1. Selecting Pastas
Pasta cravings are many people's downfall when it comes to the South Beach Diet, but low-carb options do exist. Choose wheat pastas, which are often labeled as being low-carb, for traditional pasta dishes. Try to avoid white-flour pastas, which have a high carbohydrate content. Shirataki, soy and tofu noodles, often found in the Asian aisle of grocery stores, offer almost carb-free pasta alternatives. While these are great in stir-fry and other Asian-inspired dishes, you can also substitute these noodles in many classic spaghetti recipes. Choose a brand that contains nothing but tofu or soy, as added flavor can include not only carbs, but also flavor. The added flavor may mesh well with Asian dishes but not Italian meals.
2. Choose Healthy Breads
At the grocery store, you'll see multi-grain, stone-wheat, whole-wheat and bran bread, but just because the label says it's healthy, doesn't mean it contains the amount of whole grains you need. Look for whole wheat or whole oats listed as the first ingredient. Bulgur, quinoa and millet are also healthy grains. Avoid added sugars and trans fat. Also, choose bread that offers at least 3 grams of dietary fiber per slice. By avoiding refined grains (like white bread), you should find low-carb choices in any grocery store's bread aisle.
3. Substitute Natural Foods
Many people focus on pastas and breads when following the South Beach Diet, but there are other ways to enjoy classic dishes, without the stress. Many vegetables can be substituted where pasta or bread would usually work. The most popular example is lettuce buns or wraps for hamburgers. When it comes to pasta dishes, you can skip the noodles and add extra vegetables to the sauce for a hearty meal. You can also use spaghetti-squash strands or substitute beans in place of noodles. Most natural foods contain less carbs than processed food.
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