Should I Stay on Phase 1 Longer?

It is acceptable to stay on Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet for longer than two weeks if you have a large amount of weight to lose, but it is not recommended for long-term use.

Dr. Agatston says people who are morbidly obese (have a BMI of more than 35) can stay on Phase 1 for up to two months. He recommends adding exercise, such as aerobics or walking, if you stay on Phase 1 for an extended period.

It is not mandatory that you stay on Phase 1 for longer than two weeks if you're morbidly obese. It is your option. You will still continue to lose weight if you proceed into Phase 2 after 14 days; it will just be at a slower rate that what you experienced during Phase 1.

Anyone who doesn't have a significant amount of weight to lose, or has a BMI of 30 or lower, should stay on Phase 1 for the standard two week time period. To continue losing weight so rapidly could mean you're less likely to keep it off. Or, you could find your weight loss stalls completely thanks to a lowered metabolism.

Advancing into Phase 2 is an important part of the South Beach Diet. This is when you can begin adding some of those "forbidden foods" back into your diet, which will improve your nutrition and overall health (and prevent mealtime boredom!).

Proceeding to Phase 3 will help you make the SBD a permanent lifestyle ... for permanent success!

Continue: Phase 2 >>

(Please note: In order to correctly follow The South Beach Diet, you will need to read The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss, which is also available on CD.

You may also find the companion food guide helpful.)

South Beach Diet 101