South Beach Diet phase 1 + vegaterian?!

sunshine86912
sunshine86912 Posts: 23
edited September 23 in Food and Nutrition
What in the world can I eat to get my calories up?! I know in SBD you dont really count cals, but here I do! I dont eat meat, or fish, so my only options are nuts and cheese for higher cals (that I can think of!) I am worried I will be starving myself doing this! but I need phase 1 to help me stop eating all the junk food! I have been spending one too many days eating an oreo here and there or some ice cream, no more!! ahhh! Suggestions?
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Replies

  • wriglucy
    wriglucy Posts: 1,064 Member
    Eat bread! You're body NEEDS carbs! That's what fuels your body. South beach diet is SOOOOOOO hard on your kidneys because they have to work harder to flush out the extra protein. Too much protein that isn't used during the day turns to fat too...I'd stick to a diet of moderation, not south beach.
  • You could try to eat things made with tofu, to make sure you get enough protein..
  • kimmerroze
    kimmerroze Posts: 1,330 Member
    I absolutely loved the south beach diet, my father has heart problems and the doctor reccommended the southbeach diet. It is great! has fantastic recipes! I just love it!

    to each their own I say, but its a good diet.

    I was watching a cooking show a while ago and they made their own version of cheese crackers, you put a pan on the stove, and spray it so the cheese doesn't stick, and then drop little handfuls of cheese onto the pan, fry it until it becomes crispy and then pull it off the stove.

    I tried it and I LOVED it! they taste just like crackers, except they are higher in calorie, they are good with veggies or meat ontop or cracker dip, or anything you wanna put ontop of them. or you may like them just by themselves. All types of cheese make them taste a little different.

    They are higher in calorie, give it a try. I cant remember if you are allowed to eat eggs but, that is also higher in calorie.
  • lovemyhellokitty
    lovemyhellokitty Posts: 72 Member
    I am a vegetarian, too. Do you eat tofu or any of the veggie "meats" made by companies such as morningstar, boca or light life? There are lots of tasty choices. I love making a huge pot of bean vegetable soup so I have something to heat up that's quick and tasty. If you like to eat salad, you can try adding a veggie "chicken patty" or these veggie "meatballs" made by veggie patch and some hummus or any other dressing you like. I also add a little feta cheese to my salads. Hope this helps :)
  • lovemyhellokitty
    lovemyhellokitty Posts: 72 Member
    Eat bread! You're body NEEDS carbs! That's what fuels your body. South beach diet is SOOOOOOO hard on your kidneys because they have to work harder to flush out the extra protein. Too much protein that isn't used during the day turns to fat too...I'd stick to a diet of moderation, not south beach.


    so true!
  • i do eat some of the fake meat, those are some good suggestions! thank you! :)
    I personally LOVE SBD and its only 2 weeks with no carbs...its not forever! lol
  • yep! you can eat eggs, that is what I had for breakfast! yum!
    I absolutely loved the south beach diet, my father has heart problems and the doctor reccommended the southbeach diet. It is great! has fantastic recipes! I just love it!

    to each their own I say, but its a good diet.

    I was watching a cooking show a while ago and they made their own version of cheese crackers, you put a pan on the stove, and spray it so the cheese doesn't stick, and then drop little handfuls of cheese onto the pan, fry it until it becomes crispy and then pull it off the stove.

    I tried it and I LOVED it! they taste just like crackers, except they are higher in calorie, they are good with veggies or meat ontop or cracker dip, or anything you wanna put ontop of them. or you may like them just by themselves. All types of cheese make them taste a little different.

    They are higher in calorie, give it a try. I cant remember if you are allowed to eat eggs but, that is also higher in calorie.
  • CraftyGirl4
    CraftyGirl4 Posts: 571 Member
    I agree with the other poster that the diet of moderation is the one that you are going to be able to stick to. Cutting out those sugary foods with all of the empty calories is good, but you are going to eat them from time to time so you shouldn't feel guilty about it. Try replacing those empty "quick" carbs with whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The average person's diet requires 50-65% of their diet to be from carbohydrates. Athletes require even more. Carbs are energy! You need them.

    But, if you do need to increase your protein as a vegetarian, try nuts, seeds, beans (and tofu), whole grains, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs/egg whites... if you really feel like you need a super protein boost, try some whey protein. It's 100% bioavailable to the human body, and it packs a pretty good protein punch with not a whole lot of extra "crap."
  • its only 2 weeks, I wouldnt think two weeks would do that much harm, and too much protein? I dont eat meat..so something tells me I wont get too much protein LOL. my main form of protein comes from protein bars and shakes, which I can not have on phase 1, so I have to figure out a way to get more protein actually.
    Eat bread! You're body NEEDS carbs! That's what fuels your body. South beach diet is SOOOOOOO hard on your kidneys because they have to work harder to flush out the extra protein. Too much protein that isn't used during the day turns to fat too...I'd stick to a diet of moderation, not south beach.
  • Thanks, but I have actually been counting my cals without following SBD for the past 5 weeks, I lost 11 lbs, messed up ONE day and gained 5 lbs. sooo..that's not working for me. Hence why I am now headed back to south beach, where I have lost and kept off about 40 lbs over the course of 2 years, this is just the first time I have done with while NOT eating meat. You get the carbs back after 2 weeks..why is everyone so stuck on the carb factor?!
    I agree with the other poster that the diet of moderation is the one that you are going to be able to stick to. Cutting out those sugary foods with all of the empty calories is good, but you are going to eat them from time to time so you shouldn't feel guilty about it. Try replacing those empty "quick" carbs with whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The average person's diet requires 50-65% of their diet to be from carbohydrates. Athletes require even more. Carbs are energy! You need them.

    But, if you do need to increase your protein as a vegetarian, try nuts, seeds, beans (and tofu), whole grains, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs/egg whites... if you really feel like you need a super protein boost, try some whey protein. It's 100% bioavailable to the human body, and it packs a pretty good protein punch with not a whole lot of extra "crap."
  • llkilgore
    llkilgore Posts: 1,169 Member
    why is everyone so stuck on the carb factor?!

    And the protein factor? My protein consumption wasn't excessive before I began my diet and hasn't changed significantly since. True, it's a higher percentage of my total calories now - but in absolute terms? No, it's the same. And even in the most restrictive phase of the diet I ate a lot more vegetables than before. A LOT more vegetables.

    I'm in phase 2 now and eating foods with higher levels of natural sugar and complex carbs again. I'm just eating them in moderation and avoiding those that cause my blood glucose to spike.
  • Mike523
    Mike523 Posts: 393 Member
    Everyone is stuck on the carb factor because they are uninformed on what the South Beach Diet is. Many people think it is the same or similar to Atkins, which is not true.

    South Beach is NOT a LOW CARB diet. It is a LOW CRAP diet. South beach promotes eating good carbs - lots of veggies, high fiber whole grains, fruits, balanced with lean protein (chicken, fish, eggs, beans, LF/FF dairy) and good fats (olive/canola oils, avocados, olives).

    The reason people equate this way of eating to Atkins and other low carb programs is because of the restrictive first two weeks of the diet. During this time, you cut out all the grains, sugar, fruit, and other high carb stuff. This is ONLY FOR TWO WEEKS, and its purpose is not to promote weight loss, but instead to break your body's cravings for the sugary/starchy crap you've been eating. This is very effective for many many people.

    After the two weeks you begin phase 2, where you start eating whole grains (WW pasta, brown rice, WW bread, high fiber cereals, etc.), fruits, and starchier/sweeter veggies (sweet potatoes, carrots, peas). This is where you learn how to eat a balanced healthy diet.

    I'm sure this rant will fall on many a deaf ear... but the bottom line is, this is a very healthy, clean way of eating. It is basically the same as a Mediterranean diet, and most of the foods you eat are in the top two tiers of Michi's ladder.
  • Thanks :) Glad some people actually understand the diet! I was pretty discouraged with the replies, because some where NOT helpful at all, just telling me what I should do instead of SBD. I didnt ask what I should do instead of SBD, I asked what in the world can I eat to help get my calories up and my protein up since meat is a big thing in phase one and I dont eat it!
    Everyone is stuck on the carb factor because they are uninformed on what the South Beach Diet is. Many people think it is the same or similar to Atkins, which is not true.

    South Beach is NOT a LOW CARB diet. It is a LOW CRAP diet. South beach promotes eating good carbs - lots of veggies, high fiber whole grains, fruits, balanced with lean protein (chicken, fish, eggs, beans, LF/FF dairy) and good fats (olive/canola oils, avocados, olives).

    The reason people equate this way of eating to Atkins and other low carb programs is because of the restrictive first two weeks of the diet. During this time, you cut out all the grains, sugar, fruit, and other high carb stuff. This is ONLY FOR TWO WEEKS, and its purpose is not to promote weight loss, but instead to break your body's cravings for the sugary/starchy crap you've been eating. This is very effective for many many people.

    After the two weeks you begin phase 2, where you start eating whole grains (WW pasta, brown rice, WW bread, high fiber cereals, etc.), fruits, and starchier/sweeter veggies (sweet potatoes, carrots, peas). This is where you learn how to eat a balanced healthy diet.

    I'm sure this rant will fall on many a deaf ear... but the bottom line is, this is a very healthy, clean way of eating. It is basically the same as a Mediterranean diet, and most of the foods you eat are in the top two tiers of Michi's ladder.
  • vzepol
    vzepol Posts: 131 Member
    If you look at the recipes in the book there are some good alternatives for vegetarians. You can also go to
    south-beach-diet-101.com for some alternative ideas. I only eat meat once or twice a week, mostly to keep peace with the person who does most of the cooking. I had no problem with phase 1 and am doing okay on phase 2.

    Victor
  • Mike523
    Mike523 Posts: 393 Member
    Thanks :) Glad some people actually understand the diet! I was pretty discouraged with the replies, because some where NOT helpful at all, just telling me what I should do instead of SBD. I didnt ask what I should do instead of SBD, I asked what in the world can I eat to help get my calories up and my protein up since meat is a big thing in phase one and I dont eat it!

    You're welcome! Regarding getting your calories and protein... Do you eat eggs? Do you use dairy? Eggs and egg whites have a lot of protein, and lowfat/fat free dairy (milk/yogurt/cheese) are also good choices. Nuts and beans/legumes are great too. Then you can try other non-meat proteins like tofu, etc.

    Once you get to phase 2 you can get some protein from whole grain cereals and breads, as well as fruits.

    Here's some interesting reading:
    http://www.womenfitness.net/protien-option.htm
  • ShrinkinMel
    ShrinkinMel Posts: 982 Member
    It was one day in 2 weeks. How do you know its not working for you??? Do you drink a lot of water? Maybe you retained that day.


    Carbs in quality and proper quantity is not going to hurt you. Your body DOES need them for brain function. Sugar, white flour, corn syrup, and especially high fructose corn syrup obviously are the carbs we should avoid. But whole grain carbs are NOT the enemy. Just my opinion.

    My BIG problem with low carbs are in the words you said yourself. "ITS NOT FOREVER" In order for this to be effective weight loss it would NEED to be forever. I do think South Beach is a little better because they do add in more in Phase 2 so you can learn to eat with enough good carbs.

    you can look through my diary. I eat carbs. You can see the days I eat the JUNK carbs I listed above those are the days I go over but I do eat carbs on the other days including whole grain bread, pasta(not always whole grain), quinoa etc and carbs from fruit and stay aprox 100 under their goal.
  • Thank you, I do have a few cook books and I plan on pulling those back out (south beach diet ones of course lol) thank you for the web site! I will for sure check that out!
    If you look at the recipes in the book there are some good alternatives for vegetarians. You can also go to
    south-beach-diet-101.com for some alternative ideas. I only eat meat once or twice a week, mostly to keep peace with the person who does most of the cooking. I had no problem with phase 1 and am doing okay on phase 2.

    Victor
  • I do eat eggs and dairy, so for breakfast I had two eggs with a little cheese. On phase 1 though you cant have much dairy right? other than cheese? I can stay away from milk and yogurt for two weeks, shouldnt be too bad!
    Thanks :) Glad some people actually understand the diet! I was pretty discouraged with the replies, because some where NOT helpful at all, just telling me what I should do instead of SBD. I didnt ask what I should do instead of SBD, I asked what in the world can I eat to help get my calories up and my protein up since meat is a big thing in phase one and I dont eat it!

    You're welcome! Regarding getting your calories and protein... Do you eat eggs? Do you use dairy? Eggs and egg whites have a lot of protein, and lowfat/fat free dairy (milk/yogurt/cheese) are also good choices. Nuts and beans/legumes are great too. Then you can try other non-meat proteins like tofu, etc.

    Once you get to phase 2 you can get some protein from whole grain cereals and breads, as well as fruits.

    Here's some interesting reading:
    http://www.womenfitness.net/protien-option.htm
  • wait..what was one day in two weeks? I said the eating in moderation wasnt working for me, because I lost 11 lbs over the course of 6 weeks (but it was really 5 weeks) and messed up on Sunday, darn superbowl!, and went over my cals by 180, and the scale showed a 5 lb increase the next day. and even now, with working out and keeping my cals in check I am still 4 lbs up, pretty annoying if you asked me! I DO drink a lot of water, but I do that every day. and its not the low carbs that arent forever, its the first two weeks that you can not have any bread or fruit and stuff, but after the two weeks you slowly add those things back into your diet. So its just two weeks with no carbs and then it goes back to normal!
    It was one day in 2 weeks. How do you know its not working for you??? Do you drink a lot of water? Maybe you retained that day.


    Carbs in quality and proper quantity is not going to hurt you. Your body DOES need them for brain function. Sugar, white flour, corn syrup, and especially high fructose corn syrup obviously are the carbs we should avoid. But whole grain carbs are NOT the enemy. Just my opinion.

    My BIG problem with low carbs are in the words you said yourself. "ITS NOT FOREVER" In order for this to be effective weight loss it would NEED to be forever. I do think South Beach is a little better because they do add in more in Phase 2 so you can learn to eat with enough good carbs.

    you can look through my diary. I eat carbs. You can see the days I eat the JUNK carbs I listed above those are the days I go over but I do eat carbs on the other days including whole grain bread, pasta(not always whole grain), quinoa etc and carbs from fruit and stay aprox 100 under their goal.
  • Mike523
    Mike523 Posts: 393 Member
    Instead of continuing to argue with the uninformed naysayers, I will just focus on your topic. :)

    Phase 1 specifies 2 cups of dairy per day including yogurt. Fat free or 1% milk, and fat free plain yogurt.

    In Phase 2 you can bump it up to about 3 cups per day.
  • thank you! I must have missed that when I read it, or I read the book so long ago that I dont remember that! LOL good to know! I can handle some plain yogurt, and I dont really drink milk so no argurment there! Off to get some plain yogurt!
    Instead of continuing to argue with the uninformed naysayers, I will just focus on your topic. :)

    Phase 1 specifies 2 cups of dairy per day including yogurt. Fat free or 1% milk, and fat free plain yogurt.

    In Phase 2 you can bump it up to about 3 cups per day.
  • brityn
    brityn Posts: 443 Member
    Everyone is stuck on the carb factor because they are uninformed on what the South Beach Diet is. Many people think it is the same or similar to Atkins, which is not true.

    South Beach is NOT a LOW CARB diet. It is a LOW CRAP diet. South beach promotes eating good carbs - lots of veggies, high fiber whole grains, fruits, balanced with lean protein (chicken, fish, eggs, beans, LF/FF dairy) and good fats (olive/canola oils, avocados, olives).

    The reason people equate this way of eating to Atkins and other low carb programs is because of the restrictive first two weeks of the diet. During this time, you cut out all the grains, sugar, fruit, and other high carb stuff. This is ONLY FOR TWO WEEKS, and its purpose is not to promote weight loss, but instead to break your body's cravings for the sugary/starchy crap you've been eating. This is very effective for many many people.

    After the two weeks you begin phase 2, where you start eating whole grains (WW pasta, brown rice, WW bread, high fiber cereals, etc.), fruits, and starchier/sweeter veggies (sweet potatoes, carrots, peas). This is where you learn how to eat a balanced healthy diet.

    I'm sure this rant will fall on many a deaf ear... but the bottom line is, this is a very healthy, clean way of eating. It is basically the same as a Mediterranean diet, and most of the foods you eat are in the top two tiers of Michi's ladder.

    I totally agree. South beach has a two week phase to detox your body so you're not dependent on carbs anymore. You get them back. It's a very balanced diet after the first two weeks.
  • kimmerroze
    kimmerroze Posts: 1,330 Member
    Quite honestly I wouldn't worry soooo much about counting your calories the first two weeks, so you are under? soooo what. It is a diet that you have said is working for you, so just make sure you are following it, and then when the two weeks are up, you can worry about counting your calories.....

    I think it is awesome that you are seeing so much progress from it!

    My FAVORITE recipe from that book is the cauliflower mashed potatoes! YUMMMM! I couldn't believe that they tasted sooo much like mashed potatoes yet it was completely made of cauliflower.

    the only people who have something negative to say about the SBD are those who have not tried it. Granted different styles of watching what you eat and "dieting" work for different people, but the SBD is such a balanced diet, that not only helps you learn good habits but it was created by doctors to prevent Heart Problems, that is the number one killer of women in the united states right now. And the great thing about it is this, once you have completed the diet and lost all your weight, you can modify it just a tad and keep it as a healthy life style, because that is what it is! A Life style change, not a DIET.
  • the only reason I am a little stressed about the cals is because before on the diet I was only working out 3 times a week, now I go to the gym every day for atleast an hour and a half.. lol I guess for the two weeks I can cut back my gym time some or something though. Just watch out, I will prolly be fiesty LOL
    Quite honestly I wouldn't worry soooo much about counting your calories the first two weeks, so you are under? soooo what. It is a diet that you have said is working for you, so just make sure you are following it, and then when the two weeks are up, you can worry about counting your calories.....

    I think it is awesome that you are seeing so much progress from it!

    My FAVORITE recipe from that book is the cauliflower mashed potatoes! YUMMMM! I couldn't believe that they tasted sooo much like mashed potatoes yet it was completely made of cauliflower.

    the only people who have something negative to say about the SBD are those who have not tried it. Granted different styles of watching what you eat and "dieting" work for different people, but the SBD is such a balanced diet, that not only helps you learn good habits but it was created by doctors to prevent Heart Problems, that is the number one killer of women in the united states right now. And the great thing about it is this, once you have completed the diet and lost all your weight, you can modify it just a tad and keep it as a healthy life style, because that is what it is! A Life style change, not a DIET.
  • vzepol
    vzepol Posts: 131 Member
    . Just watch out, I will prolly be fiesty LOL

    Good for you, keep it up.
  • oceanrose78
    oceanrose78 Posts: 133 Member
    Beans! They're allowed on Phase 1. Get some and make a big pot of chili or tortilla soup. Chickpeas are great too. Or almond or peanut butter (just no sugar, and watch for cravings), and also greek yogurt, which is higher in protein.

    Good luck!
  • Do you have a good recipe for vegaterian chili that is SBD friendly?! I have tried like everyone in that book and NO one in my house likes them LOL. I finally just made the beef and bean chili and just kept the beef seperate from mine LOL, my kids and my husband LOVE that chili!
    Beans! They're allowed on Phase 1. Get some and make a big pot of chili or tortilla soup. Chickpeas are great too. Or almond or peanut butter (just no sugar, and watch for cravings), and also greek yogurt, which is higher in protein.

    Good luck!
  • leslielove
    leslielove Posts: 251 Member
    Eat bread! You're body NEEDS carbs! That's what fuels your body. South beach diet is SOOOOOOO hard on your kidneys because they have to work harder to flush out the extra protein. Too much protein that isn't used during the day turns to fat too...I'd stick to a diet of moderation, not south beach.

    Can you give me a source for protein turning into fat? I eat a lot of protein and that concerns me.
  • JulieTX86
    JulieTX86 Posts: 303 Member
    I haven't read all the posts... but drink TONS of water when doing SBD... My family and I did it a few years ago and I ended up with pyelonephritis (kidney infection) and my mother ended up with kidney stones. It was horrible.

    Edited to add: the above medical issues occured DURING THE FIRST TWO WEEKS of the SBD program, when carbs were cut. I just started reading the posts and people keep saying "it's only two weeks". Well in two weeks both my mother and I ended up hospitalized, so yes, it can be serious. Please be cautious when doing a diet regimen like this.

    With that said:
    Maybe use cottage cheese for snacks and don't get the "low fat" kind?? Not sure what the sugar content is, but my 2% is 80 calories for 1/2 a cup, so maybe if you got regular cottage cheese and ate a cup of it that would increase calories? It is high in protein still....
  • wriglucy
    wriglucy Posts: 1,064 Member
    Eat bread! You're body NEEDS carbs! That's what fuels your body. South beach diet is SOOOOOOO hard on your kidneys because they have to work harder to flush out the extra protein. Too much protein that isn't used during the day turns to fat too...I'd stick to a diet of moderation, not south beach.

    Can you give me a source for protein turning into fat? I eat a lot of protein and that concerns me.

    http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50900

    This is just a site I found searching. My mom is a registered dietitian, and has told me that fat, calories, carbs, protein...basically, anything in excess in your body that you don't use, will turn to fat. That's why it's so important for a diet of moderation
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