Get started TODAY on...

The South Beach DietTM Start


DietTV's recommendations for people on

The South Beach DietTM




Description

A kinder, gentler version of a low-carb plan, The South Beach Diet promises that you will "lose belly fat fast" by consuming "good carbs" and "good fats," while eliminating "bad carbs" and "bad fats."

read on (continued below)

exclusive on dietTV:Food at home and on the go! we show you what you can eat anywhere you are.

DietTV Eat Out Guide

Subway
27 food choices
Full list
Dunkin' Donuts
14 food choices
Full list
Hardee's
9 food choices
Full list
Burger King
8 food choices
Full list
McDonalds
6 food choices
Full list

DietTV Frozen Food Guide

Flav-R-Pac
22 food choices
Full list
Green Giant
14 food choices
Full list
Worthington
13 food choices
Full list
Gorton's
9 food choices
Full list
Cascadian Farm
5 food choices
Full list

What can I eat

  • Alcohol image
    Alcohol
    A small amount of wine in Phase 2
  • Berries image
    Berries
  • Coffee image
    Coffee
  • Condiments image
    Condiments
    Reduced sugar
  • Dairy image
    Dairy
    Nonfat yogurt and reduced fat cheese
  • Deli image
    Deli
    No sugar added lean meats
  • Diet Beverages image
    Diet Beverages
  • Diet Specific Products image
    Diet Specific Products
    South Beach convenience foods
  • Eggs image
    Eggs
  • Fats image
    Fats
    No trans fat, low saturated fat
  • Fish image
    Fish
  • Fruit image
    Fruit
    After the first two weeks
 Toggle View
Toggle View

What can I snack on

  • Cheese image
    Cheese
    Part-skim and low fat hard and soft cheeses
  • Crackers image
    Crackers
    South Beach brand
  • Deli image
    Deli
    Sliced turkey breast
  • Dips image
    Dips
    Such as humus, tahini, salsa, and guacamole from Phase 2
  • Eggs image
    Eggs
    Hard boiled egg whites
  • Fruit image
    Fruit
    In phase 3
  • Granola Bars image
    Granola Bars
    South Beach brand
  • Ice Cream & Sorbets image
    Ice Cream & Sorbets
    Low Carb, sugar free in Phase 3
  • Jello & Puddings image
    Jello & Puddings
    Sugar free
  • Juices image
    Juices
    Low sodium tomato and vegetable juices from Phase 2
  • Nuts & Seeds image
    Nuts & Seeds
  • Vegetables image
    Vegetables
    A wide variety of fresh and cooked vegetables
 Toggle View
Toggle View

Description (cont'd from above)

The SouthBeach Diet Plan

A kinder, gentler version of a low-carb plan, The South Beach Diet promises that you will "lose belly fat fast" by consuming "good carbs" and "good fats," while eliminating "bad carbs" and "bad fats." While there is no calorie counting or portion control, you can say sayonara to all fruit and bread for at least the first two weeks, and you won't see much buttered white toast after that either. Although it has "diet" in the name, SouthBeach is promoted as a lifestyle choice - you're in it for good.

What makes the SouthBeach Diet a different weight loss plan?

This is a flexible version of a low-carb diet - there aren't any fixed percentages of protein, carbohydrates, or fats, and you get three meals a day plus snacks.

Unlike some stricter high-protein, low-carb diets, The South Beach Diet plan encourages whole grains and vegetables, leaner cuts of meat, and olive and canola oil instead of butter.

What is the SouthBeach Diet plan?

The South Beach Diet aims to help you lose weight through restricting "bad" carbohydrates and fats, such as white bread, sugar, baked goods, desserts, potatoes, and processed foods, while encouraging "good" carbohydrates and fats, including most vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. The diet encourages lean meats, fish, nuts, and olive or canola oil while eliminating saturated fats (especially high fat red meats, high-fat cheeses, and butter).

There are three phases to The South Beach Diet plan:

  • Phase 1 lasts two weeks and is the most restrictive. The idea is to cure your body of its cravings. All carbohydrates are completely banned during this phase. This includes all bread products, pastas, potatoes, rice, baked goods, sugar, most desserts, as well as fruit, alcohol, and certain higher-sugar vegetables (i.e. corn and carrots). Acceptable vegetables and salads are the only carbohydrate-containing foods allowed.
  • In Phase 2, certain carbohydrates such as whole grains and most fruits are slowly reintroduced to the diet. Wine is also allowed. Some carbohydrates are still restricted, such as white bread, white pasta, white rice, potatoes, and most desserts, as well as corn, beets, and certain higher-sugar fruits and juices. Phase 2 lasts until you reach your desired goal weight.
  • Phase 3 is the maintenance phase. You are encouraged to try a broader range of foods to see if your weight is negatively affected. If so, then you must restrict those foods.

What are the weight loss expectations?

The South Beach Diet plan promises rapid weight loss: 8-13 pounds in the first two weeks (Phase 1), especially in the mid-section.

Weight loss in Phase 2 is expected to be 1 pound per week until you meet your weight loss goal. Phase 3 aims for weight maintenance.

Is exercise promoted?

Exercise is not a main part of the South Beach Diet plan. A brisk 20-minute walk is recommended daily to help achieve weight loss faster. Basically, if you break a sweat, that means you have achieved your exercise goal.

Are supplements recommended?

Supplements are not required on the South Beach Diet plan, but they do note the benefits of fish oil capsules, a daily aspirin, a daily multivitamin, and Metamucil fifteen minutes before a meal.