If you have ten pounds or more you’d like to lose, or you’re having trouble controlling your cravings for foods that have a lot sugars or refined starches in them, the South Beach Diet could be just ticket for you.
Every diet plan has to start somewhere, and naturally it’s the same thing with the South Beach Diet. For the South Beach Diet we start with ‘Phase 1.’ In South Beach Diet phase one, which lasts two weeks, you will get to enjoy a good range of healthy foods. You will continue to regular meals of chicken, turkey, fish, and other lean meats, as well as plenty of vegetables, and some cheese, nuts and eggs. Also included in this part of the plan are garden salads, but using only olive oil for dressing.
Self-deprivation is not the goal of South Beach Diet Phase 1, and nor should it be. You body needs the proper fuel, not only to keep itself running, but to head off problems with cravings. To help guard against improper cravings, phase one of the South Beach Diet not only includes breakfast, lunch and dinner each day (each meal made up of balanced foods), but it also includes snacks. One snack is had between breakfast and lunch, and another snack is had between lunch and dinner. These snacks are actually integral to the SBD plan, and aren’t meant to be skipped. In fact, you’ll even be eating dessert, along with as much coffee and tea as you like, and plenty of water too.
This may seem like a whole lot of food. It’s nothing to sneeze at, to be sure, but there is a key element to notice here in South Beach Diet Phase 1. In this phase you are cutting out a ton of carbohydrates. That means things like potatoes, rice, baked goods, rice, fruit, cake, ice cream, etc., as well as reducing sugar intake in general. Carbs will return in phase 2, but for now they’re out. That means also eliminating beer or any other kind of alcohol from your diet.
The point of phase one of the South Beach Diet is to kick your weight loss into gear right away, and to get get your blood sugar levels stable too. Stabilizing those sugar levels is key to controlling and reducing those cravings that tempt you to cheat on your diet. South Beach Diet Phase 1 is the most restrictive phase of the diet plan, but it is worth it. Once you begin to quickly see some weight loss results, and to feel more control over your cravings for sugars, fats, and more, you will gain the confidence needed to move on and complete the diet plan.
Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and get started with South Beach Diet Phase 1, there are a few important steps you need to take. Educate yourself further about the diet plan. Know exactly what you’re getting into, and visualize yourself enacting and completing the diet plan, phase by phase. Next, you’ll want to remove temptation by getting rid of the problem foods in your kitchen. Check your cupboards, check your fridge, and get rid of everything that doesn’t fit with the phases. Instead of throwing it out, donate it to a local food bank or soup kitchen. Finally, plan your meals. The best way to keep on track with the South Beach Diet is to know exactly what you’re doing ahead of time. Keep your eyes on the prize and you can succeed with this diet and lose weight!