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Beverage List for the South Beach Diet

By Laura Dolson, About.com

Updated: June 23, 2007

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The main rules for beverages are: More Specifically:

Beverages Encouraged 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
See the Rest of the South Beach Diet Food Lists

Related Resources:

Laura Dolson
Guide since 2005

Laura Dolson
Low Carb Diets Guide

Explore Low Carb Diets
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