Is it Easy to Follow?
Once you get used to cutting those "bad carbs" ... yes, it becomes easier. Dr. Agatston says you will become accustomed to eating the good carbs and fats and leaving the bad ones behind.Many SBD fans swear that their cravings for sweets and other bad carbs virtually disappear during Phase 1.
For some, the Phase 1 period can be extended beyond two weeks, but it is not meant to be a permanent way of eating.
Dr. Agatston says even if you're a bread and pasta lover, you'll be able to get through Phase 1 painlessly. He says you will eventually lose the urge to eat these types of foods. Most South Beachers find cravings subside after two weeks.
What does Phase 1 Do?
The theory behind Phase 1 is that there is a switch inside us that affects the way our bodies react to the food we eat (and makes us gain weight).
When the switch is on, we crave foods that actually cause us to store fat (Agatston, pp 4-5). According to Dr. Agatston, at the end of the first two weeks the switch has gone from the on to off position.
The principle requiring the stringent Phase 1 is that by following the specified plan, you can correct the way your body reacts to food. By the time begin to add some of the forbidden foods back into your diet, your body has had a chance to adjust.
(Please note you will need to read The South Beach Diet book in order to accurately follow this plan. You may also find the companion food guide helpful.)
