There are lots of diets out there, some of which have you eating foods in ways and combinations that you would never think about while restricting the ones you love. No wonder you gain weight back after your diet is over---if you are able to stick with the diet long enough to lose the weight. Many people have tried and love The South Beach Diet, and many others are skeptical about it or don't understand how it purports to work. Here is a look at foods that are permissible to eat on the diet and once you have completed it.
South Beach Diet History
The South Beach Diet was introduced to the public in 2003 by Dr. Arthur Agatson, a noted cardiologist in Miami. The book presented an eating plan based on the dietary advice he gave to his patients who needed to lose weight. In order to make sure the weight loss was conducted in a safe and scientifically sound manner, Agatson took the time to research and develop the best weight loss foods and methods. He was also concerned about what would happen after an individual completed the process.
South Beach Diet Plan
The South Beach Diet is separated into three stages, each with its own approved foods to eat and avoid. Phase one is a two-week approach that seeks to stabilize blood sugar and cravings while promoting an early weight loss boost. Phase two focuses on steady, long-term weight loss and is the most involved portion of the diet. Phase three is about maintenance, with a focus on eating patterns and developing a menu that will help you to sustain your weight loss for life.
Phase One
The foods in phase one focus on lean meats, lots of vegetables, eggs, low-fat dairy and unsaturated fats such as olive and canola oils, avocados, nuts and seeds. Starches, breads, rice, fruits, alcohol and sugar are to be avoided.
Phase Two
Phase two adds whole-grain breads and pastas, brown rice, starchy vegetables and fruits, as well as certain sweets. Alcohol, refined carbohydrates, the majority of sweets and some dairy are still to be avoided.
Phase Three
Phase three helps individuals face real-life situations that sabotage healthy eating and helps them choose better options. The focus is on how you eat as much as what you are eating.
South Beach Diet Food Menu
The South Beach Diet "superfoods" consist of walnuts, tomatoes and kale in phase one and blueberries, pomegranates and sweet potatoes in phase two. Other approved foods from phase one include sirloin, tenderloin, Canadian bacon, boiled ham, veal, turkey bacon, Cornish game hen, skinless chicken breast, lean lunch meat, all fish, eggs, pistachios, pecans, peanuts and peanut butter, tofu, low-fat cheeses, non-starchy vegetables, legumes, green vegetables, olive oil, canola oil, spices and seasonings that do not contain sugar, and sugar-free candies and sweets.
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