One of the first things anyone ever notices when checking out a diet menu to see if they think they can do it is the "can haves" and the "cannot haves". You will soon form the opinion that you will not go far with a diet when it is unvaried and boring and all the things you would normally enjoy eating are off the menu. This however is not the case with the South Beach Diet.

Go ahead and examine the foods recommended on the South Beach Diet. Happily, you will find that the South Beach diet recipes use a wide variety of foods and diverse cooking methods to prepare meals that are truly mouth-watering combinations.

When creating the food list for the South Beach Diet, much consideration was given to the foods most people enjoy eating. The South Beach Diet program allows you to eat a variety of meats, like chicken breast, Cornish game hen, lean beef, boiled ham and turkey. Meat is even allowed on Phase 1, the most restrictive part of the diet.

For seafood lovers, you will be happy to discover that all types of food from the sea are allowed throughout the diet and oily fish such as cod and mackerel are well worth a place on your menu as they will provide you with your necessary omega-3 fatty acids intake.

Fruits and many types of grains are not on the menu during Phase 1, but for those of you who really miss these items, do not worry, they are reintroduced on a gradual basis during Phase 2. The fact that you no longer crave these foods will mean you significantly reduce the portion size when you are once again allowed to eat them.

Fatty cheese and other dairy products are reintroduced to your diet during Phase 2 too. Cravings for these foods are also put in check during Phase 1, so you will find it easier to refrain from overeating these foods.

When studying the South Beach Diet you will see that there are numerous vegetables which you can incorporate in your menu. Some of the more popular ones are celery and collard greens, asparagus and cauliflower all of which you are allowed in large portions and as long as sweetened with Splenda, you can even eat pickles!

One of the great things about the South Beach diet is the delicious food combinations. Adding romaine lettuce or spinach to some of the meats and cheeses approved for Phase 1 will give you a smashing salad that will be satisfying and very filling.

They say that variety is the spice of life. If that's true, the South Beach Diet is the spiciest diet around. Check it out for yourself. You will not be disappointed or feel deprived, and the weight will come off too.