The South Beach Diet is a weight loss program that was originally a diet plan that was introduced to those looking for a weight loss program through a book written by Arthur Agatston. Arthur Agatston is a doctor who came up with the diet plan to help his patients lose weight. The South Beach Diet includes a modified low-carbohydrate diet divided into three phases, phase 1, 2 and 3.
The South Beach Diet weight loss meal plan demonstrates a healthy way of eating which involves an overall balance of various foods and a healthy lifestyle to fasten your weight loss journey. According to the instructions, if you follow the plan and eat a combination of healthy fats, lean protein, and nutrient-rich carbohydrates as well as follow an exercise program this can help you lose weight the healthy way. You can get a complete breakdown of the three phases involved, but below is a look at an overview of how the phase 1 of South Beach Diet works along with tips to enable you to decide whether the program is right for you.
Phase 1
Phase 1 which is for 2 weeks (14 days) is meant to help you eliminate cravings for foods that can increase your blood sugar level. Some current versions of phase 1, however, only last for a week. It’s the most important phase with a strict diet that avoids sugar, fruits, refined starches to enable you jump-start your weight loss journey by stabilizing hunger and reducing any food cravings that you might have.
In phase 1 you have to cut out almost all fruits and carbohydrates, which include but is not limited to pasta, potatoes, rice or baked goods, like bread. You can’t drink any fruit juices or alcohol. Your primary focus is on eating small portions of lean protein like pork, lamb, seafood, skinless poultry, eggs and egg whites, low-fat hard cheese, low-fat milk, plain or Greek yogurt, lean beef, and soy products. You can also eat high-fiber non-starchy vegetables, low-fat dairy and foods with healthy, unsaturated fats (at least 2 tbsp. of oil per day) and fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds.
You can eat 6 times every day and consume two mandatory snacks daily if you like. The best and most ideal plan would be to consume a combination of lean protein and non-starchy vegetables. During phase 1 most people are expected to lose at least 8 pounds. Though some extend phase 1 to over 2 weeks, it’s not meant to be your permanent way of dieting.
Potential risks
In general, the South Beach Diet is considered a safe weight loss diet if you follow the plan as outlined. But, you should not restrict your carbohydrate intake since it may result in problems from ketosis due to low sugar levels. Remember that your body needs glucose to break down stored fat. If you do so, you might experience fatigue, nausea, headache, bad breath, and dizziness.
Many consumers are happy with the three-phase system which they find easy to follow and one that produces effective results. However, some health experts don’t recommend the South Beach diet since the foods are categorized into those that you can eat as well as those you should avoid in your weight loss journey which can cause food fear. It’s, therefore, best to find out more about the diet or give it a try before determining if it’s the best option for your weight loss journey.
