South Beach Diet Review

Everywhere you turn there is an advertisement for weight loss products, diet food, and fitness advertisements. That would be great if there was a few to choose from with a good review. As reality would have it there aren't just a few, but hundreds. How do you know which product to try, which food to buy, which diet to do?

As a woman, who has had children I certainly know what it is like to be in search of some solution to help aid in losing weight. I can personally admit that I have been a yo-yo dieter for about 3 years. Trying everything possible to lose weight. Honestly losing weight is a formula, and as a former 24 hour fitness employee I know that. Though its not that simple, each person is different, body and metabolisms are different so is the standard calories in vs. calories out true for everyone?

One diet that I tried about 5 months after giving birth to my first daughter was The South Beach Diet. It is a 3 phase diet that is used to teach you the right foods to eat. Healthy carbohydrates and health fats instead of the "unhealthy carbs and unhealthy fats" we are so accustom to eating. One reason people swear by this diet is the fact that unlike other diets you can actually eat and eat until your full. Because you are eating the "right" foods and they are generally low in calories, you can eat as much as you want. Another great factor about The South Beach Diet is that in the first two weeks alone, with no exercise you can lose up to 14 pounds straight off your mid section. Who doesn't want that? I am confident that if you are looking to jumpstart your weight loss program The South Beach Diet may be the solution you have been seeking. One down side to The South Beach Diet is it is a LIFESTYLE change. So when the first phase of the diet is over you have to gradually begin the second phase or all of your work may be for nothing. Although from personal experience I never gained back the weight I had lost in the initial two weeks of The South Beach Diet.

Phase one

Phase one of the South Beach diet is considered the strict phase and is the hardest phase. I'm going to be honest it is quite difficult and to come into it cold turkey is a definite test of self control. In the first phase you are limited to what you can eat. You must do this phase for 14 days as it is a detoxify for your body. Foods you can eat in the first phase include: protein, dairy, beans, vegetables and nuts. Meats and poultry to include: ham, lean ground beef, turkey and chicken breast, turkey bacon, low/non fat lunch meat, and all types of sea food. Beans including: Black eyed peas, chickpeas and pinto beans. A wide variety of veggies such as: tomatoes, squash, onions lettuce, spinach, mushrooms, and okra. One serving of nuts each day are acceptable. Low fat cheeses, eggs, fats and oils to include olive oil, avocado and mayo. Sugar substitutes are accepted and of course desert. Sugar free gelatin, sugar free hard candy and fudge pops.

Forbidden foods in phase one include fatty cuts of beef, prime rib, dark meat chicken and turkey, and honey baked ham. Certain veggies including, beets, carrots, corn, and green peas. All starches, including bread, potatoes, cereal, pasta and rice. All fruit and fruit juice, whole milk and alcohol are to be avoided during the first phase.

Phase two

In phase two of the south beach diet is where you stay until you have met your goal weight. A person who does not need to lose very much weight can enter the diet at phase two. On phase two you will return to some of the foods that are Forbidden in phase one. You will still need to stay clear of certain carbs such as white bread, potatoes and white pastas. Foods you may include back into your diet in phase two are fruits to include : apples, bananas, cantaloupe, grapes, oranges, and pears. Starches including, whole wheat bagels, whole wheat bread, some cereals, whole grain crackers, and whole wheat pasta. Adding more veggies like green peas, carrots, pumpkin, and yams. Semi sweet chocolate, non fat yogurt, fat free pudding and 1 or 2 glasses of wine per day.

Phase three

At last, phase three. In phase three you can eat anything you want! By this time you will be able to determine the amount of carbs you can add into your diet without gaining weight. If you do begin to gain weight cut back on carbs, if you need to lose weight start phase one over again. Once you have reached phase three you have learned all the skills to maintain your goal weight. Phase three has become your LIFESTYLE change.