The South Beach Diet (7 page)

CHEESE, CHEESE PRODUCTS, AND CHEESE SUBSTITUTES

Whole milk cheeses are a source of saturated fat, so choose low-fat or fat-free cheese for most of your eating and snacking. Two percent cottage cheese is the only 2% dairy product we recommend in Phase 1. Because of its high water content and the way it’s made, one serving has less fat than 2% milk. Mozzarella cheese sticks make particularly convenient and healthy snacks. Occasionally, however, it’s okay to enjoy a small amount of a very flavorful cheese such as blue cheese or Parmesan occasionally, because a little goes a long way to enhance the flavor of a dish without contributing a substantial amount of saturated fat.

CHEESE

CHEESE PRODUCTS

CHEESE SUBSTITUTES (DAIRY-FREE)

CONDIMENTS

Some condiments can contain added sweeteners such as sugar, honey, corn syrup, and / or high-fructose corn syrup. Be sure to read the list of ingredients before you purchase.

CRACKERS, DIPS, AND SNACKS

Most crackers and packaged snack foods contain trans fats and should be avoided. There are some 100% whole grain baked snack crackers that do not contain trans fats, and these can be eaten more liberally.

CRACKERS

DIPS

SNACKS