South beach diet is invented in developed by Dr. Arthur Agastson who was primarily interested in finding the diet which would not be harmful for the heart and which could focuse on the effect of the selected food on your blood sugar level. Therefore, it is even useful for your health as it is far more balanced that any other diet of this type. The basic method is to use right carbohydrates and fats. Choosing the bad ones is the reason why most of the diet simply doesn’t work. However, south beach diet requires very strong will, determination and self motivation. It contains three phases.
South beach diet phase 1
This is the hardest phase of the diet as it requires a lot of effort. It lasts for two weeks and a person will lose from 8 till 12 pounds. Dieter doesn’t have to minimize the portions or helplessly count the calories. However, all the carbohydrates are restricted. Alcohol, bread, baked goods, rice, fruits, pasta, potatoes, sugar should be strictly avoided. You can immediately forget about junk food. The final purpose is to eat normal portion of balanced food three times a day. Dieter does not reduce the portion and get all he need.
South beach diet foods to enjoy
Vegetables (cucumber, bean, broccoli, celery, lettuce, mushrooms, spinach, tomato, artichokes, asparagus, cauliflower, eggplant, legumes, zucchini), sweets (chocolate or cacao powder, hard candy, sugar-free sugar substitute), shellfish, fish, eggs, peanuts, peanut butter, fat-free cheeses, boiled ham, turkey and Canadian bacon, olive oil, etc.
South beach diet foods to avoid
Vegetables (carrot, sweet potatoes barley, beets, black-eyed peas, pinto beans, corn, yams), bread, milk, fruit, fruit juice, ice cream, alcohol, baked goods, cereals, beef, breast of veal, poultry, full-fat cheese, matzo etc.
South beach diet phase 2
This phase is very similar the first one. The difference is that there is no precise time how long it should continue. Dieter stays here until the desired weight is reached. He or she looses up to 1-2 pounds per week. The goal is slowly to return the forbidden foods into the diet. At this time you can introduce bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, cereal, fruits (apple, blueberry, cantaloupe, grapefruit, grapes, mango, orange, peache), chocolate, fat-free pudding. However, dieter should still avoid such vegetables as beets, carrots, corn, white potatoes. Also fruits like watermelon, banana, pineapple, raisin, canned fruit, fruit juice.
South beach diet phase 3
This phase is easiest one and continues for the rest of one’s life. It is used for the maintenance of the weight. As soon as your weight starts to put on simply return to phase 1. As you already completed your mission you can follow healthy diet all your life.
