Foods Allowed on the South Beach Diet

by J.D. Wollf

Overview

The South Beach Diet is an effective way to lose weight by limiting your food choices--specifically carbohydrates--for a certain amount of time. You will go through three phases of the South Beach Diet. As you pass through each stage, more foods will be on the "can eat" list.
First Phase

On the first phase of the South Beach Diet, which lasts 2 weeks, you can eat meat, eggs, low-fat cheeses, nuts and certain vegetables--"sugary" or "starchy" vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes, are not allowed. Alcohol, fruit and grain products are also not allowed.

Second Phase

During the second phase of the South Beach Diet, you can add fruit, all vegetables and wine. You can also add whole grain products in limited portions, such as brown rice or whole wheat bread. This phase lasts as long as the dieter wishes or until weight loss ceases.
Carbs

Processed foods, like cookies, cakes, white bread or other such baked goods are a no-no at any phase. Whole grains are always the best choice.
Dessert

You can have dessert during any phase of the diet---however, you will probably have to use a sugar substitute when sweetening your snack.
Nuts

Nuts are allowed as a snack in limited portions (15 nuts per serving).
Third Phase

The third phase is the maintenance phase, and it lasts for the duration of your life. You are expected to adhere to the diet's basic principles and continuously apply them.

Overview