Weight Loss Cheating And Treating

Change "Cheating" to "Treating"

From South Beach Diet

It's all too common for people trying to shed a few pounds to obsess over their momentary lapses -- their so-called "cheats." But worrying about cheating only encourages feelings of guilt and failure, two powerful negatives that can compromise weight-loss efforts. Instead of thinking about these occasional indulgences as "cheating," consider them "treating." In fact, the South Beach Diet is a lifestyle that allows for occasional treats. The South Beach Diet isn't about deprivation; it's about enjoying delicious meals and snacks -- even sweets like dark chocolate -- from time to time. The unique three-Phase structure is designed to help you cope with -- and overcome -- cravings. Once you've adopted the principles of the program, it's okay to treat yourself to an occasional indulgence. That's what makes the South Beach Diet a lifestyle -- and what makes it so easy to follow.

As Dr. Agatston says, "Once you're used to eating the South Beach Diet way, you can have a varied and satisfying meal plan. A rare treat should not affect weight loss or cravings." When it comes to treating yourself, Marie Almon, M.S., R.D., Nutrition Director of the South Beach Diet , has this helpful advice: "Enjoy three bites of your indulgence. Generally, that's enough to satisfy you."

As many carbohydrate-controlled diets, the South Beach diet consists of different phases. Foods can be disallowed on the early phase and allowed on later phases and so are snaks.

Snaks Good for the Phase 1:

Celery
Green or red peppers
Cauliflower and broccoli florets
Dill pickles
Sunflower seeds
Soy nuts

Phases 2 and 3 Snaks:

Carrot sticks
Whole-wheat crackers
Air-popped popcorn
Apple slices
Whole-wheat tortillas with salsa or a bean-based dip