How to get through South beach diet phase one
The South beach diet is a low glycemic diet plan. Created by Dr. Arthur Gatston, in many ways, the South beach diet emphasises the need for good carbohydrates and healthy fats. This results in weight loss without any risk to health. This diet consists of three phases: in particular, phase one is extremely difficult. This article suggests tactics which will make phase one manageable.
The challenges of South Beach diet phase one
Phase one consists of a 14 day induction period whereby carbohydrates are heavily restricted. The regular carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes and pasta are all restricted during this phase.
Fortunately the dieter is allowed to eat a large amount of food, as long as the food is either protein based or vegetables. They are allowed to eat three meals per day and snacks until their appetite is satisfied.
Meal plan
The main meals consist of proteins such as lean chicken, sirloin steak and fish along with eggs and vegetables. Snacks consist of nuts and fat free cheese. The challenge lies in avoiding carbohydrates, only fruits and fruit juices should be consumed for two weeks. While this may seem straightforward, in practice, it is challenging to eat meals without any notable levels of carbohydrates for a two-week period.
How to stick with the South Beach diet phase one
There are some tactics which can be applied in order to ensure success:
1. Preparation:
A sudden drop in carbohydrates will result in hunger pangs for the carbohydrates which are now missing. Before dieting, the dieter should be aware of this and make sure that they engage in the diet when their life is free from serious stresses and distractions.
2. Meal planning:
Due to the fact that carbohydrates are missing from meals, it is necessary to plan meals a day ahead. This way it becomes possible to prepare tasty, healthy and filling meals.
3. Emotional support:
The dieter should explain to family and friends that they are going on a tough two week induction phase, and ask for some moral support during this period.
4. Healthy snacks:
Looking up the list of recommended foods and snacks ahead of the diet and preparing a stock of healthy snacks is a must. This way, if unexpected carbohydrate pangs appear, the dieter can eat some satisfying snacks.
5. Diet log:
It is a good idea to keep a diet log during this time in order to determine what foods are been eaten. It can also be used to check body weight a couple of times per week. This will assist motivation to become slim.
Word of encouragement
The application of these basic tactics will make it possible to overcome the challenges imposed by the phase one diet.