How to Choose Foods for Phase One of the South Beach Diet

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (7 Ratings)

Phase One of the South Beach Diet is the most restrictive period. You have to change in the way you think about good and bad fats and carbohydrates. The South Beach Diet is a healthy diet that lets you eat as much as you need to satisfy your hunger. Based on the glycemic index, it's not considered a true low carb diet.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Read about the basis for the South Beach Diet either in the original book or at the South Beach Diet website. It's important to understand the reasons for the types of food included in the diet and what makes each one a healthy diet choice.
Step 2

Search online for foods with a low glycemic index. You can find several different websites with glycemic charts to help your search. Like a low carb diet, the glycemic index is the key to the South Beach Diet.
Step 3

Make your own food list. Be sure to include foods that you like to eat as well as those you're open to trying. Take your list with you to the grocery store.
Step 4

Select lean meats such as beef sirloin, chicken and turkey breast, pork tenderloin or seafood. For vegetarians, use low fat tofu, soy based meat substitutes, natural peanut butter or soy nuts to get your protein for the day.
Step 5

Choose healthy fats like olive oil and canola oil. These are a part of any healthy diet but South Beach urges their use because of their heart healthy benefits.
Step 6

Buy nonfat milk and nonfat or low fat yogurt for your dairy selections. Low fat or fat free cheese is also an option.
Step 7

Load your grocery cart with as many vegetables as you can stand. Green leafy ones are the best choice. Stay away from carrots, corn, beets and all varieties of potato.

Tips & Warnings

Avoid bread, fruit and fruit juice, high fat meats and dairy, starchy foods like rice and oatmeal, sweets and alcoholic beverages. In this phase, it feels more like a low carb diet; however, the restrictions diminish a bit in Phase Two.
Limit caffeine to one or two 8 oz. servings daily.
Always consult your physician before you begin any new diet or exercise plan.

Resources

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