Question:
I want to lose about 30 pounds. I have been reading over the South Diet Beach book and I am quite intimidated by the requirements of Phase 1. Do I really have to do it in order for the diet to work?
- Joann
Answer:
Hi Joann,
I can certainly understand your trepidation. Looking over the first part of The South Beach Diet -- called Phase 1 -- can be downright daunting, especially if you're a "carb-addict"!
During Phase 1, you will find some strict limitations about what you cannot eat. Many foods you may be accustomed to eating often (and eating large portions of) will be completely off-limits during Phase 1 of The South Beach Diet. Examples of Phase 1 forbidden foods include: bread, pasta, potatoes, and fruit.
Yes. It will be difficult.
But, the fact is, you really do need to follow that part of the diet in order for it to work the way it is supposed to.
This is because the purpose of Phase 1 is to "reset" your cravings for carbs.Within a few days of Phase 1 you will notice your cravings for the foods you're avoiding are slowly diminishing. And eventually they will disappear altogether.
If you don't follow Phase 1 of The South Beach Diet, this simply can't happen.
Instead of focusing on the foods that you can't have during Phase 1, focus instead on the manyallowable foods you can enjoy.
Take the opportunity to sample some new foods; I'll bet there are some vegetables on the allowed list that you haven't even tried! Why not give some easy Phase 1 recipes a whirl?
An important tip: Including snacks in your meal plans will help you stick to the requirements of Phase 1 and will help decrease your cravings.
The good news is Phase 1 is just that ... a phase. It is not meant to be a permanent way of eating.
For most South Beach Dieters, Phase 1 will only last for two weeks. Those who are considered morbidly obese may extend Phase 1, but staying on it longer is not required of them.
Want more good news? By the time you finish Phase 1, you'll have already lost a significant amount of weight. Belly fat is often the hardest weight to lose and you'll see it diminish after those first, tough two weeks of this plan.
Keep in mind that by doing Phase 1, you are actually doing yourself a favor. Getting control of your cravings will help you adjust to making healthier choices for the rest of your life.