South Beach Diet Investigated
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.
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One thing that people need to remember is that when you lose 4 pounds in one week, most of it is water. When you eat carb loaded food or sodium laden food, you will retain the water that you lost previously.
REMINDER: It takes burning 3500 calories to lose one pound. Unless you are burning about 3000 calories a day exercising (very unlikely) and not eating a thing, the weight loss is just water. If you eat 500 calories less each day or burn 500 calories working out each day, after one week, you can lose 1 pound.
ReplyTo others who've had a major loss:
Do you find you're irritated when you see people (or a group) you haven't seen in a long time (since before the loss) and they don't acknowledge it?
I went to a party Saturday and saw a group of friends I see about every 2-3 months. Not one person said a word. It bummed me out.
...about to cross the 40 pound mark
ReplyI enjoy that scientific calorie break down.Thats good to know!!Melanie its ok we have all had our slip ups. As long as you get back on track,you'll be okay.What might help is if before you go out with your friends you ask to go somewhere you can eat too and not feel tempted.Thats what I do and so far everyone respects that.This diet is hard no lie but it is doable. Dont give up yet.
And Crystal im so sorry your ''friends'' didnt say anything.Thats just...argh.Im trying to find nice words and its hard. There is no way you lost 40 pounds and no one notices. They just are used to you being bigger and they are making it about them rather than praising you. Im mad lol.Thats soooo annoying.I wish I could give you a hug!!People stink sometimes.Im so sorry!!You're doing great and you dont need their validation,altho it would be nice.
ReplyThanks! You're so encouraging!
I expect to pass the 40 pound mark this week!
It'll be hard, but I'm going to try to wait until at least Friday to pull out the new scale and check.
I'm not super-bummed about my friends not saying anything. They WILL eventually notice, even if they don't verbalize it. Also, I've had dramatic losses before, just to gain it back again, so maybe they're hesitant to say anything just yet.
It still feels more permanent than the other times. It feels so manageable. Hard, but manageable.
I'm looking forward to a call from my diet/fitness coach on Wednesday. She is such a positive influence!
ReplyEncouraging people is what I do best! Even if you've lost and gained before they should still say something. 40 pounds is amazing and I cant wait to be able to follow you and say that I lost that much!! Stay off that scale lol.It will be worth the wait. Its nice that you have a fitness coach.My friends are mine,they each have roles if you will.One somehow knows how many calories is in everything and my other friend calls me all day at work.Its like she smells it when I want to eat something lol. And seriously I do wonder what happened to Andy.She was the one trying to get people to chat on her.I hope shes ok.
ReplyWas Andy a woman? Hmm..
ReplyI thought it was a guy but then I went back and saw that she said her and her husband were walking or something. I dont know lol. She/he was the main person on here so im shocked that he/she just disappeared!!
ReplyThanks guys! That calorie breakdown really puts things into perspective here! As for your friends not saying anything Crystal, I think that's really strange they wouldn't notice 40 lbs! I usually can tell when my friends have lost 10! I feel like that sometimes when I've lost weight and nobody says anything, it is a little discouraging and I know how you feel.
They do notice Crystal...trust me, they just haven't said anything (maybe they're jealous you're losing so much weight??) It is a really hard thing to do!
GREAT JOB!!! I've only lost 4 ha ha...you've lost a whole 40!!
ReplyYes I totally agree with Melanie ha. Theres people who haven't seen me in months and go oh you dont look different.Im like tha!People are funny like that.Cant stand to see you do good,would rather see you down and out!
ReplyI may not pass the 40 pound mark this week after all. I had to have one of my kitties put down today.
Then I went and drowned my sorrows in carbs. I'm done now... I don't feel an impending multi-day carb binge or anything.
...*sigh*
ReplySorry about your kitty:o(.You're allowed.Thats sad!!Its ok hun.We all have a day where we need that to feel better.You're still doing fab.
ReplyThis is my third day on South Beach. I'm a 49 woman, petite, 5'1" and shrinking in height only, unfortunately, and up to disgusting 140 lbs. I have a picture in my attic of me at 40 in a bikini at about 115-120 lb., curvy and fit. (By the way, the gal in the blog way back who is 5'1" and wants to be 95 does have a problem and it's not her weight -- when I was 95, I was a stick!)
I ate twice the amount of food at 40 that I eat now, but after menopause, my metabolism has slowed way down, plus I have some osteo in my knees and have had injuries, including a broken foot that kept me in a cast for 3 months, that have kept me from working out. I can now walk 1 mile and a half a day and do strength training and pilates, but the days of any high impact aerobics are over. I have been told that I will never be able to lose the weight I need to with the level of exercise I am now capable of. It really sucks that the aging process slows your metabolism, but also renders you unable to do all the stuff you need to do to keep fit!
So, my doc recommended South Beach, and the promised 8 to 13 loss in 2 weeks really appealed! Could I be almost at my goal in such a short time? I am reading some very encouraging things. I tried Atkins before, but was starved by 10:00 AM, plus now I have high cholesterol, so Atkins is out. So far, on SB, I have not been hungry, but it's summer, I'm a teacher and only work part-time in PM, so I have time to cook breakfast and fix all the snacks in the morning.
Here are my issues. I don't feel fatigued or weak, but have been extremely nauseous. My daughter is "buddy" on this diet, trying to lose some weight before she goes off to college, and she also is complaining of stomach aches. Does this feeling pass, or will I have to put up with it for the next 10 days? I am drinking plenty of water. I teach afternoons still, and I don't like fighting the feelilng of having to puke, although I haven't thrown up yet. I am tempted to eat a couple of saltines and have a glass of ginger ale (not on the diet! but I'm not the type to want to eat the whole box of crackers after eating 1 or 2.) I am questioning how a diet that makes you want to throw up can be good for you.
Secondly, how accurate is the weight loss estimate? Does it just apply to people who need to lose extreme amounts of weight? I would like to lose 20 lbs., and as my husband is Type II diabetes, my diet before SB has not been that bad because we have had to ban all "white foods" from our house, so we eat only whole grains. My one weakness is that I like a cocktail or glass of wine every night, which I am now giving up for SB. I think I miss th.at and fruit (we're in strawberry season here!) more than the other carbs. Phase II is not too different from how I eat before SB. Will I gain the weight back? I know I can't do Phase I forever.
Finally, hubby, who is out of town, is Type II diabetes. He needs to lose lots of weight, maybe about 80 lbs. He lost 35 so far just cutting out "white food". When he comes back from his trip, would South Beach be safe for him? I have heard about ketosis and the dangers for some people with diabetes for a high protein, extreme lo carb program.
Sorry this is such a long post -- you all don't neet to hear the story of my life!
ReplyRosemarie,
ReplyI think what you are experiencing with the nausea is a lack of carb "buffer" from the comfort foods of bread, pasta, rice, etc that seem to help settle our tummies. Doing the seriusly low-carb thing that is Phase 1, seems to me to cause that to happen. I suggest getting some lowfat part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks, or cottage cheese to tide you over. These helped me in Phase 1. Or , a handful of nuts went a long way towards settling me. Also are you being too hard core? You shouldn't be starving on this phase, nor should you be physically ill. The ham/turkey & cheese roll ups dipped in the cilantro mayo also are good snacks, helping to keep the cravings down. The other thing you could try is moving directly to Phase 2 of the diet, which includes more healthy carbs. It might take a little longer for the wight to drop, but I noticed my "nervous stomach" went down a lot when I moved to Phase 2. and started adding carbs SLOWLY in the form of whole wheat pasta, quinoa, and high-fiber cereals back into my eating plan. Remember that you did not add all the weight on to your body in a few weeks, and you probably won't take it all off in that time, either. Good luck, and in my opinion the South Beach plan is certainly a healthy, yummy way to go or I would not be doing it. And as an end note, you probably want to talk to your Doc about the nausea, he/she'll probably just tell you to move to Phase 2! Welcome and please let us know how it goes!
I've been following phase one since last saturday, which is almost a week now, and i havent strayed at all, apart from eating a few falafel which i found out have breadcrums in them yesterday! and I have also been doing pretty hefty work outs, like an hour fast uphill walking, and an hours fast breast stroke and moderate front crawl almost everyday...so it sounds like i should have lost loads of weight....but NOTHING...not a pound...WHATS WRONG WITH ME...the first couple of days it was fine and i was like ok keep it up and it'll soon go...but now nearly a week in and still nothing..i'm not going to lose 8 pounds by the end of next week am i...I really need to lose weight for my holiday in 3 weeks now! any advice?
ReplyWell, I'm on day 4, and have lost 3 lbs. already, and that's with accidental "cheating" because I was drinking some ARizona iced tea we had that I thought was diet, but wasn't!
Although I'm new to SBD, I do have a few thoughts for Sophie about exercise and diet because due to my injuries and osteoarthritis, I have been working with a personal trainer. My workouts are moderate -- walking, strength training, pilates or yoga, and I am a small person, so SBD so far has been sufficient for my energy needs. But my trainer warned me against eating too little with an exercise program in place because the body will go into starvation mode, conserve calories, and not lose weight. Sophie, You are doing vigorous workouts, and if you're an average sized person - 5'5" or above, SBD might not be enough for your energy needs, so you're body is probably "conserving" fat. I also went to the SBD forum on the SBD website because I had questions about the diet and working out, and some recommend starting with Phase II if you are athlete or doing vigorous cardio because Phase I will not fuel your body's needs. I also read that if you have less weight to lose (5-20lbs) and your diet before SB was fairly healthy, you will not have the dramatic 8-13 lbs. weight loss. The next thing is with your vigorous workouts, you may be building muscle, which weighs more than fat. Then, you can gage "success" by how your clothes fit. I know I would be happy if I lost only 5 lbs., but had a more toned body and could take out those capris from last year that don't quite zip. I already notice a big difference in my abs, no more bread and pasta bloat.
Now, I have a question for any SB "experts". My DH just came back from his business trip. He's type II Diabetes and a big guy, over 6 ft. tall. He's on his first day and the portions are not big enough, so he does not feel full. For instance, one egg florentine at breakfast just doesn't do it for him. He's ready for that snack in half and hour! Can larger people increase portion size? Is there some chart somewhere, like in weight watchers, that allows more food for larger people?
ReplyI don't have time for a long post as I'm on my way out to a picnic at my aunt's house. I just stepped on the scale and I have officially crossed the 40 pound mark. Just thought I'd share!
Thanks to everybody for being so supportive!
March 10th: 318.8
ReplyJust now: 277.6
Rosemarie, thank you, that has set my mind at rest a little..i think, although, i am only about 5.2/5.3 so i'm below average, although my diet before was very similar to that of the SBD phase 2, just with quiet a few more chocolate bars. I am aiming to lose about 2 stone, and i've been told that the more you need to lose the quicker the initial weight should come off.
i've thought about the starvation mode, and maybe that is it, for example today I ate a mushroom, asparagus, tomato, ham and pine nut omlette made with one egg for breakfast, then i had red pepper, cucumber and asparagus dipped in humous for lunch, and the spicy prawn stir fry from the SBD book for lunch. I also had one snack of sugar free jelly and soya milk, and coffee. Plus i did a two hour up hill walk, going about 7.73 miles and burning 900 calories. But i dont feel at all hungry.
Sorry to bore you with my life details, i just want to know why i'm not losing anything. I really wanted to lose at least a stone for my holiday, but now its seeming hopeless!
ReplyI'm curious. What is 2 stone in American pounds?
Life details are important because a couch potato's efforts at weight loss might be different from an active person's.
It sounds as if you are exercising a lot. Your calf muscles must be very strong with all that climbing. You may be building muscle and all your food is going to that. Muscle is heavier than fat. You may end up looking better, more toned, because you are eating more protein rather than carbs and chocolate,yet not lose all the weight. Weight is just a number. I know very fit people who weigh what I do but look better because they are all muscle. Perhaps the real test is to put on a pair of jeans that are normally tight and see how they fit now.
If you are burning 900 calories and are only eating 1000 or so, your body could very well be in "starvation mode." It takes about 1200 calories a day to maintain a sedentary person your size, and you are very active.
ReplyRosemarie:
As for your DH, the SBD book (well, audio-book ... I cheated and listened instead of reading!) specifically states that portion sizes are not limited, especially in Phase 1, and that you should be eating until you are satisfied. If that's 1 egg for breakfast, that's fine, but if it takes 4 to do it that is OK, too. It is definitely going to take more to fuel a big guy than a small woman.
Dr Agatson said in the (audio) book that we don't really need to limit portion sizes, if we're eating the right foods in the right proportions.
I am a big person and I have not yet had to worry about portion sizes. I am eating until I'm satisfied. I understand that as I get closer to my goal, or if I hit a plateau, portion sizes will be more important.
Remember, if he's miserable (hungry all the time,) he won't stick with it. And I think the most important thing here isn't how strict you are with yourself, but your staying power.
...my 2 cents...
By the way - welcome to the group!
ReplyHey everyone!Hope you all had a fabulous holiday!Welcome Rosemarie and Sophie!
Congrats Crystal!!Told you that you'd do it!Yay!
Rosemarie you are a bucket of information!!!I agree with Crystal tho he will get hungry and go eat something bad.Also phase2 is tricky.Well for me anyway.The first couple days gained wieght b/c I started eating''normal'' again.I was soo pissed but it made sense.Its only been 6 weeks and I have lost close to 30 pounds now.Everyones body is diiferent you might not gain a thing.
And Sophie it worries me that you're burning soooo much calories.Your body is holding onto whatever you eat.Thats why you havent lost anything.You might have to eat more with how hard you're working out.
As for me I lost 5 or 6 more(I can never tell with the scale).Im right on track with my goals.And whoa I looked at some pictures from April last night and now I notice the wieght I lost lol
Reply2 stone is about 24 pounds i think.
Replyok i'm going to try doing less calories burnt everyday.
do we think if i go for 500 a day that'll make a difference, i dont want to eat more cause i already feel like i'm eating masses, and i sometimes forget to eat as well, so at the moment i feel like i'm forcing myself to eat the snacks and meals and everything!
Thanks Crystal and BS3,
When I cook for DH, I'll just make an extra egg for him in the morning and maybe add a piece of low fat ham.
4th of July was a challenge. I ate two lean hamburgers and no bun, salad, and broccoli, skipped the hot dogs. I don't eat red meat much and smother burger with onions and shrooms sauted in olive oil, so that was a treat. I did succumb to one small ear of corn on the cob, so that was my "Cheat". I got on the scale today and noticed my weight was up, so I won't do that again! I know I'm not supposed to weigh every day, but for me it helps me, not to discourage, but to figure out if I've eaten too much or gone off track.
We really like the ricotta desserts at end of day from the book. DH is 1/2 Italian and they remind him of the filling in canolis, esp with the almond flavoring. We are strict about portion size with those because even lowfat ricotta is pretty calorie dense.
For Sophie, regarding caloric intake and exercise, I found this site through the South Beach Forum that has information about basal metabolic rate:
http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/harris-benedict-equation/calorie-intake-to-lose-weight.php
It even has a calculator to help you figure the number of calories to lose weight. The recomendation is that you don't go before the minimum calories to maintain the BMR of a sedentary person. So those who are dropping below 1000 calories a day and exercising, "starvation" is definitely setting in, causing the body to hold onto the calories.
ReplyOMG the ricotta desert is lethal, i dont think i can stop eating it, so i've decided it has to be banned cause where thats concerned i have NO will power.
I've just weighed myself again (despite my mother hiding the scales in an attempt to stop my worrying) and i have FINALLLY lost my first pound! haha. but apparently you're body can do that, like not lose anything in the first week and then suddenly just start to drop in the second, so fingers crossed.
ReplyYes, that dessert was a real surprise,most diet ideas for dessert are yuck! You can do so much -- put a little coffee and cocoa and a splenda, or vanilla, or almond, or lemon, and it's like having a different pudding every night. My cheat last night was to throw a few blueberries in.
But DH and I are disciplined about the portions. I make 1/2 cup for each of us with flavoring, which we eat a couple hours after dinner while we are relaxing. Not like the old days when we would sit in front of the TV with the pint of Ben and Jerry's or the bag of chips and beer.
About will power, I am the same way with nuts. You can have them on South Beach, but the book says how many, so I will have to count them out and then put the jar away, or I would eat the whole jar.
Why is your mom hiding the scale? Is she concerned about you getting too thin? Or are you just driving her crazy? Some people get moody early in this diet, although I haven't noticed anything myself. My 18-y-o daughter is my other "buddy" in the diet, but she does need to lose weight, maybe 15-20 lbs. She is 5'9" and very full-figured. I don't pressure her either way about her weight because she is not unhealthy; she chose to join me. So, when she is home we eat the same thing, but I don't nag her abougt what she does when she goes out.
ReplySo far, I've been doing great over the holiday. I have stuck with "safe" holiday foods. Grilled burgers (not too much fat in them when they're grilled - it mostly drips off,) grilled chicken, deviled eggs, fruit salad...
Today I took my South Beach Friendly Chocolate "Mousse" to a party and fed it to all my friends and they loved it - even the ones who are NOT dieting, at all. The only person who didn't even give it a try was a a friend with an allergy to certain artificial sweeteners.
ReplyRosemarie I dont even own a scale!I would be so obessive about it.
I was good this holiday.I didnt eat much.I had a burger and lots of veggies.I had some sugar free ice cream from Breyers.There was GLASS in it.Yes you read that right.I freaked out! Fun times...not!!
Im so happy right now.Ive been hoping to lose 5 pounds a week.And so far so good.And I went out dancing with my girlfriends last night and actually got hit on.Alot.It was wierd b/c no one ever looks at me. I was some sort of magnet.It felt nice!!What a stupid shallow thing to feel good about.
Hope everyone is having a good weekend!
ReplyOh no - that's not a stupid shallow thing. I would be excited if that happened to me too. I'd secretly be angry too, thinking things like, "I was in this place 4 months ago - where the heck were you then?!"
But, still, it'd be a good thing!
ReplyHa thats funny.That is also sort of how I felt.Im like what the heck!!Oh and finally found a dress.Size 14.Fabulous.I was a size 20 or 22 depending on the dress.And its a Calvin Klein dress.I was shocked b/c I thought I was a 16.Fierceness indeed.
ReplyWow, Bs3, congratulations on your weight loss. You are probably pretty fab looking at this point. I am very encouraged. As a "height-challenged" person, I would like to go from a 10-12 to my former 6-8, and if you can do it, I know I can, too!
DH has been on the program 3 days. He is diabetic, and his blood sugar was 89 this morning, the best it has been in 3 months!
Everything is much easier to follow if several people in your house do the program together, I find.
ReplyThanks Rosemarie!You can do it too!And 89 is awesome.When he goes to the doctor make sure he brags about it.My best friend is diabetic and she lost 47 pounds once she started taking care of herself.Hes going to totally notice when he eats something bad now.I wish I had someone doing it with me.Its a little harder on my own.But thats why Im always on this blog!Who else understands better than you guys do?;)
ReplyDH was diagnosed last year. At that point, we stopped eating "white foods," white bread, white rice, white pasta, but we still ate a lot of carbs, just whole grain stuff. He also started watching portions of carbs, meaning a serving of pasta was no longer a giant pile in his plate. Just doing that, he lost 35 lbs. With all that, he still continued to eat quite a bit, and he is a baseball coach, so this is the season of hot dogs, beer, etc. South Beach is like a Meditteranean diet. DH works from home when he isn't traveling, so we are lucky that right now, we have the time to prepare and eat all the right foods, and it is summer, so many beautiful vegetables are in season.
Americans are very unhealthy in their eating habits and lifestyle. I currently teach international students in the afternoon, and they think it is appalling that we have meals "on the run" and eat so much that is not fresh. One student from Spain said that Starbucks coming to their country was the first time that you could buy something hot to drink and walk around with it. Most cultures have a real lunch hour, not an eat-at-your-desk one, and some even have a nap time in the afternoon. I think a healthy diet is a real challenge for most working people in U.S. culture. Taking care of your body is definitely not a priority. Enough of my soapbox!
ReplyOh yeah, I'm totally on my own, also. I tried to get my BF to do it, but he fizzled out after about 2 weeks. He's supportive of me... as much as he can be.
The blogging is SO therapeutic! Plus, I maintain a ticker online and I update it a lot. You can see it on my MySpace page if you like: http://www.myspace.com/wyllo44240
The ticker is fun.
ReplyI know!!Our portion sizes are out of control!!No wonder so many kids are obese.I am only 24 and I had a moment when I thought oh my god I feel awful.I have to lose wieght.I make time to eat now and I chew a million times.Im young and I dont need to have a heart attack at 25.Thats why I always told my dr that wouldnt do this until im completely ready to be serious.
Im glad you're helping him.Hes got to watch out for that beer tho.But these days they make so many kinds im sure theres one that he could have occasionally.
ReplyI went to 3 backyard barbecues and a street fair this weekend. I didn't really miss having potato salad or desserts much. It was super-hard to pass up the baked beans!
I am currently simmering a big pot of my own special super-low sugar baked beans with turkey bacon in them!
I hope they're as good in real life as they are in my fantasy! ;)
ReplyI love beans!Let me know how it turns out.
ReplyI soaked the dry beans for 2 days, then simmered them for 3 hours. They are still tough. They taste good, but they're kinda chewy!
ReplyWhen you soak beans for days and they are still tough and chewy thats sooo annoying!Its like hello im not soaking these for a week!
And by the way the SB deli ham and turkey wrap sandwich kit is sooooo good!And it comes with a littie sugar free jello.Loves it.
ReplyI love the wrap kits, too. My question is... why do they have to be so stingy with the Jello? I mean, it's sugar free! They could at least put in a standard size cup (like the ones you buy near the pudding cups at the supermarket.) It would add about another 4 calories and make the whole thing way more exciting.
ReplyOkay..haven't blogged in a while! Well, I've gone "off" the SB diet so sad :*( I did lose about 5 lbs in a week which was nice but then I went to the beach and being a teacher with 3 whole months off, it's hard to keep on this diet with vacations like that!! I just love beer!!
My friend mentioned something called the cabbage soup diet while at the beach. Since I want FAST results and it seems like I can only last one week, I'm going to start that today just to get the diet started and I'll probably go on Phase 2 on SB after. I know...it's unhealthy (but so is a million eggs high in cholesterol and NO sugar). BUT...I'm just going to see how this goes and I'll let you guys know. It's promised 10 lbs in one week because of the low low calories.
I'll keep you posted if anyone else is having trouble "starting" their diet. Look up cabbage soup diet if you're interested on Google!
ReplyCan't you hurt yourself by following an extreme low calorie diet? South Beach is a healthy diet. Eggs are the only cholesterol in it. If you are using olive oil and other "Good fats" and avoiding full-fat dairy, those eggs are not going to ruin your cholesterol. And eggs are good sources of protein and iron. What nutrients does cabbage have? Can't losing 10 lbs. in one week induce a yo-yo dieting syndrom, putting your body into "starvation"?
ReplyHere is WebMD's take on the Cabbage Soup diet
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-cabbage-soup-diet?page=3
The verdict is that you will lose the weight, but you won't keep it off because it does not involve a lifestyle change. AS WEbMD states, it is also low in essential nutrients and may be too low calorie.
This is the WEbMD review of South Beach:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/south-beach-diet-what-it-is
Make sure to read to page two of the review.
ReplyI cannot imagine how bad I'd smell if I ate cabbage soup for a week.
ReplyOoo that Cabbage soup thing is BAD for you!You will lose quickly but you will gain it all back.And you will get sick!Dont do it!And its nasty!!!!!
And Crystal I have myspace too!!I was trying to add you but you have so many little like things you have to do to add you.And wow thats not even a sentence!Your cats are sooo cute btw. Myspace.com/sabweena is my url.
ReplyFound you! Now you'll know ALL my secrets! ;)
ReplyI know...it is bad! And you're right, it does put your diet in some kind of starvation mode..I know it's so bad but I'm so impatient! I'm gonna do phase 2 of south beach when I get off of it to keep the weight off. I made the soup today, it's actually good my boyfriend ate a lot of it and he isn't even on the diet. I will see if this works. It's a lot of fruits and vegetables and meats towards the end. If I take a multivitamin it won't be that bad. I can tell you that I'm prettttttty hungry though! BLAH!
ReplyOh dear im sure you dont have toooo many secrets.And I agree with you on the jello.Its so little!!
This cabbage soup thing is freaking me out....
ReplyQuestion to the group:
What's the weirdest thing you've ended up eating on this diet plan?
for me:
*lettuce-wrapped egg salad for breakfast (this may not seem weird to us, but think how this looks to everybody else!)
*small bowl of chopped up dill pickles with a couple TBSP natural peanut butter for a snack (to satisfy my perpetual cravings for PB & pickle sandwiches)
ReplyI would have to say any sandwich wrapped in a lettuce leaf when as we all know it should be wrapped in nice yummy bread always strikes me as weird!! Also people look at me funny whenever I order sliced tomato instead of fried potatoes or grits or biscuits(yes I live down South!)
ReplyLet's see, even though I love the ricotta desserts, I think they are totally weird. And did I mention about having rolled up ham & cheese and chopped up veggies for breakfast? I could go on all day...
When I get hungry I am willing to try anything at any time if it is remotely South Beach friendly. And in an absolute pinch, most stores like Rite Aid, CVS & Walgreens have South Beach label meal-replacement bars for Phases 2 & 3, so I have grabbed those before in a hurry when starving and about to completely blow it! They give you the wicked poots, though....just FYI!
I havent had anything wierd actually. I dont eat much differently except I dont eat as much junk!
ReplyHi y'all. Today is my first day on phase one...just found this page while searching for additional info / recipes on SBD. I bought the book yesterday, but I read something on a previous post about the book being updated...my copy is dated 2003. Anyway...feeling pretty good so far...eggs and low cal / low fat ham for breakfast...chicken with muenster cheese, sauteed mushrooms (in olive oil cooking spray) and a few spritzes of balsamic vinegar spray from wishbone, now i am getting ready to have 15 pistachios for a snack. I don't know my starting weight, I don't want to weigh myself because I think I would be too upset to see how much weight i have gained. What I do know is that I have really bad muffin top when I put on my jeans now, and sometimes I get a glimpse of myself in a mirror from a certain angle, and I think I look huge..or have the beginnings of a double chin.
ReplyChipsfan, I just found this site myself. Read your blog.
ReplyI have avoided the scale in the past as well. I had an eating disorder for over 15 years and found that I was obsessed with the scale. However, when I started the SBD two weeks ago I not only got on the scale for the first time in 5 years, I measured chest, waist, hips and thighs. I have to say that I felt this would be a good way to hold myself accountable. I was dissapointed with the scale after my first week. But the tape measure doesn't lie. I had only lost 1/2 lb, but I had lost almost an inch off all 4 areas. This was the strength I needed to continue.
If you can bring yourself to do it, I would highly recommend you step on that scale. Just once in a while. I think you will find it will give you courage. After all, knowledge is power.
Hi everyone, I have been on phase one for two weeks. I have lost only 3.5 lbs. My husband has lost 10 lbs.(so not fair). I am afraid to start phase two !!! I can't help but think if I have only lost so little what will happen if I start adding carbs?
Anyone have any advise?
Thanks,
ReplyAdding carbs is scary. It's totally understandable. The book does say you can stay on Phase 1 for up to a month, if you feel the need, but no longer than that.
If you're feeling pretty good, and you haven't seen the immediate results you wanted, you could try P1 a little longer.
Or, there's nothing that says Phase 2 has to be a sudden, drastic change. Tell yourself you're on P2, and have a piece of fruit one day. Then wait a couple days before your next fruit/carb. That's how I did it, since it scared me too.
Remember also, people who have a lot to lose lose faster, especially at first. And, unfair as it is, men lose faster, too.
Welcome to the group!
ReplyThanks Crystal. I am so glad I found this site. It's great to have the added support.
ReplyWell, I had my weigh in, and after 1 week, I lost only 2 lbs. Very disappointing, since I had lost 3 lbs. within the first 4 days, so it looks like 1 came back! I know 2 lbs. a week is normal weight loss for a reasonable diet, but it's certainly not the 8-13 lbs. I was promised by SBD. And at this point, I would die for an apple or a few strawberries, which are in season right now. Meanwhile, hubby is already buckling his belt on a tighter notch! I like the overall concept of eating more vegetables and lean protein, but it seems like not not eating a piece of fruit or even a small bowl of cereal in the morning is a big price to pay for such a scanty weight loss.
ReplyJodi, thanks for the reply. Well, at this point, I don't even own a scale, but I'll definitely take your advice under consideration. Thanks again for your response. I don't know that I've ever had a definable eating disorder, I know I have bordered on obsessive at times, and I know more calorie counts for food items off the top of my head, then anybody else I know...I have imagined seeing extra weight on my body, when in fact there wasn't any (according to the scale). Anyway, today is my 2nd day, I felt really good this morning with one successful day already under my belt :) BTW, does anyone know about avocado? can we? can't we? I dont' see them listed under any food groups or in the index in my SBD book...also, has anyone had some red wine during phase 1? if so, how did it effect you? thanks to all, and hope you all have a good day...
ReplyHah! Red wine! I had a margarita! I had already ordered it when I remembered. It didn't seem to slow my progress at all. But, I'm a big girl, and I was losing really fast at first. It might affect someone smaller differently.
ReplyI miss Margaritas!
ReplyHey chipsfan and Jodi!Sorry im late welcome!!Im a broken record lol but I too dont own a scale.And also since Ive been on track with my wieght loss and exercise I pretty much eat what I want. Altho sugar kills me.I dont like sweet things anymore it gives me a headache.The 20 pounds I lost has stayed off thank goodness.Im on track to lose another 15 or 20 by August.It sounds like alot but my body is just ready for it. I used to have an eating disorder in high school.It was hard.But I got over it b/c I was getting sick and now my stomach is ruined.
Rosemarie dont be discouraged.When I started phase 2 I gained 5 or 6 pounds and I freaked out.I thought I was going to die.I got over it and I kept up my routine and I lost it.And now every week I lose 4 or 5.Its takes time for your body to adjust.I hope you dont give up.Honestly you're doing great please keep going!
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