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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If I am exercising as well as doing the diet...maybe the wine won't be such a big deal? or should i replace my "dessert" at night with a glass of wine if I decide I want a glass or 2? Sometimes at the end of a work day...it just feels good to sit down at home and unwind with a cocktail...you know what I mean? Anyway, I am on day 3...But yesterday, I felt hungry and out of sorts for most of the day...and I got hella bloated by the end of the day...I read a blurb online yesterday that it may be because of the extra fiber I am taking in(?)....feeling okay so far today...I've been checking online for new SBD recipes...anyone know anything good for breakfast? Best wishes to all for a sucessful day. :)
ReplyHey Chipsfan,
Have you tried the quiche cups?? I found southwest style egg beaters at the store. Very tasty !! I used these the last time I made them. They were good. The one thing I found out is that was easier to get them out of the cup cake wrappers if I used the foil ones only and sprayed with canola oil. Oh, I also cut back a little on the spinach.
Have also scrambled eggs with candian bacon and non-fat cheese. Threw in some red pepper.
I had the same issue with bloating at first. Much better now. Again, I just started week 3. So hang in there!!!
Have a great day
ReplyHi to all,
Feel great today. Decided to take Crystals advised and stay on p1 for another week. My husband was ready for p2 so I bought him fruit and bread ... Hard not to go after that bag of cherries. I know I could sit and eat the whole thing.
Went out for an eight mile bike ride this AM, only to find at the end of my loop the road was blocked and I had to turn around and go back the way I came. Ended up riding almost 17 miles. Feels great !!! Must be worth 1/2 lb. LOL.
For all of you just starting p1 and feeling fatigued, it does get better. The first week I thought I was going to die... Just walking up a flight of stairs was taxing.
Trying to fight the urge to celebrate later with a glass of red wine. I miss that the most.
Keep up the great work everyone !!!
ReplyIf you exercise alot it totally does help. I love sports and such,anything that helps me run around and get sweaty!!
Had a bad couple days.I didnt drink enough water and got horrible leg cramps.I thought I was paralyzed lol.Yesterday I had some fries and a mojito.It took me 3 hours to drink it.I thought I would feel bad but I dont.I came home worked out and woke up early and worked out some more.I dont feel like a prisoner anymore.I like that feeling.Looking foward to jumping on the scale and losing a few pounds this week. I saw 2 people I hadnt seen in forever last night.They both said''Have you lost wieght?You look great!''That made me feel awesome!!I have a party to go to tomorrow and plan on looking extra cute.I go out so much now.Confidence level wayyyyy up.I never thought Id ever feel like going out again.
Hope everyone is feeling amazing!!
ReplyYesterday, I signed up for the summer reading program at my library - they offer it for all ages. I got a little goodie bag full of freebies, including a certificate for a free happy meal (also for all ages...) I thought about it overnight then decided I was going to use it.
I actually had the willpower to order a hamburger happy meal with the sliced apples and a diet Coke. I was a little saddened when I discovered the apples are peeled. Oh well, I guess they have to appeal to the masses. I threw the bun away and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the meal as it feels like ages since I've allowed myself a fast food fix.
Now... what to do with the free plastic duck that came with it... ...?
ReplyThanks, Bs3, for your encouragement. I am still sticking with it until next Tues. or Wed., when Phase II should kick in. I might count yesterday as an "off" day because I went to a going away dinner for someone at a Mexican restaurant. I couldn't resist having a Margarita and a couple of chips. There were lots of people at the table, so a couple chips were all that were left! And I had a steak fajita salad (no rice and beans), and left the tortilla shell, so I wasn't too bad.
I am surprised how many people on this blog are still drinking alcohol. I swore off it (and still wasn't losing weight), but finally succumbed to a small "cheat". I have Mike's Hard Lime on hand, and I fill a 6 oz. glass to the top with ice and pour some in the glass, and line the glass with salt, like a Margarita. After that, I put the bottle away, and drink water the rest of the night. This technique makes a 12 oz. bottle last 3 nights! So, I am drinking 1/3 of what I was before, but I still have the taste and that nice feeling. In fact, beware -- I found that the alcohol affects me much more than before the diet, so I don't need much. Perhaps the lack of carbs to soak up the alcohol increase the effects?
On the South Beach Diet Forum, one person, Mindy, says there can be NO cheating - no alcohol, sweets, fruit, etc. -- during Phase I, or your system won't get "Reprogrammed," you will still crave carbs, and you will fail. I don't know how true that is. I have had my minor cheat and haven't lost weight, so I wonder if that's why.
I feel that I am being mindful about eating in a more healthy way. But, considering that this diet is such a dramatic departure from my former diet, I am surprised at the lack of results. My DH, who is of course losing like crazy, says it is because I am still eating the same AMOUNT of food, I've just changed the kinds of food I'm eating, and a calorie is just a calorie. I am a small person, and I feel that the diet has a lot of food; I am eating all the time, more than before the diet, because of all the snacks. Perhaps I am just eating differently, but not reducing calories enough to lose weight.
Next question -- if I lose only 2 or 3 lbs. on Phase I, and people sometimes gain on Phase II, would I just basically regain the little weight I've lost? If I gain 5 or 6 lbs. on Phase II, then I've gone backwards -- regaining the weight I lost and then some, becuase I've "changed" my body chemistry to no longer metabolize carbs! This would be a recipe for obesity and I would be sentenced, I guess, to Phase I for life, which is really scary. I know I can't do
ReplyPhase I forever. I have high cholesterol, and this diet does have a lot of eggs, which is OK for a couple of weeks, but not for a lifetime.
Rosemarie,
I am in the same boat. I haven't touch alcohol in almost three weeks. I don't have alot of weight to lose. About 15 lbs. This is a doubled edged sword!! It is much harder to take it off.
I was supposed to start P1 Wed. Decided to extend it another week b/c I haven't seen the results I wanted.
I am terrified of carbs now. However, I have increased my workouts this week and haven't seen any positive return weight wise. I think I will go ahead and have that glass(or two) of wine this evening. I will let you know if I have any negative results.
Just keep plugging along. I know this will work !!!
I recall a saying that I once heard. It was "Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels"
Don't know if I totally believe that, but it makes me feel better when I deprive myself of something I thought I wanted to eat.
Have a great day
ReplyDay 4! feeling good...
ReplyFinally made it through a day yesterday (day 3) without bloating...but I really upped my H20 consumption..I tried to get a salad from McDs yesterday...and was SABOTAGED! they assured me that the chips and dressing that comes with the salad...comes ON THE SIDE...and I thought, okay fine well I can just pick out the corn then and have the salad with the light balsamic they offer...when I got back to work with my salad, I found that not only had they put a TON of chips on my salad, but they put the southwest dressing on as well...okay, am I crazy? Who, at a fast food place, dresses your salad for you? And the chips? OMG, like my blog name says...I'm a chips fan! Oh the temptation! (hahaha) Anyway, I kind of got the feeling that they may have taken the attitude of "here's another one of those annoying people who wants everything "on the side" we'll show her! ...but I didn't ask for it...just made sure that's the way it came..anyway...I managed t salvage the chicken breast, and a few dry pieces of lettuce and a few black beans :)... anyway, that's my rant for the day...and for the record...I brought my OWN salad fixings to work today! Great day and weekend to all :)
Hey all,
ReplyI have just come back recently from vacation in Pigeon Forge, TN and you would not believe how easy it was to stay (mostly) on the SBD while there, despite all the super fatty, super unhealthy food choices! Come on, Deep South, fried food, pancake & waffle houses, all you can eat buffets, etc etc. Luckily we had a kitchen where we stayed, so we just went to the market to get groceries, and only went out once for a birthday dinner. I seem to be stuck fast to my current weight of 163, but I am eating healthy and feeling more energy, and also fitting into my "skinny pants" aka my size 10's (I am currently a shrinking! size 12.) As an aside note, I also joined the Presidents Fitness Challenge, remember in 6th grade when you had to do loads of sit ups and pull ups and run a mile or something and then got rated on it? Anyway you can go online and sign up and chart your progress, so I'm doing it since I need the motivation - I'm not a big one for exercising. Here is their site if you want to check it out. http://www.presidentschallenge.org/
I also want to say a big WELCOME! to the new Brits (or one new Brit anyway) my current fave tv show is on the BBC network and it is called "You Are What You Eat".
http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/273/index.jsp
Think "What Not To Wear" on steroids, and food related! The South Beach diet is very similar to the way Gillian (the nutritionist) wants everyone to eat. Anyway that is all I have for now, I am on Day 8 of Phase 2, and managing pretty well despite my cravings for brownies & chocolate cake. Ricotta mousse for dessert tonight I guess (sigh). Anyway congrats everyone on your progress, just stick with it and you will see results, even if you cheat a bit. I KNOW this eating method works, last time I tried South Beach, I lost 25 lbs (2 stone, approximately) in 3-4 months and went from a Size 10-12 to a Size 6. Well, in NY & Co, anyway! Have a great weekend.
You know what Rosemarie I am not much of a drinker to begin with.So that was the first drink I had in like 2 or 3 months.My friends dont drink so I dont want to seem like a lush lol.Phase I i was soooo strict and I lost what I wanted.Now the only bad thing i eat is sugar free ice cream.
Im glad you're sticking with it.You may gain some when you start eat carbs again but thats ok. Your body is just reacting to it. It will be ok!!Like I said I gained some too. I miss fast food Crystal.But I dont want the salads b/c they put so much crap in it. So chipsfan I know how you were feeling.Im like ahhhh I have to pick this out.By the the time you're done you dont want to eat it.
Today is good.Going to a party.Hopefully the water wont be too expensive.If I have to pay $5 a bottle,Id rather be thirsty!
ReplyYou know what Rosemarie I am not much of a drinker to begin with.So that was the first drink I had in like 2 or 3 months.My friends dont drink so I dont want to seem like a lush lol.Phase I i was soooo strict and I lost what I wanted.Now the only bad thing i eat is sugar free ice cream.
Im glad you're sticking with it.You may gain some when you start eat carbs again but thats ok. Your body is just reacting to it. It will be ok!!Like I said I gained some too. I miss fast food Crystal.But I dont want the salads b/c they put so much crap in it. So chipsfan I know how you were feeling.Im like ahhhh I have to pick this out.By the the time you're done you dont want to eat it.
Today is good.Going to a party.Hopefully the water wont be too expensive.If I have to pay $5 a bottle,Id rather be thirsty!
Replyi think everyone needs a "day off" or a cheat, otherwise its just horrible and you'll never stick to it. I also have lost hardly any weight on phase 1, despite following it perfectly and doing daily exercise, but today, after getting on the scales again and seeing no change, i have had a really day of eating all the carbs and sugar i want, and its been GREAT...i may have over done it a little, but i now feel more determined to stay on phase 1 for an extra week and really make it work. so i'd say, if your having a day when you want to eat a cinnamon swirl(my personal weakness) or have a glass of wine every once in a while, go for it, it should only help you stick at it!
ReplyI agree with this, somewhat. I think cheats make it workable. The key is getting RIGHT back on the horse. ;)
ReplyOr the wagon - or your metaphor of choice.
ReplyLook how active our little board has gotten. People really need this, I think. I know I, for one, feel like I've worn out my little group of friends. They only wanna hear so much about my dieting adventures & woes.
I'm SO glad you guys are here!
ReplyWell, I'm down another 2 pounds, so maybe I just had a little lag. I had my first hungry day today because it was the end of the week, we have three people in my house on the diet, and we were out of everything. I had only 1 egg instead of 2 because no one else would get any if I ate 2, a small salad from bagged iceburg for lunch (ick), and a forever long PM meeting during which I watched one of the people eat trail mix with M&Ms. I came home starving and ate some deli turkey wrapped around shredded bagged lettuce because that's all we had left. I was still starved. Then, I had to take my kid to the supermarket where he works. It was the toughest trip I ever had! I wanted everything, and I am usually pretty good at the market, like the crummy baked goods there don't even tempt me. Anyway, Planters Nuts were buy one get one free, so I did open a can in the car and have some, more than the 15 allowed, I'm sure. I like to pick all the almonds, cashews and pecans out and leave the peanuts, so that's what I did. Too bad for the next person who gets that can!
Has anyone noticed how their groceries have changed. I brought coupons, but didn't use any because 75% of my food was fresh food. Whenever I have my doubts, I look at all those bags of green and red and other colorful stuff and realize that's what I should be eating and not something someone puts in a package.
ReplyYeah - my grocery shopping has changed DRASTICALLY. I share a house with my sister and her GF, and now I use up way more than my share of the fridge with all my fresh stuff. It's a good thing they have an apt. sized fridge upstairs or we'd end up fighting over space. I spend a lot more money on groceries now than I used to, but I spend a lot less on eating out. I think my total food budget has stayed about the same.
I've had a hungry week, actually. I was waiting for my paycheck today. I had to eat a lot of things that just didn't inspire me (yesterday, I ate a whole 16 oz bag of frozen cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots for lunch because I didn't have any more attractive options) but I couldn't justify going shopping again.
I don't want to buy MORE fresh things at once, because they'll go bad before I can eat them all and that's just a ridiculous waste of money. I may hit the farmers' market tomorrow morning.
I feel cute today!
ReplyAmen to fresh food Sister,
Went camping in a 14ft trailer last weekend. Did alot of planning b/c we were still on P1. Our little fridge was full to the brim. Everything had to go in there. It actually worked out OK.
Crystal, I can only speak for myself, but I am excited to here about your victories(and trials) with the diet. It makes me feel like I can share anything!!!
I am grateful for everyone who shares. It's great to have the support. And as I think I have been on every diet know to man, I feel like I might have something worthwhile to add now and then.
And by the way. I agree with having a cheat day now and then. The best I ever looked was after 3 month of Body for Life. You eat 6 times a day(strict!!!) and very specific work outs 6 days a week. On day 7 you eat whatever you want. The idea being, that way your body doesn't think your starving it!!!
I have to say that it works, but to keep up that regimine forever was unrealistic for me.
Thanks again to everyone for puting yourselves out there.
ReplySo far, we are not throwing food away because there are 3 of us in the house on the diet: myself, my hub, and 18 yo daughter. The two boys still eat what they want because they are skinny as rails.
But I used to buy fresh things and throw them away because I wasn't disciplined enough to plan and cook. I'd say, gee, it's supper, and open a package. My kids feel that dinner is now like a gourment restaurant with a meat or fish dish cooked with different spices and all kinds of fresh vegetables, rather than m & c.
ReplyAm I the youngest person here??Im 24.Yes thats random!!!
I TOTALLY need you guys.You're the only one who gets it!!I drank again today but only a little. Everyone bought me drinks I gave them away lol.I totally agree that you need a cheat here and there.I mean I workout right after cos im paranoid.
Food is soooo expensive!But thats the key to this diet!I love to cook thank goodness.Crystal I am feeling cute as well.I saw this guy I havent seen in months and he kissed me whoaaa.I was/am in shock.Suddenly Im attractive.And it feels good.Its taken me so long to want to date and now I finally feel good about myself!
ReplyI am 33, Bs3!
As of today, I officially weigh what I remember weighing in high school.
Tomorrow, I'm going to another cookout. Here's what I'm taking as my dish to share. I just invented this and I've gotta say it's pretty much awesome. I'm sure you could change up the berries and flavors of gelatin to suit your taste and it would still be good.
(P2 or P3)
SBD-Friendly Berry Dessert
2 Large (32 oz) Cartons Vanilla Non-Fat Yogurt
1 pound Frozen Berries, thawed (I used a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
1 pound Fresh Strawberries
2 packs SF Strawberry Gelatin mix
1 pack SF Instant Vanilla Pudding mix
3/4 C water
Bring the water to a full boil, then dissolve both packs of gelatin thoroughly and allow to cool a bit (I waited until I could comfortably touch the sides of the pan.)
While the gelatin is cooling, you can clean & de-stem the strawberries. Set aside about 5 of the most attractive berries to use as a garnish later. Also, set aside about 3 or 4 of the "ugliest" berries. Chop the rest into small pieces.
To a large mixing bowl, add:
* both cartons of yogurt
* about 1 C of the thawed berries & all the "juice" from the bag
* SF instant vanilla pudding
* Ugly strawberries
Blend thoroughly with electric mixer until the berries are all pulverized. Add the cooled strawberry gelatin "syrup." Again, blend thoroughly with mixer.
By hand, fold in the chopped strawberries and the rest of the thawed berries until well-mixed. Transfer to serving dish, garnish the top with the "pretty" strawberries (sliced.) Chill until ready to serve.
Serves: a bunch of people
ReplyOk - amend the recipe. Set aside 5 of the most attractive berries - Use 3 to garnish the top and just eat the other 2. That's what I did.
ReplyI dont know why it posts twice.Im sorry!And silly Crystal I know how old you are:op.I love that you put''serves:a bunch of people'' lol.I dont understand why that made me laugh but it did.I love berries im totally using that recipe.
Despite the crap I ate/drank this week I still lost 3 pounds.It may be more but I did wiegh myself after I ate/drank.Im soooooo darn excited.Go me,go me.
ReplyGo you, indeed!
ReplyThanks Crystal!Im so excited!! Its almost 8am here I want to just go run or something.I never knew my metabolism was so good.The last time I ever lost alot of wieght was a few months back.I was so sick I lost like 10 pounds in 3days.Of course I gained it back b/c I started feeling human again.
I guess I got lucky and picked the right time to finally lose wieght and its now. Its hard being fat in NYC.People talk about you openly on the subway.I mean Crystal im sure you saw my pictures,im not THAT big.But here a guy wont even look at you.You go for a job interview they dont even consider you.When I was in high school forget about it. They left fake love letters on my locker that said things like I love how fat and greasy you are,you're a pig.I want to squeeze your rolls.They would oink at me and throw things. And now I see those same people and they are in shock.I never thought Id feel so good about myself.Never had a boyfriend all these years and didnt think it could happen but now I think it can.
Im sorry that was so long.I needed to let that out.You all are the only people I can say that to that get it.Thanks for being here.
ReplyBs3 Your'e awesome!!!
People can be so stupid. I have a birth defect in my left eye. Grew up being teased. I can still remember the name of the kid that was the worst. That was like 35 years ago.
I might be the oldest(ouch!!!) Had my 44th b-day a few weeks ago. Doesn't feel any different that 24. Except my butt is much closer to the ground now.
I know you have probably heard it 100 times, but it's true. Anyone who could be so cruel, isn't worth your time. It seems obvious to me that you have an amazing heart!! And look at what you have accomplished so far. I'm so impressed. What sweet revenge.
Keep up the great work.
ReplyThanks Jodi!!That means alot to me.People stink.They just abuse people and have no idea what it does to them!I know the name of every person that ever made fun of me too.I wish I could see them now it would be amazing.Thank you for the kind words.And happy belated birthday!Ha love that you said your butt is on the ground.Gravity sucks lol.
ReplyWell, I have you all beat. I will be 50 in November. My oldest is 20, almost as old as the youngest of you.
Crystal and Bs3, I am always amazed at how cruel people are, and now, I think the body image business is more punishing to women. My daughter, who is 18, a big-boned 5'9" (size 11 shoe!), and around 170, has never had a boyfriend. She says she hears boys talk, and even homely boys would not consider dating a girl who is even a little overweight. If my daughter got down to 150-160, she would just be trimming "love handles" and thighs a bit. She has the face of an angel, a cross between Drew Barrymore and Kate Winslet. She wears a size 12 or 14 in clothes, which is hardly gigantic, but needs extra long pants because she has long legs, and larger tops because she is well-endowed, shall we say, so it's hard for her to button her tops. The other night we watched "Some Like IT Hot" with the great MM. MM, who had a round bottom and was spilling out of all her dresses, would now be on a strict diet. What happened to the two standards of beauty -- Audrey Hepburn was beautiful, but so were MM and Sophia Loren -- very different body types and kinds of beauty.
Fortunately, my daughter is a smart, self-assured girl, heading to Vassar in the fall. I think women and girls have to be very strong emotionally today to deal with all the negative influences about their bodies. I am glad we are all eating healthy as a family and that she is not engaged in self-destructive behaviors that some girls now resort to to achieve an unrealistic ideal.
On another note, I am soooo ready for Phase II, especially after reading the strawberry recipe. Yesterday and today, I have begun to feel the weakness and fatigue that others complain of at the beginning of SBD. Had an omlette this morning, did an hour of power yoga and a half hour of strength training/weights, and was weak and shaky, really ready for that snack when I got home. I have 3 more days on Phase I, and I can't wait to eat that first bowl of oatmeal and dish of fresh strawberries. I miss the fruit most of all. Sandwiches I could take or leave, but not having the carbs for breakfast make a big difference to me. I wonder if there is a gender difference in the diet, too, as far as food preferences. My H is so satisfied, he could eat eggs for breakfast for the rest of his life, while D and I really want a little fruit and a bowl of cereal. Plus -- I am sick of cooking and washing pots and pans every morning!
Reply50 is he new 20 my dear.And im 5'8 so I feel her on the curvy tallness.Its hard to find a guy who isnt a shrimp and scared of a girl with some meat!!I dont know how its gotten so bad that girls no matter their age rely on magazines to gauge how they should look.I see celebrities everyday almost and sooo dont want to look like a twig with boobs.Not my scene..Your daughter isnt big at all.Boys are stupid.They care what their friends think.But those same boys will be all over her when she loses whatever weight she needs to lose.Then like me she will be laughing in their faces.
In Phase I all I missed was fruit so when phase 2 started the first thing I had was cherries.It was like yayyyy fruit.
Worked out hardcore this morning.Feel great.But it was a long work week so Im so out of it.I need a nap but really I should be out playing tennis right now.You guys rock.Hope you're having a fabulous weekedn!!
ReplyActually, the world is full of men who love larger women, too (well, maybe NYC isn't!) There's someone for everyone, as they say. I do truly believe that.
High school is a nightmare for a lot of people, not just the overweight. I had very similar experiences to yours, BS3 - the "jocks" thought it was hilarious to slip me notes professing their undying love, then sit back and roar with laughter when I read them. It was like they were saying, "Yeah, right - like *I* would ever be interested in *YOU!*" I pretended it didn't bother me.
I am so thankful to be out of that environment now. As adults, we can choose the people we surround ourselves with. What a blessing that is!
ReplyYeah NYC is poo when it comes to he big girls.You can be curvy but not fat
Yes amen to choosing who you are friends with!!Altho some of my friends can be a but much I still love them!!I just hope its not too late for me.Men around here are so jaded they either keep the crappy girlfriend they have or they are sooo dirty if you kno what I mean.They think im like too pure or something.SO ANNOYING.I didnt mean to type that in caps haha but oh well.
Cheers to us all being super fierce
Reply...And those twigs with boobs -- the boobs are either airbrushed in or fake ones!
I am little and curvy (unlike my tall daughter), but used to be lean and petite in my younger days. I like being curvy and don't want those to be the first thing to go when I lose weight.
At 50, I am doing things my mother would never dream of doing at my age. At 50, her activities were already severely limited to osteoarthritis. I am trying to fight that!
ReplyTwigs with boobs HA thats funny
Replyi'm the youngest! i'm 17! And on the topic of "cheat days" i had SUCH a good day yesterday, i was so happy just to have carbs, that cereal i had was the BEST EVER. and today i have been back on full form for phase 1 with enhanced commitment, and renewed willpower, ITS ALL ABOUT OFF DAYS! haha.
ReplyOh Sophie got me beat!!!You're a baby.Im kidding!!Im glad you had a good day.
And I was wrong I lost 5 pounds not 3.Wow....Im really losing wieght.25 pounds in 6 weeks and 3 days.I feel acomplished.It wouldve lost more had I not gained at the beginning of phse 2.I sholdnt dwell!!
ReplyMan - I totally over-did it today at the cookout. They had hamburgers and hot dogs (no chicken.) NO VEGGIES! There was a lot of fresh fruit. There was some guacamole which I ate with Rosemary/Olive Oil Triscuits.
I kept picking at the fruit all day. I REALLY wish there had been a veggie tray.
So, I ate several burgers with no buns, a bunch of sliced tomatoes (which were supposed to go on the burgers,) a bunch of Triscuits, my berry yogurt dessert, and TONS of fruit.
I really have gotten used to filling up mostly on vegetables.
And guess what!? I was hungry when I got home. I made eggs with low-fat cheese.
This morning I bought 3 cucumbers at the farmers' market. They are marked for death tomorrow.
ReplySeriously - a cookout with like 35 people and NOT ONE VEGETABLE! un. believable.
ReplyGood morning everyone,
OK so I am the second oldest. Rosmarie, don't you think this is a great place to be in life?? My kids are older as well. 20, 19 and 17. My boys are are both twigs, but my daughter is very curvy. She is about 5'3'' and my quess is she weighs about 170. My mother is on me constantly to talk to her about her weight. I refuse !!! I feel that she has to want to do it for herself. I know she is uncomfortable in her own skin, but who am I to say anything. After 44 years I am still not OK with my body. I never will be. Unfortunately I know that for myself, I could weigh 100 lbs and still think I look fat. At least I know that a size 6(my goal) is not fat. I can still be logical.
Tomorrow I weigh in. I finally gave in and had a glass of red wine with dinner. That has been it for the cheating. Still nervous to see what the scale brings. You younger gals are smart to get a handle on the weight now. It really is harder when you are older.
Have a great day everyone. You all ROCK !!!!
ReplyThanks for putting up with my rambling.
hmm, so i weighed myself again today, and even after two weeks on phase 1 i have still only lost 4 pounds (although i did have a cheat day!)and thats with exercise everyday, but then i definitely look and feel slimmer, i dont really have that much to lose, like 14-24 pounds max but its just not coming off on the scales. Is it possible that because i'm doing a lot of exercise, and i'm a dancer so regularly dancing about that i've gained muscle and so the scales arent showing weight loss! i dont really think thats true! i dont know! any ideas. also has anyone tried the 3 day diet? does it work, is it worth giving it a try and then have the 4 days off on phase 2 of sbd? hope your all having a good day!X
ReplyYesterday, I was able to put on and comfortably zip a pair of levi shorts that I had put in the "discard" pile. Today I have a skirt on that had fit before, but is now big in the waist and hips. This is with only a 4 lb. weight loss. Sophie, I do believe that the low carb diet, with exercise, changes body shape. You are eating protein, which fuels muscle growth. It is not just about pounds. My waist is smaller and my belly is flatter. My daughter also was able to put on a pair of old jeans and feel comfortable in them again. For those of you who are experiencing small losses after 2 weeks, I recommend taking out something that was tight a month ago and putting it on now.
Jodi, I know where you are coming from with your daughter. There are so many negative messages about girls' body images that make it hard for you to say anything that won't be devastating. My daughter made her own choice, but she is 5'9" and 170, which may be a tad heavy, but the loss is more cosmetic than anything. She is active as a lifeguard and probably won't have ill health due to the extra 10-20 lbs. she carries. 170 at 5'3" is unhealthy, not just overweight, but obese. Probably, the best way to address her issues is through her doctor, not through you, so that it comes from an objective source, a health professional. When mom says something, emotions are too tied up in things. I have adult women friends who still believe they are ugly and fat because of things their mothers said.
On a SBD negative note, I am now on a site where I can journal what I eat and it calculates fat an cholesterol. SBD is NOT a low fat diet or low cholesterol. With the eggs and the cheese, even lowfat cheese, it is still above what someone should eat in fat every day. It is lower than ATkins, but still more than what someone should eat on a daily basis long-term. Most of you are young folk so you can do Phase I for more than 2 weeks, but if you are older, like me, and have any cholesterol issues, I don't know how good an idea it would be to go more thant 2 weeks on Phase I. My hub is doing it, but he has diabetes, so his problem is with carbs and sugar, rather than fats.
ReplyHi - came across you all and thought I would invite you to Sparkpeople.com which has a great South Beach team on it. Having perused the comments here, there is alot of unanswered questions, dated information and some misinformation. For those of you starting on phase 1 and getting the SB "flu" type symptoms (low energy, headaches) - it is due to the low carbs and by making sure you get in your 2 cups of lowfat/nonfat dairy and at least 1/2 cup of beans (ie black, kidney, garbanzo, etc) you will counter that. You really should not be on phase 1 beyond the 2 weeks unless you have 100 pounds or more to lose. You are just going to burn yourself out on foods and quite honestly you won't see an increased weight loss. Phase 1 weight loss is purely water weight and touch more and depends if you came to SB from another diet (ie you already lost your water weight) and how much you have to lose to begin with. If your goal is only to lose 14 pounds, it is not realistic to think you will lose Dr A's claim of 7 - 10 pounds. Average person loses 4 - 10 pounds depending on the factors described.
Couple other things: your fat stats should be within guidelines and not high. Cheese should be limited as nuts to 1 - 2 servings MAX per day since these two things are the most common weight stall. Calories DO count and if you aren't getting in the minimum calories to fuel your metabolism let alone your exercise, you won't see the scale move much.
I have done SB since 1/2007 and have been in maintenance mode now for several months. Good luck to all of you!
ReplyKierae,
Thanks for the info. I'll have to check it out.
The small group is alot of fun too. Feels like family.
ReplySeriously that is SO annoying!!No veggies??I would have freaked out.I wouldve been hungry too.
And
ReplyWell, despite my generally crappy weekend (no veggies at the cookout, too much meat and fruit, locked my keys in my car, lost my ATM card, etc...) and my 3 alcoholic drinks (coffee liquor over ice with No Sugar Added Lowfat Chocolate milk) after I got home from the cookout, the scale hasn't budged in 3 days.
Yeah, I've been obsessing with the scale a little this week. So, it hasn't dropped, but it hasn't gone up in spite of my bad behavior, so I'm OK with that.
3rd day in a row, 275.6.....
ReplyCrystal,
Hang in there!!! Hopefully this will give you a little encouragement.
After my second baby, I weighed 220 lbs. I have a very small frame. Ring size is a 4 if that tells ya anything. I was so overwhelmed with the scale. Seemed I would never get to where I wanted to be. I still go up and down. I let my 5 pound window get a little out of hand. My husband likes to eat out too much. Thats how I came to be here.
But just keep going. You can do it. I see your little picture everyday now. Your'e beautiful!!
Hang tough!!
ReplyAs far as talking to other people about their weight issues...
Sure, your heart might be in the right place. However, anyone who's overweight already knows they're overweight. They don't need someone to tell them. It's just hurtful when people point out your flaws. I remember many weight lectures from my family growing up. They were all very painful.
The best thing my family could have done for me was to start serving healthier foods and start being more active as a group. Instead, they continued to serve the same unhealthy foods and expected me to take the initiative, as a child, to fix my own health problems, which is completely unrealistic.
Don't lecture. Just call them up and invite them to go on a bike ride or something. You'll do more good in the long run, I think.
ReplyI agree with Crystal.When you are overweight there is nothing worse than someone telling you that you need to lose it.Im sure your daughter feels awful about her size and wishes she could do more about it.Maybe a doctor would be the best bet.They are sort of neutral and if high blood pressure etc is in your family she has to watch out.I mean my family health is terrible so thats why I got on track.Its scary.But at the same time she is young.Give her some time.
And this is random but I had the worst day at work.Im so tired but I need to exercise.I also dont think I ate enough today.Lately I have been slacking on the eating.Its probably lack of sleep.Bleh....need a vacation.
ReplyCrystal, I think that's what I meant in my comments to Jodi -- that it doesn't come from the parent, that it comes from a doctor. IF the girl is still seeing a pediatrician, you can speak with the pediatrician privately as a consult. If she is over 18 though, there's nothing you can do. It is her body and her life. The best you can do if she is still living at home is to make sure you eat healthy and are active as a family and set a good example. After that, you have to let go. I've got a 20 year old at home who won't eat SBD. He's not overweight, but he has a terrible diet, hasn't eaten a vegetable since he was 18 months old, so I just keep plenty of healthy cereals in the house, and he eats that. Yeah, it's high carb, but he's a rail, it won't kill him, and maybe he'll get sick of cereal and sandwiches and eat what we're eating someday.
As far as my SBD journal stats -- my overall calorie intake was quite low - 1338 calories -- but the fat content was high, and yes, I did have nuts that day, but only the serving size. In fact, I could be eating more calories at my activity level. According to the journal, I burned around 600 with my mile and a half walk, hour of power yoga, and 45 minutes of strength training. So, if you work-out on SBD, you may need an extra snack somewhere. It explains why I felt weak that day. It's why I look forward to Phase II, which has a few more carbs.
ReplyGood Morning all,
Weighed in today. Down another 2 lbs. That makes 4.5 in 3 weeks. Like you Sophie I have about 13 more to go. That makes it really hard. Have you tried the tape measure? I have seen two inches off my waist in 3 weeks. Thats pretty good. Feels great!!!
Thank you all for your input about my daughter. She doesn't live at home. She is in college and eats terrible. My mother started on me when I was about 13. Pretty sure that killed my self image and led to my Bolemia. I know she will turn it around, but I just don't want to see her suffer physically or emotionally. Genetics and Starbucks are not on her side.
Have a wedding to go to this Fri. An old boyfriend will be there. Hope to lose at least a little more before then. Want to make him eat his heart out!!! Yes to all you youngins, those feelings never go away!!
Have a great day.
ReplyKeep fighting the good fight!!!
Good to see all the new activity psted on this board! Just checking in I suppose, with no scale stepping this weekend but quite a few non-SBD friendly foods in the mix. Had banana bread from Bob Evans (you don't even want to KNOW how much sugar & fat was in that!!) as well as popcorn at the movies and some white rice at a Japanese restaurant with my sushi. NOt the healthiest weekend of all time, but far from the worst, too. Glad to see there is someone British posting, my current favorite TV show is on BBC America and called "You Are What You Eat". If anyone has Sat tv, you should definitely check it out! They have their own website too. I also signed up to do the Presidents Challenge, a web site by the US Govt where you can log your activities and see how you are doing, exercise wise. I am always up for receiving new ideas on SB friendly snacks, as sometimes the low carb plan can get a bit tedious. I made the SBD hummus this weekend, and it came out really well, my family even liked it. To put in my 2 cents, I am 39 years old and I am at 163 lbs so far, hopefully looking to get down to anything below 150, I think 145 would be a pretty healthy weight for me, I'm 5'6" tall. Welcome everyone new, and please keep sharing recipes & stuff, cause that is my favorite! When I have time later, I will post a recipe I made this weekend for super high fiber, low sugar muffins. Later all & happy Monday!
ReplyWelcome Sarah!Or welcome back?? lol
Today was good.I need to try on my dress again and see how loose its gotten.Ive only got a few weeks until the wedding.High school people be warned im a big deal lol.
My only dilemma right now is that I think my friend has an eating disorder.Everytime I see her shes thinner.She never wants to eat eventho shes clearly hungry.She always complains that her stomach hurts etc.The other night she watched us all eat dinner and ate nothing.Shes a dancer so I think she feels pressured to be thin.I dont know what to do.
ReplyGood for Bs3 for progress. I was a little bad this week-end, went out for Chinese with a good friend, a little old widow lady who needed company. I did have a margarita and a cup of hot and sour soup, but also had no rice and ate spicy tea sauce chicken and vegetables and sauted string beans. Brought the leftovers home to hub, who hasn't eaten Chinese in a while -- a real treat for him. Yes, you can eat Chinese on this diet, but only the better more "authentic" stuff, not the fried crap and sweet n sour.
Jodi, I know how you feel ... once they're out of the house, you can't control them, and most colleges have a one-swipe system for meal plans, where you can go in and pig out in the dining hall. Just be grateful that a few pounds are all you have to worry about while she's away. My son, 20, who did one year away, brought home stories that would curl your hair or straighten it!
ReplyYes - I've had LOTS of Chinese food on this plan. I usually order from their "diet" selections of steamed vegetables and I ask them to add a little garlic sauce. It's great! Except that I always forget they consider mushrooms a vegetable. I consider them poison.
Tonight's dinner:
Mystery Squash* Soup
2 medium-sized mystery squash*, thinly sliced (you may substitute zucchini, if you wish)
1 regular sized/small can Fat Free reduced sodium chicken broth
1 big onion, thinly sliced
a dash of garlic powder
a dash of onion powder
salt & pepper to taste
This made enough soup for about 3 REALLY big bowls.
Steam/saute squash & onions in a large frypan with nonstick spray & about 1/4" water in the bottom - throw a lid on to trap the steam. Cook about 8 minutes. Transfer onion & squash from frypan to blender. Liquefy the heck out of them. Add broth - continue to liquefy until it looks super-creamy. Transfer to saucepan - add a dash of onion powder & a dash of garlic powder - heat until bubbly. Serve hot.
* What's a Mystery Squash, you ask? Your guess is as good as mine! My neighbor always puts free produce from her garden out on a card table in front of her house for anyone who wants it when she has extra stuff. They look like zucchinis, except they're a lighter green color and they're shaped like pears, but bigger than pears (about softball sized.)
Pic here:
i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/wyllo44240/1215984073.jpg
Honestly - I've never made anything like this before, but this soup is great - it's so creamy it seems really decadent. Also, it's thick enough, I don't fee like it really NEEDS crackers. I loosely followed a zucchini soup recipe I found through a web search.
ReplyAlso, I didn't remove the seeds from the squash, but I bet if you did, it would turn out even creamier.
ReplyBs3 it sounds like you're friends is fasting, is she using any tactics to make it LOOK like she is still eating when she is not. I too am a dancer (i go to performing arts school) and a huge number of girls and my friends suffer from AN so i am pretty good at knowing their tactics now, i currently have a friend who i have know since i was 3, and shes always been the same size as me, but in the last term she has shrunk to a tiny size 8/10 (uk sizing) and is adament that she HASNT lost weight. Does your friend make a big deal about what food she WANTS to eat, and then when you're actually in the situation to buy it, spends age deliberating, and then tells you to get something but nothing for herself? or if she has a plate of food, its either entirely salad, or it gets pushed around the plate, while she may load up the fork but it never actually makes it to her mouth? these are all symptoms of excessive weight loss tactics. If you're really worried about her, dont confront her directly because she will only get defensive and then hide her eating from you even more. Trying subtle ways to encourage her to eat or give her high calorie drinks such as full fat hot chocolate, if it gets even worse and she continues to not eat then talk to a professional, and go with her to see a psychologist, as a doctor wont be able to offer help until she gets to below 85% of her expected body weight, has extreme weight loss goals and behaviour and hasnt had a period for 3 months. I think these requirements to get help and be diagnosed are frankly ridiculous as it means girls have to get to a scarely unhealthy weight and mind set before they get helped, but if you can get her to talk about it before it become second nature and obsession it'll be really beneficial to her. Good luck, and i hope shes ok, i know way to many anorexic girls. Also, if she really loves dancing, warn her that if she doesnt eat, or becomes too thin shes not going to be able to continue dancing because her energy levels will be way low and if she gets too thin, a teacher will notice and she may face her calorie intake for the day being assesed and if its too low stopped dancing!
ReplyYes Sophie!!Thats exactly what she does.But she uses me as an excuse sometimes b/c i eat salad too when we go out.And yeah she totally debates what shes going to eat.And oh she always says she had a burger before she saw me.But she always says that!!Im like hello if you're going to lie pick a different food cos I know thats not going in your mouth everyday.I was a dancer too.And I got fat ha but even when I was the chunky one I still did excellent and went on gigs and such.I dont get it.And everyone we work with notices and she tells how mad she is that everyone says shes skinny.But you're right I have to be subtle.And I bake so I bring her stuff to work lol
ReplyHelp! My 4 lbs. are back (perhaps sodium in Chinese food!) and I'm upposed to start Phase II today. I guess I should be still on I, but if I eat eggs for breakfast one more day, I will go insane! Plus I have to do a cholesterol test next week for a check-up.
ReplyOh yeah, the eggs will drive you bonkers. I typically eat some form of portable low fat dairy before I leave the house, then have snacky veggies all morning at work... like a big bag of celery sticks or pepper strips or something. I just take them out when I get grumbly and munch on them mindlessly while I read reports and type. Hey, if you're going to eat something mindlessly... why not get in some of that daily quota of vegetables!?
A smart cookie once said (about 3 days ago) "It is not just about pounds. My waist is smaller and my belly is flatter....I recommend taking out something that was tight a month ago and putting it on now."
Remember that, cookie! :)
Reply