Cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatson wrote "The South Beach Diet" to help his patients avoid the risks associated with being overweight. The diet takes a balanced approach to health, emphasizing healthy carbohydrates, lean protein sources, low-fat dairy products and healthy fats. If you do not eat meat, or if you would like to have meat-less meals, it is still possible to follow the South Beach Diet.
Soy-Based Meat Substitutes
A number of soy-based meat substitutes may be used for the South Beach diet. As a snack, you may choose ¼ cup of soy nuts. You may have two slices per day of soy bacon, or one soy sausage patty. Soy burgers, hot dogs or "chicken" patties or nuggets should contain less than 3g of fat in a 2- to 3-oz. serving. You may also use seiten, tempeh, yuba or soy crumbles. Generally, one serving of a soy-based meat substitute is ¼ to ½ cup. Choose low-fat or soft varieties of tofu. Soy milk is not a milk substitute but you can use up to 2 tbsp. daily as a coffee creamer.
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are included in the diet and may be used as a meat substitute. Choose from black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, lentils, navy beans, lima beans, split peas and butter beans. You may also eat soy beans as well as soy-based meat substitutes. Burger patties made from beans or vegetables are also acceptable.
Other
You may use 2 tbsp. of natural peanut butter with no sugar added as a protein choice. A number of other nuts can be used as snacks. You may use eggs or egg substitutes on the South Beach Diet, as desired, unless your doctor has instructed you to limit eggs.
Member Comments