Phase Three

Because you now have all the skills to properly maintain your weight, Phase Three allows you to go back to eating pretty much whatever you want. You will be able to determine the amount of carbs you can add back into your diet without gaining weight. If you see your weight does go up, cut back on carbs - you can even start the Phases over again.

Phase Two

In this phase, you can now start eating some of those once “forbidden foods” from Phase One. You will continue to eat the Phase 1 acceptable foods as well. Foods returning to your diet will include low-GI fruits, whole grain bread and pasta, and low-fat dairy. You will continue to follow the guidelines set forth in Phase 2 until you have met your goal weight.

Phase One

Phase Out Bad Carbs and Fats

Phase 1: First 14 days: This is the strict part of the plan that outlines what you cannot eat. Basically, if a food is on the Foods to Avoid list - even if it is a highly nutritious or low-fat - you cannot eat it. The goal is to build meals around a selection of nutritious foods (prepared in a healthy way) that have a low GI. The purpose is to relieve you of cravings for sugar and starches. In these two weeks it is also possible to lose a considerable amount of weight. It is important to stay on Phase One for the entire two weeks, no less and no longer.

The South Beach Diet Summarized

What is the South Beach Diet all about?

The diet was created by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist in South Florida who was looking to develop a long-term diet plan for his chronically overweight heart patients. The diet involves building your meals around specific allowable and forbidden foods. After 3 unique phases are complete, the South Beach diet will help you achieve an optimal body weight and give you the necessary skills to maintain this new way of life.