Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet, which lasts two weeks, is pretty similar to the Atkin’s Diet “induction” period, which, not so coincidentally, also last two weeks. This is the most stringent aspect of the entire diet plan because you will be removing a lot of things that most people really enjoy eating from your diet.
As part of the publicity for South Beach, they tout that you can lose weight without feeling hungry. With the amount of food that you are allowed to have on the plan during phase one, this is actually pretty true. But hunger and cravings aren’t really the same thing. You really are not likely to be hungry, i.e. feeling your stomach growl and holding on by your fingernails until your next meal rolls around. What are you likely to experience though is cravings for the carbs that you’ve suddenly been weaned off of.
During phase 1 of the South Beach Diet, starchy carbohydrates such as breads, rice and pastas are completely banned from your diet, as well as all of the sugary stuff like ice cream, candy, sodas, etc. While two weeks may feel like a long time to do without any of these foods, if you persevere, most dieters find that the cravings start to subside around the 4th day or so as you get used to not eating those foods. They’ll be reintroduced gradually during phase 2.
In order to deal with your cravings during those crucial first few days, it’s best to take the bull by the horns. Tell yourself you will not cave! And then, when the craving strikes, get up and do something different to what you are doing at that moment. Get outside and take a quick walk around the block. Go make yourself a tall glass of ice water and drink all of it. Call a friend on the phone just to say hello. Just break what “craving moment” by doing something else and let your mind settle onto a different task.
Another important aspect of phase 1 success is to make sure you go to the grocery store and use your South Beach shopping list before you start phase one. Don’t wait until you’ve already started and then head out to do your grocery shopping. Get stocked up before you begin and don’t skip the good stuff – enjoy fine cuts of meat, seafood that you might not normally make part of your regular weekly diet (such as lobster!) and try doing a little experimenting with your vegetables. Find a few recipes for artichokes or spaghetti squash instead of eating salads, spinach and broccoli all the time!
Phase one of the South Beach diet may seem tough at first, but it will get easier.
If you haven’t started South Beach yet and you’re still wondering if it is the right weight loss plan for you, be sure to read the South Beach Diet Review [http://dietinspector.com/south-beach-diet-review/] at: [http://dietinspector.com/]
If you’re ready to Kick-start your Diet in 2008, be sure to sign up for the Weekly Weight Loss Tips [http://dietinspector.com/weekly-weight-loss-tips-newsletter/] newsletter and get your free 8-page Diet Kick-Start Guide.
