The South Beach Diet Phase 1

Starting The South Beach Diet

Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet is the most restrictive of all the 3 phases. The purpose of phase 1 is to stabilize your blood sugar and help control cravings for future phases. Phase 1 lasts two weeks. You are encouraged to start at phase 1 if you plan to lose more than ten pounds or if you have trouble with controlling cravings for foods high in sugar.

Just like any diet plan it is important to educate yourself on the diets full protocol and get familiar with the foods allowed. If you don't think the recipes and meal plans will work for you, it may be best to choose a different option. The South Beach Diet Phase 1 foods will consist of chicken, fish, lean meats, vegetables, eggs and other low-fat dairy. Foods like starches and sugars will be prohibited. You will also stay clear from fruit juices and grains during phase 1 and will re-introduce these items later in the diet.

South Beach Diet Phase 1 Food List

Healthy Recipes and Meal Ideas
Recipes may not be specific for this diet.
See food list for what you can eat on this diet.

The South Beach Diet Phase 1 will consist of three meals per day. You will also be allowed 2 snacks and dessert. Keep in mind the dessert will need to be high in protein and of low sugar content. The snacks you will consume each day during Phase 1 are actually mandatory and are meant to help control cravings. The snacks will be eaten a couple hours after a meal or just before cravings usually begin.

South Beach Diet Plan

Once you have done your research and have decided that the South Beach Diet might be your answer, you will need to do a few things to ensure success.

1. Let's get rid of all the foods in your home that are not on the menu. Making sure these foods are not accessible will help when cravings arise.

2. Make a meal plan. A for sure way to fall off any diet and get discouraged is to go at it with no plan. When you know what you are going to eat each day and shop accordingly, you are much more likely to stick to the plan. The official website calls for you to plan out a week in advance. They also offer a members only customized daily meal planner tool. Below are a few essential items.

South Beach Diet Shopping List

• Chicken breast and other lean meats
• Canadian bacon
• Vegetables - tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and spinach
• Lettuce and salad dressing
• Eggs
• Snacks - nuts, cheese and sugar free popsicles or jello

3. Help and Support. Dieting is tough and the South Beach Diet is no exception. Any diet that is worth doing will not be easy. You will need will power and drive. Sometimes this is not enough and it helps to have support from others. Most feel the diet gets easier as you go. The first few weeks during phase 1 are the most difficult. Support could include a friend, co-worker or family member you can do the diet with. The official website SouthBeachDiet.com offers message boards, and other support help for dieters along their weight loss journey.

More South Beach Diet Information

The South Beach Diet Food List

The South Beach Diet Phases

More South Beach Diet Recipe Links