Phase one consists of a 14 day period. The dieter needs to eat three balanced meals, consisting of beef, fish, turkey, chicken, eggs, vegetables, nuts, salad and cheese. You can have a healthy, no carb snack in between your breakfast and your lunch. As with any diet, you need to drink as much water as possible.

During phase 1, you cannot have certain foods that are high in carbohydrates. For instance, rice, bread, fruit, pasta and baked goods are completely off limits. Also off limits are sweets. So cookies, cakes or ice cream should be avoided.

After the 14 day period, you then move into phase 2. With phase 2, there is no set period of time. Phase 2 continues until you have the lost all of the weight you want to lose. Phase 2 will vary from person to person, depending on the exact number of pounds you wish to lose. For some, the phase may only last a couple of weeks. While others, the phase may last several months.

For most people, by the time they have entered the second phase of the diet, they should have lost around 10 pounds. This, of course, all hinges on the notion that phase 1 was followed correctly. Wavering from phase 1 can have a negative impact on the other phases.

During phase 2, weight loss will be slowed down and be more consistent. On average, dieters lose around 2 pounds a week. During phase 2, some foods that were prohibited in phase 1, may gradually be re-introduced. However, they need to be consumed in moderation. Other foods, such as white rice should be avoided all together. Replacing white rice with brown rice will assist in the overall weight loss experience.

After you have lost all the weight you want, you then enter into phase 3. Phase 3 is considered to be a maintenance phase. During this phase, you are allowed to begin to eat more normally. Many of the restrictions that were imposed during phase 1 and 2 are lifted. However, you need to incorporate some of your diet habits into your every day life.

Adapting to the new way of eating may be difficult for some. However, it has been proven that doing so could dramatically improve your cardiovascular system. Also, it could help to reduce your risk of a heart attack.

As with any diet, results will vary from person to person. Also, is important to see a physician before starting any diet regimen. The South Beach diet requires the dieter to revamp their way of thinking and eating for a lifetime. But following the diet precisely has proven beneficial for the many who have tried it.