Getting Started: Five Essential Tips
Whether you're getting ready to begin Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet or you've been following the plan for a while, truly learning the principles of this lifestyle — and incorporating them into your own meal plans and exercise routines — will help ensure your success. We've created this list for your reference.

1. The doctor-designed South Beach Diet focuses on selecting the right carbs (such as whole-grain breads, beans, and high-fiber fruits) and fats (like those from oily fish, nuts, and extra-virgin olive oil).

2. You don't have to count calories or measure out portion sizes. Instead, you'll eat satisfying portions of such wholesome foods as lean proteins, colorful veggies, delicious fruits, and low-fat dairy products.

3. The South Beach Diet is flexible and easily accommodates individual tastes and needs. You can substitute choices you prefer for the suggested meals, develop your own menus with your family's favorite meals, or plan meals using the easy tools available on SouthBeachDiet.com. Just keep to the principles!

4. The South Beach Diet is a long-term lifestyle, not a fad diet. This healthy-weight plan teaches you to make healthier eating choices and encourages regular physical activity — lessons you can use for the long haul.

5. Weight loss is only one of the many benefits of the South Beach Diet. The program has been shown to help lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by lowering total cholesterol, reducing unhealthy triglycerides (another blood fat), and regulating blood sugar levels. By adopting the South Beach Diet lifestyle, which includes regular activity, you'll be on your way to living a longer, healthier life!
Go to: www.southbeachdiet.com for more information.