I'm a vegetarian and I want to lose weight. Can I do both on the South Beach Diet?
— Christine A., Whittier, CA

Yes, the South Beach Diet has always been a plan grounded in eating delicious nutrient-dense, plant-based foods like fiber-rich whole grains, beans, fruits, and veggies. It also emphasizes good fats like those found in omega-3-rich fish and nuts, as well as satisfying portions of lean protein. Vegetarian sources of protein include tempeh, tofu, and soy-based meat substitutes that contain less than 6 grams of fat per serving. Like anyone else, vegetarians can have weight or health problems, so they still need to make the right food choices. Relying on too many of the wrong foods — like refined carbohydrates — can lead to weight problems and increase the risk of prediabetes or diabetes. Eating the South Beach Diet way will allow you to enjoy delicious vegetarian meals while helping you achieve — and maintain — a healthy weight.