The South Beach Diet plan consists of three different parts. Each part has its own goals to help those on the diet lose weight.
South Beach’s Phase I is for those dieters who have more than ten pounds to lose, or who are addicted to sugar. Phase I encourages the participant to eat three meals a day, two snacks and have a dessert after supper. Foods eaten during Phase I are lean proteins, lots of vegetables and salads. The lean proteins are fish, shellfish, chicken and turkey. Participants are encouraged to eat fish and shellfish, along with soy.
Participants can not eat fruit during Phase I. They also will eat no starches and no sugar. Also participants must not drink any alcoholic beverages. South Beach’s Phase I relies heavily on educating the dieter on what foods they can eat. It also relies on the participants breaking the cravings for starch and sugar. In fact, participants are required to get of all starch and sugar items from their homes including potatoes, green peas, and corn. Participants are encouraged to plan their meals carefully. By following these steps participants can lose up to six pounds in the first two weeks, which is how long Phase I lasts.
Those dieters who have less than 10 pounds to lose or are not addicted to sugar. In this phase dieters keep eating three meals a day, plus the two snacks and a healthy dessert. They are also encouraged to keep eating lots of lean protein, vegetables and salads. In this phase dieters can add good carbohydrates which are defined as whole-grain breads, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, fruits and can add sweet potatoes, pumpkin and peas to the list. Participants will lose one to two pounds a week during this phase.
Phase 3 encourages dieters to maintain their healthy weight. The South Beach Diet works by eliminating unhealthy fats. The diet allows the dieter to eat complex fats in moderation. The diet also eliminates low-sugar carbohydrates. The diet encourages the participant to eliminate sugar from the diet. Participants are encouraged to eliminate fruit because of the sugar content during the first two weeks.
