach Diet include boiled ham, low-fat and fat-free cheese, eggs, nuts, olive oil, canola oil, green vegetables, shellfish, tofu, eggplant, tomatoes, sirloin, peanut butter, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach and fish.
Features
Once dieters have jump started their weight loss during the first phase of the diet, they will slowly introduce a moderate amount of carbohydrates into their diet. On the second phase, one serving of fruit is permitted per day. One serving of a starch is permitted as well. Milk is limited to one to one and a half cups a day.
Potential
The final phase is the maintenance phase of the diet and this should be followed throughout a lifetime. People on the South Beach Diet are allowed the occasional treat during this period, but should still stick to a low-carb way of eating. If they find that they can not control their eating habits and start to gain weight, they can return to the early phases of the South Beach Diet.
Considerations
Although people are encouraged to eat a large amount of protein on the diet, the selections should be lean sources. Hamburgers, pork bacon, and fatty cuts of beef are not recommended. Some food examples include skinless chicken, turkey bacon and all types of fish. The quantities of protein are unlimited on the South Beach Diet.
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