Let’s face it: We all sometimes give in to temptations, especially when it comes to eating. So if you occasionally slip up while following the South Beach Diet, does it mean you've failed? Not even close! Everyone is bound to have moments of weakness, and the good news is that it’s never too late to get back on track. The simple fix? If your indulgences have caused you to pack on a few pounds or experience cravings, move back to Phase 1 for a little while, or simply cut back on carbs, including fruits, whole grains, and starchy vegetables. Once you've lost the added weight and eliminated your cravings, you can pick up where you left off.
Follow these tips to create a game plan to fight off temptation before it strikes:
- Empty your cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer of all the unhealthy foods that trigger your cravings.
- When shopping, skip the chip and cookie aisles at the grocery store and focus on healthier foods, like vegetables, reduced-fat dairy and eggs, lean cuts of beef, pork, poultry, and seafood, whole grains and fruits (Phase 2), and healthy fats, such as extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
- When going out to eat, don’t even look at the dessert menu if you’re on Phase 1. Instead, plan on eating a serving of sugar-free gelatin, a ricotta crème dessert, or some fat-free Greek yogurt when you get home.
- Always carry a healthy snack with you, so when temptations come your way, you can eat something nutritious to distract yourself. Pack grab-and-go snacks, like a reduced-fat cheese stick, or veggies like celery, cucumbers, peppers, and grape tomatoes, which you can enjoy with an individual container of hummus. Or take along a protein- and fiber-rich South Beach Diet 100-Calorie Snack Bar or a Good to Go Bar on Phase 2. Our new line of 100-Calorie Snack Smoothies comes in three delicious flavors: Perfectly Peach, Strawberry Banana, and Wild Berry.
- If someone gives you an indulgent present, like a box of chocolates or your favorite cookies, don’t be tempted. Take it to work, or give it to a neighbor or friend who will appreciate it.
