South Beach Diet Menu

After Dr. Arthur Agatson published The South Beach Diet in 2004, it went on to top hardcover and paperback bestseller lists for two years. Based on his research as a nutritionist, the South Beach diet categorizes foods as good or bad and regulates their consumption based on their rating. It is divided in to three phases. The first phase lasts two weeks and is designed to drop excessive weight and familiarize your body with the diet. The second phase takes the weight loss to a gradual rate and allows more foods. This phase lasts until you reach your target weight. The last phase is the least restrictive and meant to last the rest of your life.

While the first two phases are critical to initiating lasting weight change, the third phase of the South Beach diet menu is best described as simple, healthy and moderate.

Below is a list of preferred foods for the South Beach diet menu during the first two phases:

Phase 1

Foods to avoid:

bread
pasta
potatoes
rice
fruit
candy
cookies
ice cream
alcohol and beer
cereal

Foods to eat:

cheese
chicken
vegetable juice
bacon
turkey
eggplant
salads
asparagus
salmon
steak
broccoli
tomatoes
peas
eggs

Phase 2

Foods Allowed in Moderation:

strawberries
oatmeal
chocolate
apples
apricots
cherries
grapefruit
cereal
hummus
breads (sparingly)
bagels
multigrain bread
rye
muffins
whole wheat pasta
whole wheat pita

Foods to Avoid:

cookies
potatoes
white rice
white bread
canned fruit
pineapple
raisins
watermelon
honey
jam
ice cream