The main rules for beverages are:
- Water should be the main beverage
- Nothing sweetened with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, etc. (see Sugar's Many Disguises)
- No fruit juices
- Limit caffeinated beverages to 1-2 per day
- No alcohol during Phase One
- No beer until Phase Three (but see discussion of beer on low carb diets)
Beverages Encouraged on the South Beach Diet
- Water
- Tomato Juice
- Vegetable Cocktail Juice, such as V8
- Milk, within limits (see Dairy on the South Beach Diet)
Beverages Acceptable on the South Beach Diet
- Sparkling mineral water or selzer (unsweetned)
- Club Soda
- Black Coffee (or artificially sweeentened), 1-2 cups daily (see also Carbs and Calories in Coffee Drinks)
- Decaf Black Coffee
- Tea without sugar (hot or iced), 1-2 cups daily
- Decaf Tea, sugar free
- Dry wine with dinner after Phase One
- Non-carbonated diet beverages, including sugar-free powdered mixes
- Carbonated diet beverages in moderation (and caffeinated sodas, mainly "non-decaf" colas, included in the 1-2 daily serving limit)
Alcoholic Beverages on the South Beach Diet
Dry wine is preferred, in moderation and with a meal. Limit to one or two servings of 4 oz each.These beverages can be consumed on a limited basis, perhaps once or twice per week:
- Mixed Drinks mixed with water or sugar-free mixers (no fruit juice) - after Phase One (see Low Carb Alcoholic Beverages
- Light Beer - Phase Three Only
- Artificially sweetened coffee powders
Beverages To Be Avoided on the South Beach Diet
These beverages are to be avoided permanently:- Any beverage sweetened with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, honey, etc. Includes...ANYTHING so sweetened, which is a lot of things!
- Fruit juices
- Commercial milkshakes
Related Resources:
