8 Tips for Following Our Low-Carb Plan

Thinking of going low-carb? South Beach Diet is pleased to offer an easy low-carb meal plan to make it simple.

The South Beach Diet low-carb plan is designed to deliver about 50 grams of “net carbs” (i.e. total carbs less dietary fiber and sugar alcohols) per day.

Ready to get started? Have you already begun? Here are eight things to remember when you’re following our low-carb plan:

1. Fill up on veggies and fats.

You’ll enjoy at least three servings of non-starchy veggies per day on our low-carb plan. We love celery, lettuce salads, eggplant, asparagus and cucumbers! Each day on the South Beach Diet, you’ll also add in Healthy Fats and get to include up to three Extras. An Extra is any food that contains no more than 35 calories and three grams of net carbs. Try to include Extras that also deliver Healthy Fats, such as one teaspoon of olive oil (toss it with lime juice and lettuce for a delicious salad!). Check out the Grocery Guide for more non-starchy Vegetable, Healthy Fat and Extra suggestions!

2. Limit beans, legumes and fruits.

Your goal on the South Beach Diet is to keep your overall daily net carbs within your 50-gram limit. This means that even good carbs like beans, legumes, whole grains and starchy vegetables are kept in moderation. We also recommend extremely limiting fruit due to the higher carb and sugar content. However, if you decide to include very small quantities of fruit, choose options that are lower in carbs and higher in fiber. Berries would be the best option if you are looking to incorporate a small amount of fruit. Count them towards your daily Extras (Click here for recommended serving sizes. >) and keep note of your daily net carb intake for the day. Try to fill up to non-starchy veggies, like leafy greens, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms and zucchini.

3. Water is essential.

It’s imperative for your digestive system and overall health to drink sufficient amounts of water. 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. Water keeps you hydrated, fuller longer, prevents overeating before meals and may boost metabolism.

4. Don’t think you’re exempt from exercise.

One of the reasons a low-carb diet plan is so popular is that you don’t always have to exercise to lose weight. However, decades of research confirms that exercise improves health and can extend your life. Adding as little as 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise a day can help you reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, depression and cancer. Exercise helps you sleep. It reduces stress. It brightens your mood. It sharpens mental function. And, it can improve your sex life, according to Harvard Health. Did we mention it also accelerates the weight loss process?

5. Beware of hidden carbs.

Coffees, yogurts, condiments, sauces and salad dressings are loaded with hidden sugars and carbs. And believe it or not, low-fat, creamy and sugar-free foods are some of the WORST carb offenders. To maintain flavor, color and consistency in reduced-fat foods, manufacturers often replace fat with sugar, increasing the carb count. Food manufacturers also disguise “sugar” with an alternate name like agave nectar, honey, evaporated cane juice, fruit juice concentrates or corn syrup. Before you buy or order, check the ingredients or ask for the complete nutrition facts. While these ingredients may not necessarily be harmful, they do add extra carbs to your diet, which when not aware of it could take you above your daily 50-gram net carb goal.

6. Variety is key.

You could be at risk of for deficiencies in micronutrients, including selenium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins B and C if you don’t eat a wide array of nutritious foods. Therefore, it’s essential you compensate for any deficiencies you may be missing out on. Speak to your doctor about taking a multivitamin and drink a nutrient-enriched shake daily. Be sure you also include your daily three servings of non-starchy vegetables. Pay attention to changes in your health like hair loss, vision changes, aches and pains, or weakness. Simple blood tests can reveal levels of your vitamins and minerals. It’s important to add variety to your meal plan—this includes switching up the meals and snacks you choose to include in your daily plan. Stay away from eating the exact same thing each day and mix it up by incorporating in an array of proteins, healthy fats and non-starchy veggies.

7. Have a holiday plan.

Carbs are king on Thanksgiving, queen at Christmas and just as plentiful throughout the year at special meals and holidays. Communicating with your family and friends beforehand can help you avoid peer pressure, can prevent offense and garner support. Offering to bring a low-carb dish is wise so you have something to eat and something to contribute to the meal. Think: Meat and cheese platter, creamed spinach or even the roast beef itself.

8. Allow yourself small indulgences.

Along similar lines, remember that you can eat some of your all-time favorite foods on our low-carb plan. “One of the criticisms of low-carb diets is that they’re too restrictive and can’t be adopted long-term, which may make it a hard lifestyle choice to sustain long term,” says Registered Dietitian Courtney McCormick. “The South Beach Diet Plan has been designed to keep the net carbs around 50 grams per day; however, the meal plan still allows for some flexibility to still enjoy healthier complex carbs from time to time.”