South Beach Diet Investigated

The South Beach Diet is now past it's two year anniversary. It still remains in the top 10 bestselling books. What is it about the diet that makes it so compelling to so many?
I purchased the latest edition of the South Beach Diet and read it anew. The most recent edition has updates to the foods, and a number of other fixes.
South Beach Diet Basics
The South Beach Diet is written by cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston. In essence, it's a reduced carbohydrate diet, that emphasizes the value of whole carbohydrates and the glycemic index. Some people have mis-interpreted the diet has being another "low-carb" diet or another version of Atkins. I believe this is incorrect.The South Beach Diet has also been derided as just another fad diet. Only time will reveal whether this is true. It may appear to some as being a fad diet, but I think the South Beach has more value than that. Apart from all our opinions, probably no other book has educated as many people in responsible nutrition. It emphasizes the values of healthy fats, and the blood sugar / insulin response of many of the processed carbohydrate foods that we eat.
The book itself is half filled with recipes and 14 day meal plans for each of the phases. The text is interspersed with testimonies and stories from various people who have used the South Beach Diet.
South Beach Diet On-line
The South Beach Diet has it's own on-line program with all the tools you would expect (meal/menu planners, forums, weight trackers). The only real advantage of signing up to the on-line program is that you get access to about 800 recipes, AND access to a complete vegetarian version of the diet. Quite frankly the extra recipes provide a lot more variation to the diet. You can see the on-line version here.The 3 Phases
The South Beach Diet is broken up into 3 phases: Phase 1 - An induction phase - no longer than 2-3 weeks. Phase 2 - A weight loss phase where Phase 3 - A life-long maintenance phase.Phase 1 - Induction
Phase 1 is most definitely a low-carb phase where most carbohydrates (and all starchy carbs) are completely eliminated. Agatston emphasizes that this phase should never go beyond 2-3 weeks. This phase causes the most weight loss (Agatston claims 8-13 pounds).To be honest, out of all aspects of the South Beach Diet, phase 1 is the only thing that I question. Agatston claims this phase is required in order to "break sugar addiction". I really wonder whether this is necessary. Many people find this phase quite hard, and I wonder whether it is a nod to instant gratification. Dropping carbs out of your diet often results in rapid weight loss for a short period, some will be fat, some may be muscle, and a lot will be loss of water.
Phase 2 - Weight Loss
The second phase of the South Beach Diet is excellent. It reintroduces whole carbohydrates along with good fats and lean proteins. It teaches you how to make good food choices, and how to satisfy your hunger.Phase 3 - Maintenance
I'm really not quite sure of the need of this phase. The foods appear no different than Phase 2. I'm obviously missing something.Vegetarians
The South Beach Diet book has very little about vegetarian options, however, the online version of the diet has a complete vegetarian version with meal plans and recipes.Exercise and Fitness
Agatston devotes a few pages to this, recommending at least 20 minutes per day of cardio activity. He also recommends weight training - particularly for women - not only for it's metabolism-boosting assistance, but also for building strong bones. But make no mistake - this is a diet book, and the emphasis on exercise is small.Criticisms
The South Beach Diet is not about calorie-counting - it emphasizes appropriate levels of fiber and fats in order to feel properly satiated. The opposite effect is eating empty calories (such as sugars) that do not satisfy our hunger but will ultimately convert to fat.Many people argue that to lose weight you must count calories. I believe that calories most definitely count, but not everyone need count them. I for one could not spend the rest of my life monitoring food intake - however calorie counting may be necessary for a short time. It's a personal thing.
Conclusion
The South Beach Diet has it's detractors, and no one diet is appropriate for everyone by any means. However the South Beach Diet has brought about a rebalancing in nutrition. We've come to realize the not all fats are bad, and not all carbs are good.The alliance between the South Beach Diet and food manufacturer Kraft brings Agatston's credibility into question. Considering Agatston criticizes processed food - it seems odd that he would partner with Kraft Foods. However one could also look at is as if Agatston is trying to bring change from the inside - by helping to improve the offerings the food company.
I think the South Beach Diet is worthwhile, but I question Phase 1, and don't necessarily see the need for it.
This is only my first time on it.I think work helps which I know sounds wierd. I told everyone what I was doing and now everyone sees how serious I am and they are helping me out. I also had a little meeting with my friends and we discussed my diet. I told them not to give into me wanting things I shouldnt have. This all sems silly but thats what I needed. Also I realize now how much I was overeating. I ate 10 pieces of popcorn and I didnt feel bad esp since im going to work out. I think you're going to get back on track and be just fine.If you lost 50 before you can lose 30 right now. 50 is a big number thats a hard number to achieve and clearly you can do it.:-)
ReplyI feel like im talking to myself now!!
Anyway I went to a huge BBQ yesterday. I was helping bring the food out and I realized I couldnt eat anything.I was surrounded by pasta salad and other crap.I totally freaked.And there was enough booze to open a bar in NYC.Finally someome bought out regular salad and some shrimp and beans etc.I was soo happy.I didnt drink and I didnt eat anything I wasnt supposed to.My mom was proud. Whats funny is I was the only one eating salad. I hope everyone else is doing ok!!
ReplyI am on vacation this week. I am staying with friends and am pretty much at their mercy since they cook a lot, and we're not going out much. I'm trying to be careful and will have to recover once I get back home.
ReplyI did very well with the South Beach diet, lost 15 pounds during Phase I and 2 more so far. Only problem is that I seem to be suffering lose bowels or diarrhea for two weeks now and wonder if this is from the diet. Could my bowels be suddenly irritated following the re-introduction of bread (gluten intolerance)?
ReplyOh probably that makes sense.Maybe talk to your doctor about it?? What type of bread are you eating??
Crystal I hope you're having a great vacation.
ReplyI am having fun - the flight down here was a nightmare, with delays and cancellations in chicago. I got to fly with this years' rookies from the chicago bears, though. OMG Hot!
My friends fed me pizza tonight. *sigh* but we stopped at the super wal-mart on the way home and I bought fruit for a snack. Maybe I can resist the bag of Doritos they're planning on pulling out later!
ReplyA couple doritos wont do you in!!! And football players?Lucky!!! I hope you took pictures!! I hate cancellations ugh they are the worst!!
I am doing HORRIBLE today.I ate breakfast soooo late and I havent had any water. Im running around work like a fiend. Argh.Only 2 more days for phase one. I hope I lose a little more.
ReplyIm dreading getting on the scale tomorrow.I feel sick and im so exhausted.I dont feel like working out at all. Argh
ReplyI have officially lost 22 pounds in phase one!! Yay. Onto phase 2 and im treating myself to a whole wheat sandwich and cherries :)
ReplyI am starting SBD today. We have started a Fat Camp at work and I feel it will be the motivation I need to drop some pounds and get into shape. I will try to post the progress as time goes by.
ReplyGood luck Brad!!!
ReplyFirst comment since my vacation!
Welcome Brad and congratulations, Bs3!
Today I collected the prize money from my Biggest Loser contest at work. I lost the most (35.8 pounds since March 10.)
I ate such junk on my vacation! It was therapeutic in a way. I was craving some junk food. However, by the end of the week, I felt so icky, I was ready to be home and get back to my regular routine.
I have promised myself I won't be stepping on the scale for at least a week. I've gotta wait it out until at least Saturday. It will give me a chance to recuperate and undo some of the damage I did while on vacation.
I had about 30 congratulatory emails waiting for me this morning when I got back to work. It was good inspiration.
I was mostly good today. I overdid it on peanuts for a snack, but I was out running errands long after I should have been home making dinner. I'm back to Phase 1 this week... or at least until I feel like I'm back to normal.
I had roasted eggplant for dinner and I made my own homemade hummus for the first time ever tonight.
ReplyYay Crystal I told you,I knew you would win!!!That is SO amazing!!! And thank you :).Im glad you're back I was getting lonely!! Im sure you'll be right on track.Dont sweat it. Im not getting on a scale either for another week. I dont want to get disappointed god forbid I dont lose alot.Scales are sooo annoying!Anyway,congrats again!!I hope you treat yourself to something great!!
I hope everyone else is doing okay!!Wonder happened to Andy......
ReplyI bought myself a few fun pieces of jewelry (hand-blown glass lizard earrings with matching necklace!) and I put the rest in the bank (I desperately need a more reliable car.)
I want very badly to snack on something now. Maybe I'll go see how the hummus turned out!
ReplyI am on day 3 of phase one. Not bad at all. I started off my first day by going to the grocery store and stocking up for my first 2 weeks.
lettuce, green bell peppers, zuccini, fish fillets, string cheese, laughing cow cheese, chicken breasts, celery and peanut butter, eggs, turkey bacon, deli meat: turkey and ham, cucumbers, tuna, and lots of green tea!
BREAKFAST: one over easy egg and 2 pieces of turkey bacon
AM SNACK: chopped zuccini and cucumbers or bellpeppers and a string cheese
LUNCH: tukey roll-ups, laughing cow cheese and some more chopped veggies
PM SNACK: 1 string cheese and finish my sandwich bag of chopped zuccini and cucumbers.
DINNER: chicken or a tilapia fillet with a salad(olive oil or rice vinegar dressing) or I just chop up some more veggies!
Throughout the day I drink about 5 bottles of water, that also includes 2 bottles of tea. (i love tea!)
Day three I havent lost any weight, but I have lost 1.5 inches around my waist. A co-worker of mine lost 9 lbs in 1.5 weeks. After having a baby and not much luck loosing my midsection, I thought I give this a try. Haven't felt sick at all. Just experience mild headaches. I have some cheese and drink some water and tah dah! Headache gone! For anyone who is feeling sick or is getting headaches, WATER IS THE CURE. It not only has helped me in the past couple days but has always been a cure in the past.
Good luck to everyone in P1!!!!
ReplyCrystal I too wouldve bought jewelry.My friend and I decided we would buy jewelry every 10 pounds we lose.
Welcome Jackie!!!...I had the worse headaches but water didnt help.They're gone now.I lost 22 pounds the first two weeks which may not be typical but I worked for it. Its nice to see your meal plan.Stocking up for the first phase helps so then you're not eating random things.Good luck you're going to do great!!
Dont wiegh yourself until its been 1 week at least.
ReplyHi I am on Day 3 of Phase 1, 2nd time around on the SBD, my stepdaughter and I are doing this as a team because I had a lot of luck the 1st time around, losing 25 lbs in 3 months. I have not been paying much attention to my weight this past year and a half since I had a baby, then stepped on the scale recently and it read 170. OMG!!!!! Something needs to be done because I am 5'6" and don't exercise, and I am over 35. Everyone says it gets harder as you get older to lose weight, so I am trying to nip this in the bud. My stepdaughter is 5'11", 16 yrs old & between 175-180. She asked me to go on the SBD with her again this weekend, so we are doing it together so I highly recommend the buddy system. Also advance planning, shopping and food prep, cause otherwise it gets super time consuming. So yesterday I had V-8 juice, 2 small quiche cups, 1/2 c fatfree cottage cheese & 1/4 c salsa for breakfast, a snack of string cheese, quiche cup & cut up tomato & cucumber, lunch was turkey & cheese rollups & more cut up veggies. Afternoon snack was a cheese stick & a few slices of turkey. Dinner was awesome, I made the surprise SB mashed cauliflower (also added broccoli) baked balsamic chicken, a tossed salad & the homemade Hummus recipe but I also added fresh cilantro & lime juice to make it more interesting. We did chocolate ricotta for dessert, just omitted the espresso. Yummy. I love to cook so the SBD doesn't present problems there. I find most recipes don't require much TIME, just the right ingredients on hand. So the advance prep is where I foresee trouble! Also my steppie hates V-8 juice, any ideas for substitutes, or for that matter for the eggs? Does anyone think scrambled eggs/eggbeaters would be alright if you just use cooking spray rather than butter? She was not a big fan of the quiche... thanks!
ReplyGetting sick of eggs seems to be a recurring theme on this board! I just had them for dinner. 3 eggs, a bit of FF half and half, a dash of onion powder - scrambled in a non-stick pan with cooking spray. I made enough for tomorrow's breakfast, too. I probably won't want them for at least another week after that.
I don't miss butter, so I guess I'm lucky there. I've never liked it (it always tastes slightly spoiled to me.) I grew up with margarine in the house instead, but as an adult, I rarely use that either.
People keep mentioning V8 juice/tomato juice. Is this something that's mentioned in the actual book that I missed out on because I only listened to the audiobook CD? I thought juices were off limits in general.
ReplySo its the end of the 3rd day for me. I have been doing pretty well. I am trying to keep my eyes on the prize and trying to stick with this. We did the weight in on Friday morning. I had a pretty bad weekend, I ate really bad and I drank a ton of alcohol. So starting the diet on Monday I didnt have have a good start. I have been going to the gym everyday and when I weighed my self today I have lost 7 pounds! I am stoked!! so ill let you all know how I do.
ReplyCongrats Brad on your progress. Don't look back, it can makes you feel guilty and you can't do anything to change it! I wasn't going to weigh myself til the end of the 1st week but I broke down this am and have lost 4 lbs from my starting weight. Mostly at this point I am jsut worried about the weekend (a usual time to indulge) but also next week is my b-day and damn if I don't love me some cake!
ReplyHappy Birthday! What about a sliver of cake [an indulgence (aka cheat) but not a HUGE one] and a bowl of sugar free ice cream?
Am I the only one who loves the sugar free ice creams? Everyone I ask seems to hate them.
Reply7 pounds is great Brad!!Keep it up. Dont feel bad about drinking theres only so much you can give up.Besides you workout.Working out pays off.
Im wieghing myself tomorrow.Im hoping to lose 5 pounds but I dont thats okay.I have to plateau sometime right??
Sarah have a great birthday!!
ReplyOk - truth time. It feels safer to talk about how much weight I've lost than to talk about my actual weight. Tonight however, I feel compelled.
Weight on March 10: 318.8
Weight on of June 5: 283
I've been unpacking summer clothes and I'm delighted/horrified that very little fits from last year (size 30.) I've been giving away my "too big" clothes to local "Freecyclers." It's kind of fun and therapeutic.
This week has been hard after last week's junk food binge while on vacation. I am trying to eat mostly Phase 1 stuff just for this week to compensate.
Today, however, I was seduced by a very sexy bag of bing cherries at the supermarket. Some of them will be my snack later tonight. They are marked for death.
ReplyI love the sugar free ice cream. Well the no sugar added. Edys triple chocolate its sooooo good!!! And I thought juice was off limits too.I mean all I drink is water.I had a diet coke once lol.
ReplySorry I cant reply I use the internet on my phone so thats why my comments seem out of place.
Anyway,Crystal thats great!Dont you love when your clothes are too big!Im a size 20/22 in pants but im a size L/XL on top.Yeah sounds wierd but im 5'8 so it works.Hourglass baby!!I look kinda bummy cos my clothes are loose.But im not giving my clothes away,I know how to sew lol. You are doing sooooo great its not even funny.You should be so proud!!You're out of the 300s and thats a great accomplishment.Eat those cherries they only have a GI of 32
ReplyOh, I sew, too. It's just more fun to switch out some of my old things. I am actually altering some of the things I really like.
I am thrilled that I can now wear sarongs tied on as wrap skirts again this summer!
ReplySo its day 5 of phase 1. I like to keep checking my weight and I know I shouldnt but I like to see what I am at. I have held a steady 5#s lost. I am thinking that 2 of the 7 was water weight but who knows. I am definitely craving carbs. just got to stick to it.
ReplyI have been craving carbs this week, too. I picked up a bag of soy nuts. They're high in protein and they help with my insane cravings for carb-y/crunchy/salty things.
ReplyGreetings comrades! It is officially Day 7/Week 1 and I have not yet expired from all my carb cravings! I too am holding steady at 5 lbs lost, and also cheated this week with some baby carrots, a handful of cherries and some popcorn at the movies on Friday night. Popcorn is a major snack downfall for me. I just jumped right back on the bandwagon on Sat am.
ReplyCrystal, I love the sugar free or no sugar added ice cream too and we also have a TCBY that has sugar free options, and I am totally hooked on the fudge pops. I also made some Crystal Light ice pops last night but have not tried one yet. And congrats on being brave and putting yourself out there, btw, because everyone has to start somewhere and you are an inspiration. Thanks for the advice about the cake! I have been thinking about a sugar free ice cream cake? Don't know if they make such a thing!
Brad I check my weight like every other day, so you are not alone - lol!
I forgot to mention that V-8 juice is in the SB book as a breakfast thing. I guess it breaks up the monotony of eggs (not)!!
ReplyVegetable juice is allowed on Phase One. I have heard that substituting Orange Crystal Light is effective if you are an OJ-aholic.
Yeah, I'm a fiend for the SF fruit-flavored drink powders. I drink them constantly all day at work. It helps to keep me from snacking mindlessly.
ReplySo, I broke down and weighed myself for the first time since before my vacation. I am now back to where I started pre-vacation. Hopefully I can continue to make reasonably-paced downward (forward?) progress from here.
Trying to force myself back onto Phase 1 was tough. I am way too fond of my Garlic Herb All Bran crackers. They're pretty much awesome and if you're on Phase 2 or 3 and you haven't discovered them yet, I'd suggest tracking them down. A serving of them is 18 crackers (which is a LOT!) They're so decadent with hummus or low fat cheese spread.
ReplyAlright...I'm back to SBD and this is my 5th day. Only lost 3 lbs so far but hopefully it'll pick up. I'm also working out 1 hr a day, 30 min cardio and 30 min weight training. I'm sure I'll be gaining muscle (or I should be!) so I'm not going to rely on the scale too much, I think I'll use my jeans to see if I've lost actual mass!
I usually don't eat breakfast until 10:30am and I'm not too keen on the snacking all the time, I usually just force myself to eat a small salad for a snack and I can never get down all the vegetables with the meals. Is this a big deal? Do you guys think I'll still lose the weight?
Thanks fellow SBDer's!
ReplyWelcome!
It seems to me that if you're sticking to the basic guidelines with the other types of foods, then eating fewer vegetables shouldn't be a huge issue.
Just remember this conversation if you get stuck on a plateau! ;)
ReplyHahahaha Melanie I am catching up on the message board and it is 10:41, and i am sitting here eating my first meal of the day! Got up late this am so just threw a bunch of SB friendly food in my tote and went! I am eating cheddar cheese slices, celery sticks, and thin sliced turkey, and drinking Crystal Light. And I seem to have plateau-ed at 7lbs lost, no matter what I do I can't seem to get (down) past 163 lbs! Anyway, keep up the good work. :)
ReplyWell, Day 6...lost 5 lbs! Pretty groovy! 1 1/2 inches in my stomach, 1 in my thighs and 1 in my calves! Awesome! This really works...if only I can get to day 14!
ReplyI should start measuring myself too instead of just weighing. I wish I'd done a preliminary set of measurements when I started back in March.
ReplyHey everyone!I feel like I havent written in a while.Hows everyone doing?Im doing okay.Been eating well on phase 2. Im not wieghing myself for a while.I hate the scale lol and since I lost 20 pounds I figure its ok not to hop on it. Ive eaten some crappy things to see if I was still in love with things.Noooo im not.I find sugary things gross and I kinda dont like bread. I still only drink water. Im pretty happy. Theres a wedding I have to go in a month.If I lose 20 more that would be GREAT!c
Reply20 pounds in a month is a little drastic. Be careful. I know what you mean about sugary things. The strangest things taste sweet to me now - celery, for instance. Probably because I'm not overloading my tongue with constant sugary stuff.
ReplyI know it is drastic.Thats why Im trying to slow down.I mean I was doing everything properly and I was eating plenty.My body responded wayyyyy better than I thought it would.I dont want to lose too quickly and end up sick or something.I guess thats why Im not being hardcore right now.Its only been four weeks.But since I dropped the first 20 that part of me is like push yourself.And the other part of me needs a break!!
ReplyIt's really tempting to want to push forward as fast as possible. Especially tempting if the journey you face is an exceptionally long one. (Every chart I see says I need to lose an additional 140 pounds just to be at the HEAVIEST healthy weight for my frame/age/etc.) My personal goal, however, is to lose an additional 33, then reassess.
I feel like a lot of the hardest work I'm doing is adjusting my mind to the idea of PERMANENT change. It's a hard shift from "I'm not eating that junk right now" to "I don't eat like that anymore."
I've really been enjoying my phone counseling sessions with my diet/fitness coach. It's a free service that's offered through my health insurance (Anthem.) We talk about my progress and set goals together.
Also, being really open with my friends instead of secretive and shameful (as I have been in the past) about my efforts has been so therapeutic. Mostly, they've been exceptionally supportive.
ReplyIs anyone else working out in any sort of way while on this diet? Bs3 - 20 lbs in a month is terrific!! Did you exercise at all? Just curious to see if I should be killing myself everyday at the gym or not. I feel super weak now and without an energy drink (SF of course) I would probably fall over!
ReplyI am not working out, really - just being more active in general. Going for walks occasionally - interval walking (my fitness coach suggested it.) Interval walking: you walk at a comfortable pace and throw in mini-sprints.
"Going running" would be out of the question for me at my size & fitness level, so the interval walking is workable. I basically alternate walking/running/walking/running, etc. I switch it up whenever I feel like I'm ready. It gives me a recovery period to catch my breath/regain my composure while still continuing to move.
It would be a beautiful thing to find a local regular walking buddy.
ReplyI am not working out, really - just being more active in general. Going for walks occasionally - interval walking (my fitness coach suggested it.) Interval walking: you walk at a comfortable pace and throw in mini-sprints.
"Going running" would be out of the question for me at my size & fitness level, so the interval walking is workable. I basically alternate walking/running/walking/running, etc. I switch it up whenever I feel like I'm ready. It gives me a recovery period to catch my breath/regain my composure while still continuing to move.
It would be a beautiful thing to find a local regular walking buddy.
ReplyCool! Thanks! :-)
ReplyWell its been 2 weeks since we first did the weight in at work. I have lost a total of 12 pounds in the first 2 weeks. I wish it was more but kinda figured it wouldn't be extreme after falling off the wagon on Tuesday. We went to a concert and before the concert i broke down and had pizza and wings with a couple beers. I know i shouldn't have. And this weekend we are partying at the lake all weekend so I am thinking I will continue phase 1 for maybe 1 to 2 more weeks. I will let you all know how it goes.
Reply-b
Yeah - 12 pounds is nothing to sneeze at! You're doing great and even with your alleged cheating, you're still right on track. Congratulations!
ReplyHey Melanie thanks!I workout everyday. Lots of cardio,lots.I also I do 50-100 crunches depending on how im feeling. I also play tennis and volleyball. I enjoy working out. And my friends and I go for walks.Like Crystal said,having a buddy helps!!But Ive got a routine down pact.I want to lose 50 pounds and I just lost another 5.Im pretty much set.I know what I can and cannot eat and I work alot.Thats what helps me.I have no time to snack at all.
Crystal you're so super fabulous.I hope you know this chica!!
And Brad congrats!!12 pounds is great b/c the book says thats how much you're supposed to lose anyway!!:)
ReplyNo prob!!You have such great advice for everyone and keep us all going :)
ReplyAnd right now I am SUPER sick.I have a terrible fever.I hate this weather!!
I bought a digital scale today. I need to find a good permanent spot to set it. It doesn't like being jostled around. BONUS: if I set it on carpet, it weighs me 100 pounds lighter than I actually am!
ReplyI HAVE BEEN ON THE SOUTH BEACH DIET SINCE JANUARY 2008...I HAVE LOST 75 POUNDS...THE MOST I EVER LOST ON ANY LIFESTYLE CHANGE....
Reply75 pounds is amazing!!!!
Crystal I dont even have a scale.I would be wieghing myself every two seconds.I go to my friend's house every friday and do it lol. And sometimes I forget while im there and dont do it.Oh I love that carpet trick thats hilarious!!
On another note I went dress shopping for that wedding im going to.I lost like 2 or 3 dress sizes which is just ridiculous.I may still have to get it taken even when does fit cos its always baggy somewhere.Love it!I liked that suprise!!
Hope everyone had a nice weekend and is doing well ;)
ReplyI debated about the scale. I saw them cheap then waited a week before I decided to go back and buy one. Now that my contest is over at work I won't be weighing in every Monday, so I wanted to keep track at home.
I have been pretty good with it, though. I have to store it in my bedroom and carry it into the bathroom to use it, so it's kind of out-of-sight/out-of-mind most of the time.
I was afraid I'd be using it constantly, but I have only used it twice.
ReplySo...I was doing so well until the weekend came along! I went out Friday and consumed a little alchol then was hungover Saturday and ordered pizza...and sunday I ate a whole box of mac and cheese! AHH! I stepped on the scale and I gained 4 lbs (almost all my weight back!) in 2 days? hmm...that just doesn't make sense to me. I only took off one day of working out at the gym so this is just mindboggling to me!
Has this happened to anyone else? I'm starting to wonder if this is the diet for me or what?!
ReplySeriously, I don't think you can do *that* much damage in one drunken night/weekend of indulgence. Most people can fluctuate about 3-4 pounds just from one day to the next or even morning to night.
Pizza would be what, at most 1500 calories? If you ate a lot of it. Macaroni would be about 1230 calories for the entire box (or less, if you used low fat milk, etc.) A pound of weight is about 3500 extra calories. I think you're in the clear. Even assuming you did not burn off ANY of those extra calories, you didn't even do a whole pound's worth of damage!
Consider it a temporary fluctuation and proceed with the program, I say! Remember, if you weighed yourself with a full bladder or stomach, that can account for a good portion of those 4 pounds.
...trying to be all scientific/analytical about it...
Reply