In simple terms, the South Beach Diet works by simply substituting
bad carbohydrates and fats with the good ones. This is a very basic
concept to follow. Those who plan to try the South Beach Diet should
know that it works in three phases.
The first phase of
the South Beach Diet you will an almost normal diet which will consist
of chicken, beef, turkey, fish, lots of vegetables, eggs, cheeses, and
salads. On your salads, you must be sure to use 100% olive oil as your
dressing. If you have not guessed yet, no carbs, all bread, rice,
pasta, baked goods, fruit, candy, cakes, cookies, ice cream and sugar
is out during this phase. However, you can have it back later. You will
stay on phase one of this diet for two weeks. And please, do drink all
of the coffee and tea you want along with the recommended amounts of
water daily.
In phase two of this diet is unique in the
fact that for each individual person the time spent in phase two is
different, and is determined by how their body reacts. It is normal to
have lost between 8 to 13 pounds by this point in the diet. By this
point in the diet cravings for those bad foods you use to eat should be
nonexistent, and you are heading towards the pattern of maintaining
good eating habits. Now comes the good part you are now able to start
adding some of the foods you took out of your diet back in. In phase
two of the South Beach Diet if you would love to have a piece of
chocolate cake, go for it, but just one piece and not on a daily basis.
Moderation is the key. Your weight loss will not be as much as with
phase one but you will see a reduction.
The
last phase of the South Beach Diet is phase three, once you have hit
your target weight you are ready to move on to this phase. In this
phase is where you will stay for a lifetime, as you will be working to
maintain your desired weight. By now, your new way of eating has become
a way of life, so if you find at times your weight has started to creep
upwards, just a little modification of your daily meals will get you
back on track.