Our Experts Answer 9 of Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

The South Beach Diet isn’t just a diet. It’s a lifestyle. It can completely change the way you view food, your daily activities and your routine—all for the better! But with big changes come frequently asked questions. Our experts are here to provide you with the answers!

Here are the top 9 frequently asked questions South Beach Diet experts hear:

1. Can I drink coffee?

To kick off our list of frequently asked questions, we’ve got an answer to a morning must-have. Yes, coffee and tea are allowable on the program as long as they are black. These beverages will factor into your daily water intake. On our meal plan, we recommend drinking half of your body weight in ounces of fluid each day. However, please note that this is just a recommendation and you may need more or less fluid based on your activity level or other factors. Speak to your doctor to ensure you are hydrating properly for your specific needs. Learn more about reaching your water goal each day here! >

2. What types of groceries should I choose?

Non-starchy vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, spinach, bok choy, celery and peppers; proteins such as eggs, chicken, turkey and fish; and healthy fats such as avocados, dairy, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are healthy grocery-add ins that will help you reach your weight loss goals! To get our full grocery guide, click here >

3. Do I have to exercise?

We do recommend adding 30 minutes of exercise per day, such as walking. Interval training is very effective at burning fat. Doing interval exercises, such as sprinting for a minute and then walking for five minutes, will help burn off glycogen stores and therefore accelerate fat loss. Learn more about exercising on South Beach here >

4. How many grams of carbohydrates can I eat?

The South Beach Diet weight loss plan is low in carbohydrates while being high in healthy fats and proteins. This plan limits net carbs to 50 grams or less per day.

5. What is your advice for staying on track?

Keep a food journal! By consistently recording what you eat, you can double your chances at weight loss success, according to a 2008 study, published in Science Daily Journal. Just the process of reflecting on what you eat—whether you write on paper or type it in your phone notes—seems to promote self-awareness and success.

6. Why does South Beach recommend full fat dairy products?

We recommend full fat dairy products because reduced fat products typically contain more sugars and additives. Learn more about understanding nutrition labels here>

7. When will I start seeing results?

You should start seeing results the first week of the diet. It is normal to observe a significant weight loss during the first weeks, however everyone loses weight at a different rate. As you continue, you should lose one to two pounds per week.

8. Can I switch the order that I eat my DIY breakfasts, lunches and dinners?

You may switch the order of your meals as long as you are eating everything on the meal plan. Everyone has a different lifestyles and preference… therefore, you may want the food in the order that suits your lifestyle most!

9. Can I drink alcohol?

And last but certainly not least on our list of frequently asked questions —after week one, you may have up to two servings of alcohol per week. One serving is four ounces of dry red or white wine, 12 ounces of a light beer or one ounce of liquor. You must count each alcohol serving as all three of your allowable “Extras” per day. Learn more about enjoying drinks out with friends here >