As you’re following the South Beach Diet lifestyle you may notice that lean protein is a core part of your Meal Plan — and there’s a good reason why: Lean protein not only curbs hunger, it also allows you to maintain muscle mass while losing weight, which keeps your metabolism running at top speed. Cutting back on protein during weight loss, on the other hand, contributes to a loss of muscle mass and a slower metabolism. Lean protein also helps keep blood-sugar levels steady, which is essential to avoiding cravings for sugary snacks.

When considering protein choices, be sure to include lean cuts of beef (such as eye of round), ground beef (sirloin, lean, and extra-lean), tenderloin, top loin, and top round, as well as skinless turkey, chicken, and duck breast, pork loin and pork tenderloin, fish and shellfish, and soy-based meat alternatives that contain fewer than six grams of fat per two-to-three-ounce serving. Protein sources that are high in saturated fat should be avoided. These include brisket, liver, rib steaks (like prime rib), chicken and turkey pieces with the skin (as well as dark-meat poultry), and goose.

See all South Beach Diet tips.