Whether or not your family members are following the South Beach Diet alongside you, you CAN succeed at meeting your goals while also meeting your family's food needs — without doing double duty in the kitchen! With a little forethought and planning, you can purchase and prepare South Beach Diet-friendly foods the whole family will enjoy. And as a side benefit, your loved ones will enjoy better health as you lose weight and become more vital. Just keep these guidelines in mind when preparing family lunches:
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Go for whole-grain breads. Keep your cupboards stocked with a variety of whole-grain breads: whole-wheat sliced bread, whole-wheat pita, and whole-grain tortillas are some family-friendly varieties to choose from.
South Beach Diet-style: Enjoy whole-grain breads beginning in Phase 2.
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Serve salads. Make hearty, family-worthy Cobb or chef-style salads with dark, leafy greens, tomatoes, avocados, turkey bacon, and lean deli meats.
South Beach Diet-style: Select a commercial salad dressing with less than 3 grams of sugar per 2-tablespoon serving, or create your own dressing using extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon or lime juice, garlic, and fresh herbs.
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Consider bean-based soups. Lentil, split pea, and black bean are nutrient-dense, fiber-rich choices that will satisfy the entire family.
South Beach Diet-style: Opt for vegetable, bean, or broth-based varieties over creamy soups that are high in saturated fat. Pass over soups that contain refined carbs (like white rice or pasta), and concoct a homemade version using the whole-grain equivalents instead.
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Enjoy lean deli meats. Choose lean deli meats like turkey breast, chicken breast, and ham. Make sure you select varieties without added sugars (for instance, avoid honey-baked ham), and serve deli meats with South Beach Diet-approved condiments like Dijon mustard and mayonnaise.
South Beach Diet-style: Forgo the sandwich bread and opt for a roll-up if you're in Phase 1. In Phases 2 and 3, use the whole-grain options listed above.