South Beach Diets

If you haven't heard about it already, South Beach diets are hitting the streets like nobody's business. I personally know a handful of people who have had great success with this diet, losing upwards of 40 pounds. It's not about low fat. It's not about low carbs. It's about eating the foods that are good for you. It's about eating the right foods to help you lose weight, keep it off, and keep your body healthy.

The South Beach diets are divided into three phases. The first phase is very similar to the Atkins induction phase. It lasts for four weeks and you banish all carbs for that amount of time. You are allowed to eat any variety of meat, chicken, turkey, fish, and shellfish. Vegetables, eggs, cheese, and nuts are also on the menu. You are not allowed to have any bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, baked goods, fruit, or alcohol. Don't worry, though, you will be putting these items back into your diet soon enough.

Something that people like to hear is that you will be encouraged to eat two snacks a day in phase one. Dessert is also allowed. Just make sure it's on the diet. It isn't too hard to stick to because sample menus of the first two weeks are laid out for you. All you have to do is follow instructions. South Beach diets encourage you to eat enough that you feel satisfied. It's unhealthy and counterproductive going around feeling as if you haven't eaten enough.

Phase Two and Three of the South Beach Diets

In phase two, you will start to reintroduce carbohydrates. You stay in this phase until you have hit your goal weight. After that, you begin phase three. This is Diet for Life. Think of this as a method of eating so you can enjoy life. People have a tendency to think of it as a life sentence, as if they're being sent to jail. This isn't true, this diet will give you a freedom from weight problems that you have never known.