Fortunately, that is not the case with the South Beach Diet. Contrary to other diet plans, the list of foods you can eat on the South Beach Diet is much longer than the list of foods you must avoid.

The South Beach Diet does not forbid the foods you really enjoy; it just teaches you to eat them in a different manner. This is why it is so successful. For example, if you are a meat eater, you will not be expected to totally cut out red meats in particular - you just have to learn to eat the leaner cuts and in smaller portions.

Examine Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet, as this is the most restrictive - and usually the most difficult - part of the diet. You will be surprised to see that many foods you would not expect to eat - the ones other diets make you eliminate - are actually a part of the Phase 1 menu.

Even though Phase 1 has the most limited food list on the South Beach Diet, you are still able to enjoy some of your favorites. It's ok to eat beef, pork, poultry, eggs, low-fat lunch meat and low-fat or fat-free cheese, as long as you stay away from anything too fatty or greasy. Seafood is not only allowed, it is encouraged throughout the entire South Beach Diet program. You can even eat sweets while on the South Beach Diet, just keep your daily intake below 75 calories.

One of the reasons the South Beach Diet is so successful, is that you learn how to adapt your own recipes to make them healthier. Phase 1 restricts you to using only canola oil or olive oil, but you will find this actually enhances the taste of your food. You are also advised to use low-fat dairy products during Phase 1, but this is only for two weeks. From that point on, preparing home-cooked meals is a breeze.

Fruits, normal dairy products and grains are re-introduced to your choice of foods during Phase 2 of the diet but you will find your cravings for these are not nearly as strong as previously. By eating food which your body can break down easily your weight will continue to drop, until you have reached your goal.

Although the South Beach Diet menu does ask you to make adjustment to the food you eat, you will be pleased with the types of food you can still enjoy. By following the South Beach Diet, you will learn how to eat everything in a healthier manner, and this will lead to healthy and permanent weight loss.