South Beach Diet Investigated

Hi SBD friends,
I'm so glad to stubble on this blog about SBD. I started SB August 17, 2006- I lost 10 lbs in 14 days in P1. I agree with the doc, (JJ Harding) I too was very skeptical about the cravings just vanishing- but too my surprise it was TRUE! I went to P1.5 for almost a month after that continuing to lose just about a lb a day. To date Jan 28-07) I’ve only lost 33 lbs tho. At least I can say I didn’t “gain” over the holidays! But I definitely plateau! From Nov. all thru Dec there was virtually no weight lost. I had gone into P2 and started trying a lot of whole grain recipes. I love to cook so I had a whole new (no pun intended;) way to approach cooking. Unfortunately, that wasn’t so good! The calories do count I guess – even if they are very healthy ones!!
One “VERY” appealing aspect of the SBD was it was not required to “count calories” > I hate that!!! Counting is no fun! Absolutely hate that! But in order to stay on track and continue to lose I have come to terms (finally) with I will have to lighten my load (in more than one way) and make the portions smaller!!! I still have at least 37 to possible going for the gusto and say 50 lbs to lose! That would be a thrill if I lost 50! But more importantly is to “this time” keep it off for the duration! I’m 54 (close to 55) and the last 7 years have been mounting out of control. Just over 10 years ago I did the Jenny Craig diet. It worked but as is obvious, I didn’t!
This time, I want to make a real life change and kick the sugars & white junk. I thought I hated whole grain (back in the junk food days) – turns out it’s really good! Has much more favor than that white stuff!!
I’ve gone back into P1 – today is 1 week back in – I’ve lost 3 to 4 lbs. (you know those sensitive scales!!) A little disappointed it’s not been more but I’m determined so I’ll keep plugging.
I’m either riding my bike 10 miles or walking 2 to 3 miles “most” days. Although that’s what really fell off also during the holidays (Nov.– Dec).

So I have a question for y’all~ in SBD book (Good Fats Good Carbs Guide) sugar free/fat free pudding (in P2) is allowed (page 21) but in the chart on page 68-69 it shows “A” (for “avoid”) so which is it??

And someone asked about diet sodas- all the zeros "seem harmless"- but in the list of ingredients it’s biggest is corn syrup! How can the companies label their product no sugars and yet contain corn syrup???? I don’t get it!!! So that’s a very tricky catch you gotta watch out for. Fresica & Diet Rite soda does NOT contain corn syrup. And even though I know Splenda has "it’s issues"- you gotta chose your battles. It’s the only sugar sub I can handle – so it wins!!!
I'll be back - glad to meet up with others doing SB!
Cyberbee

Chris -

When I entered Phase 2 I incorporated a South Beach Diet High Protein breakfast bar, 12 oz of 2% milk, 1 slice of whole wheat bread and 5 oz of fruit. I think adding everything together I consume about 75 grams of carbs a day. And I lost 2 pounds the first week (I'm in the 2nd week now).

My husband lost 17 pounds in two weeks on phase one and my daughter lost 11. They did not cheat at all (as far as they say :-)). My husband has stayed on phase one but began having his cocktails and snacking on more nuts. He has vitually stopped loosing even though nothing else has changed. He had a lot of gas and a bit of an upset stomach right in the beginning but about a week into said he flet so good he could do a back flip off the couch. His energy level is great too. Good luck to all of you. We love this diet! By the way, he has high blood pressure and cholesterol (medicated) so we are hoping this lifestyle change will lower these. We'll let you know.

is this diet safe?

Going back to Weight Watchers, but with good carb principles. SBD is the worst diet I've ever done - and I've done Atkins. Didn't lose much on it, then put most of it back on in Phase 2 as there is no guidance about how to reintroduce foods, and even doing so slowly didn't help. Sorry to sound negative, but that's my experience.

I have been on the SBD for 3 days. I seem to always feel hungry 1-2 hours after eating a meal. Also, I am peeing constantly! (I have always drank 7-9 glasses of water a day).
Is this normal?

I started the South Beach Diet 2 weeks ago and have lost 15 lbs. I am expriencing some side effects that have concerned my Dr. and he advised me to stop phase 1. I have exprienced right and left flank pain, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pains and endless thirsty feeling. I drinks about 32oz of water a hour and a still feel like I am not getting enough to drink. I will try to continue to see how phase 2 does on me, but I was wondering if anyone else experienced these types of side effects.

Okay, so you'll lose water, fat, and muscle with the SBD. How much muscle?? I don't want to be on a diet that will take away muscle that I've worked so hard to gain. I drink a protien shake before I work-out it only has 4g's of carbs but can I still drink it if I'm on the SBD?

I am starting the SBD because I feel I have nothing to lose but weight. I tried not eating before only eating 500 calories and burning them all off.And I did but I felt so tired. I could barely stay awake and, my attitude was horrible. I've been on the SBD diet all day today ( I broke it at lunch) but it has been good. I haven't be hungry ,( but I guess since I am able to go long period without eating I am kind of tranined.) I have a ton of energy and I actually feel very good. My question is has anyone lost a large amount on the phase 1? OR does it matter solely on who you are and, how active your lifestlye is?
I walk 6 blocks two and from work
I run at least 35 mintues daily or I try to.

Also, can't you take viatmins to replace the ones your not getting on the diet. Vitamins have no calories and, can easily be used instead of the carbs right? Please let me know. Thank so much everyone.

I STARTED THE SB DIET SIX DAYS AGO...I HAVE NOT GOTTEN ON THE SCALE YET. THIS IS A VERY HARD PHASE TO GET THRU ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE KIDS WHO EAT SUGAR RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU , ALONG WITH THEIR BREAD, AND FRUIT,ETC. BUT,I HAVE ACTUALLY N0T FAILED YET. MY PANTS ARE FEELING LOOSER, AND MY FACE IS ALREADY LOOKING A BIT THINNER. I AM TRYING TO LOSE 25 LBS TOTAL. I DO WORK OUT, HOWEVER, I BROKE MY ANKLE AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO WORK OUT IN WEEKS, SO I STARTED THIS DIET IN HOPES OF LOSING THE WEIGHT. MY QUESTION IS .....IT SEEMS AS THOUGH MOST PEOPLE HAVE LOST WEIGHT IN THIS BLOG IF THEY DID THE DIET CORRECTLY, WITH SIDE EFFECTS, BUT, WHAT ABOUT WORKING OUT AND DOING THIS DIET. DOES THAT REALLY SPEED THE WEIGHT LOSS UP? MY ENERGY IS REALLY LOW TOO, AND I CAN NOT GIVE UP CAFFEINE COFFEE. THAT IS THE ONLY THING I GUESS I TECHNICALLY HAVE CHEATED ON. BUT, HONESTLY, WITHOUT IT , I THINK I WOULD BE A ZOMBIE.
THANKS, AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO ARE TRYING THIS DIET, BE PROUD OF YOURSELVES, IT IS A TRUE ACOMPLISHMENT.

I am 26 yrs old and weigh 150 lbs and am currently couting calories and working out. I have been allowing myself 1200 calories per day and am working out at least 3 times a day (30 minute increments on an elliptical machine). I have lost 3 pounds in just one week so I'm down to 147. The problem is I started doing this because I am trying to lose 30 pounds (yes, 30) before JUNE 7! I fear that what I'm doing may not get me to my goal weight. Should I start the South Beach Diet? I tried it about two years ago for a week with my mom and I couldnt make it through one week, I was very weak and being a teacher, I couldnt get through a day without feeling like I was run over by a bus. Can anyone tell me if losing 30 pounds is possible with what I'm currently doing? Or should I give the SBD another chance?

I'm really frustrated with this diet right now. I'm a week and a half into it and the scale hasn't moved an inch. I'm drinking far more water than I normally do, I'm starving most of the time and I haven't cheated at all - an astounding fact for me! Also, though it's discouraged, I am starting with Phase I as a nursing mother. (They say not to do Phase I but to go directly to Phase II if you're breastfeeding.) Nursing burns a ton of calories anyway. You'd think by now I'd be withering away to nothing. But...no weight loss. I do eat a lot all day long. But it's mostly cheese (one of the limitless items on the diet) and turkey or ham. I have no idea what's going wrong. I only have about 10 pounds to lose and am not considered overweight at this point. I'm wondering if being on the low end of the weight spectrum for a diet is reason for the lack of weight loss instead of the average 8-13 pound loss. Any suggestions or thoughts? I'm thinking of just jumping into Phase II since the fabulous results haven't shown themselves. I like Phase II's plan - very common sense.

Victoria: While the SB diet does not recommend counting calories per se, you need to be careful of things like cheeses. You really should only be having a serving per day, because the calories will add up. Same for nuts.
You really should not be hungry all day. Try incorporating more protein into every meal (eggs or soy sausage in the morning), chickpeas, beans, chicken).
You are correct in your second statement- it is much harder to see dramatic loss if you don't have much to loose. I would say that if you only want to lose ten pounds, you would see more than a 3 pound weight loss in the first 2 weeks. but you will continue to see it drop 1-2 pounds for the next couple of weeks. This diet really is desinged for people who have significant amounts of weight to lose.

Have any of you ever tried Shiratake noodles? They are like tofu spaghetti noodles. Are they appropriate for phase I?

Has anyone had long-term, large-loss success with South Beach? I am healthy, but need to lose close to 100 pounds. My doctor, fearing that as I near age 50 I may start having HBP, high cholesterol and/or diabetes issues, has suggested gastric bypass surgery. I've attempted so many diets and just gain the weight back. He believes the surgery is much less dangerous than it used to be as it's less invasive and many "kinks" have been worked out; he recommends a couple of surgeons who have stellar records. My biggest fear (besides death!) is that that you lose so fast you have to have plastic surgery (tummy tuck, etc). Plus, you never are able to eat "normally." I want to give dieting one last go before going with surgery. Has anyone had significant weight loss that didn't take years with South Beach? My doctor highly recommends this diet, too, but says realistically, he sees few positive losses with patients who need to lose ~100 lbs. He says if I were his wife, he'd just want me to get the weight off and quit yo-yoing at this point. (While my comments here make him sound negative, he 's actually a great doc & very empathetic--he's been dealing with me about my weight for about 12 years--prior to that, I was "normal.") I guess I'm just wanting to know if this is worth the attempt. All of the comments here seem to be 40 pounds or less lost!

Hello All-

I don't know about you, but I love reading success stories. I find that it motivates other people who are in the same situation as yourself. I've read mixed reviews on this site about this diet. As a person going on the South Beach Diet who has an unbiased, uncynical, and indifferent take on this particular diet, I would like to invite people to see my progress on the South Beach Diet via my blog (http://dejahssbdlog.blogspot.com/). In it, weekly, I will be putting in my current weight, Measurements of Chest, Waist, Hips, Wrist, and Forearm, My Estimated Lean Body Weight, Estimated Body Fat Weight, Estimated Body Fat Percentage, And estimated BMI. Daily, I will be logging meals, and workouts.

If anyone else has a South Beach Diet Progress Blog, or would like to start one, I would love to follow along with you. I think that if we all see how each other is doing, there's a better chance we'll succeed with this and not give up. People are watching! and if you fall off the wagon, I'm sure you can use a little encouragement and motivation too. The way I see it, if I can inspire, or motivate someone else to succeed with this, then that's enough to keep me going and to keep me motivated. I hope to hear from some of you soon!

Phase I really did help me break my sugar addiction. Within the first four days, my cravings disappeared. Maybe this phase is valuable only to sugar junkies like me!

The 3rd phase doesn't make sence to me.I think there should only be 2 phases.In all diets you need to keep up your eating habits and this "maintenance" word they put in front of it is just like saying continue our diet which is really what you would do if you liked it anyways.

Hello? Anyone? Lost 100+ pounds on SB? (See my lengthy blog about 4-5 blogs back.) I think I'm getting my answer...

I am on day four of phase one and I feel weak and spacey. I feel that I have been eating very well according to the book...maybe adding a few more veggies to the salad but that's it. Do you think that this will go away after my body gets used to it or will it get worse? Other than that I love the diet.

Karen,
At 100 pounds over ideal weight, I would definitely go with surgery. I have heard the lap band is a good way. I had surgery in 1993 and kept my weight off quite well until two years ago, when the medicines I began taking changed my metabolism. I was in a size 10-12 for years, and occasionally in an 8. Before surgery, I was a size 22. Now, I am a 14. I have tried the South Beach diet. If you do it, I'd say that I would try it once, and give it everything I had, because trying it a second time is nearly impossible. I have been reading the blogs about the nausea and bloating, which has been my problem. I was sick all last summer with this, but never knew this was the problem. I gained every pound back- 9, and gained 3 more than where I started. Actually it was four. But I never dreamed the bloating was actually from the diet. I started it yesterday and by 4 p.m. I was bloating and felt constipated. I am not sure what it is from. But after reading letters on this blog, I get it now.

Here's the thing. There is no magic diet. Honestly. Salads and protein are great for maintaining weight after you have surgery, or just for people who want to be healthy. Not fatty proteins, but good proteins. Deserts are okay sometimes. I mean, you have to live, and no one can tell you that they can stick with a diet forever. It is against human nature. I tried everything but surgery helped. I am living proof after all these years. I would not advise the south beach diet, but I would use many of the principles for health and maintenance. Sugar puts weight on, and unprocessed carbs. In France they created laws to change their bread making--the processing made the French fat, like the Americans. I think all those goodies on the aisles at the Grocery store make everyone eat unhealthily.

Enough of that. Eat right and exercise sometimes, or 3-5 days per week. I have cholestoral that is low in numbers and low blood pressure. I attribute that to the fact that I cannot eat that much. However, if you eat between meals and snack all day, you will gain weight but, you have the tools to get you to the goal. The doctors will help you. I do believe that people are a lot about what there parents were, it is heredity, eating habits,etc. These are my very hurried thoughts.

I was also extremely tired on South beach, And like the person who also wrote about yogurt stopping her bloating, the same thing happened for me today. I ate an almost no calorie yogurt and I feel so much better.

God's best to you.

Thanks so much for your reply Becky! It was very helpful--I've been researching surgery (the success stories are very inspirational) and really think it's going to be the only "permanent" option for me. I've tried every diet, lose some, then gain back more. I've probably lost 20 or 30 lbs. 10 or 15 times! Then I put the 20-30 back on with more. I believe SB would have the same result, and I guess I'm afraid I've already jinxed the diet without even trying it due to my diet history. As everyone who has yo-yo dieted knows, you really know exactly what you need to do (I probably know more about nutrition than most dietitians), but implementing those changes just doesn't work in the real world. Whether it's an addiction or lifestyle issue, it obviously affects a lot of people.

I agree genetics probably play a large role. My mom's maternal side of the family always has been heavy, even though they were all farmers and worked physically harder every day than most people do in a week. They were even heavy during the Depression when mom says they were nearly starving! Lucky me--I got those genes! My dad's crew,however, can eat any and everything, and they're all thin. Dad even had back surgery and had NO activity for almost two years, and came away thinner than before the surgery. Mom joked, but it was actually true, that she would have gained 50+ pounds in that situation. I know I would. But my sister, who takes after my dad, is 5'2" & 96 lbs. and complains that she loses weight too easily! My doctor says that shows him that my body is actually working exactly as it was meant to--I would be a survivor extraordinare back in the days of famine. My sister & dad would have been dead ducks. Somehow, that doesn't make me feel any better!

Anyway, my mom is still struggling with getting the weight off at age 73. She got down to the lowest I remember her at on Weight Watchers 3-4 years ago, gained it all back plus some, and now she's enrolled in WW again. I don't want to do that for 25 more years. I'm sick of it, and ready to get it off.

Did you have to have a tummy tuck? That's my biggest hang-up...

Thanks much!
Karen

Karen,
No I did not. The scar is ugly, though. I don't think they are ugly now at all.(new methods) You can have them lightened to look almost like just a shadow with laser procedures. My tummy is really nice, which was inherited by Mom. My tummy is flat, unless I am on the South Beach and bloated. Everytime I eat something with carbs it seems to get better. It may be all the cheese. I just agree that dieting just makes people fat. It slows down the metabolism. I kept my weight very much under control for 12 years. I had to have surgery, and ended up in ICU for a week. I lost 22 lbs in the hospital and therafter. I did okay keeping it off, but I began getting really nervous afterward, because I had to quit my job, move, it was a bad time. I started taking Xanax, something I do not recommend. It makes me crave sugar like crazy. I mean, if I take it before bed within 20 minutes I want to eat p-nut butter or chocolate, or anything. ONce mom had a bad day and I gave her a half of a .5, and she said she was hungry the entire day. I did not realize this, but I got on a blog and people told stories of gaining lots of weight. No one told me that before, though. I just want to snack all day, which put me in a 14. Don't take that drug if you want to stay slim.

Anyway, I have always had a pretty tummy, and have had no children, but You do lose the hard body if you don't exercise. I know that dieting takes away muscle tone, so do eat protein. I have other problem areas. I have gained a little and lost it again (more than once) but mostly that was circumstances and eventually, those circumstances changed and my body went down. I've never been above a 14, and that is high for me.

Eat protein first always, and you get full. Only eat at meals if you want to keep losing after your weight is off. Snacking and sodas are the worst you can do. I love sugar, and I don't really care. I know that no diet will ever help except temporarily. It is a band aide. But, I do stress that if you snack all day you'll gain. If you stop, you'll lose. The docs can explain all of that to you.

I don't see long term results with South Beach, but it does take the weight off. I mean, after surgery they told me to eat eggs first, which are soft. Beef is still hard on my tummy sometimes unless it is ground beef. I can eat steak, slowly. And, not that much. I still like it though.

I hope you have a great surgeon and support system. I had a friend who told people and they were extremely negative. I told almost no one. They will want to talk about it in front of others, and it is embarrassing. One of the girls who had surgery with me had her husband drop her off at the hospital, and told no one. (I assume they were separate!) Not even him! Now, I did not go to that extreme. I felt so sorry for her, but she said that he would never understand. My nurse had also did this and did not tell her parents but did tell her hubby. (I mean, who could hide it?) SHe said her family members were all slim, and they would never understand. Of course, growing up in California, I saw lots of plastic surgeries and liposuction. I wanted to do that so much afterward, and have breast implants. But, I decided not to. A lady I knew died who had large thighs. She was a beautiful lady and very funny, and sweet. She was so successful in her career, and had a 7 yaar old and an 11 year old, I think. So...I just thank God that I am His child. And I don't need that now. I want a better body, though. Once I got down to about a 5 or 7 and my arms got really flabby. I am a dancer, and was coaching, and I got so busy that I did not have time to eat at all. My arms lost their firmness---it was just one more yo yo that my muscles did not tolerate. They gave up. So, I'd like to have them done. I doubt that I ever do, however.

Sorry so long. I just got involved. Almost none of my friends know my story, so it felt good to talk about it.

I think everyone needs to figure out what works best for them. Before south beach, I tried a low-fat vegetarian diet. There too, I initially lost tons of water weight--4 lbs in 3 days. Then, nothing. Not a smidgen. And working out was a nightmare. This was my 2nd time on a vegetarian diet. The first time I went vegan, I gained weight! But again, this isn't to be anti-vegetarian. I know lots of vegetarians who are healthy and energetic. But they are not me.

I've been on south beach for a few weeks and have lost quite a bit. And I'm energetic and not hungry. And I really question the water weight vilification. I always loose fast on ANY diet in the beginning. Loosing water often happens when you cut out junk food. And generally, this is not a bad thing. Why is retaining extra water a wonderful thing?

But, my main point is, our own personal experiences don't necessarily have anything to do with anyone else's. Try and see what works best for you.

I've been on the sbd diet now for 1 week. I exercise regularly (cardio & weights) and have been following the diet. I have not lost 1 pound to this day! I only have 10 lbs to lose and I'm beginning to get frustrated. I did the Atkins diet 2 years ago and lost about 30 pounds before I got pregnant with my daughter. I got gall stones (which my doctor says had a lot to do with the Atkins) so now I want to try the sbd. I've lost all of my baby weight and only have 10 to go. Is it normal not to lose weight the first week?

I agree. I talked to someone about the comments in here about water weight. I guess it supposedly takes the water from your muscles and that is how you lose weight. I began my south beach diet on a Saturday and by Tuesday evening I could put on a pair of jeans that were extremely tight...I could not get them on a week before. They were wearable. Every thing seemed to fit and look better. Hips were smaller...seriously. So, I get what you are saying. I gained weight on Weight Watchers, but all of my friends think it is great. I have always been sensitive to carbohydrates. Have you lost more now?

I have been on SBD and just completed Phase I. I have been following the diet for a while. I have had severe gas bloating, diarhea and frequent trips to the bathroom. This last time was the worst ever. In the past, I blamed it all on my IBS, but after finishing Phase I and going back to regular eatin on vacation, all the above problems have disappeared. That's why I came to this website, to see if anyone else has been experiencing this and if there are any solutions.

okay... so I just started today and have done great all day but someone brought in a chocolate cake for a birthday and I got so caught up in the moment that I ate one bite. what do I do?! It was just one bite, but did that totally ruin my whole day? if so, do I start over tomorrow and call it a wash or do I just press on like the one bite and fleeting moment of weakness never happened? somebody help!

Hello my name is Jaqcue and I am an obese woman. I tried the SBD and i started to getting sever belemia prblems becuase i couldn't handle the SBD. I hope to try again but so far I can't stop throwing up :)

Thank You for making me skinny.

Jaqcue Welson

I recently started Phase I of SBD again. I tried it before several years ago before my wedding as a quick way to lose a few pounds before going on the honeymoon, and was very pleased with the results. The problem was that once I went back to my old ways, I felt like the weight came back almost immediately. Has anyone else noticed this?

Also, does one screw up on Phase I (i.e., a single low carb beer) ruin the results?

I just started the South Beach diet yesterday.....how am I going to make it? I think if I can get through phase one, then I'll be okay. My sweet tooth is out of this world...does anyone have any suggestions (besides sugar-free jello and sugar-free fudgesicles) about what I can eat to help my cravings? Help!

I am starting the SBD today and I am shopping this morning. I have a question.......can you eat dill pickles on phase 1?
Phil

I am on day number 7 of phase 1. I actually cheated a little over the weekend. I had a pancake, and a taco, but bounced right back into gear on Monday. I have still lost 4lbs thus far. Now I may not lose as much as I originally would have if I didn't cheat, but what the heck. I'm still loosing and I feel great. I take a Multivitamin everyday, and workout for 20 minutes 3-4 times per week. I think this helps out alot. good luck everyone

Tori- I have heard that if you supplement with zinc, its takes the edge off your sugar cravings...

I am really happy I found this site as it has really helped in keeping me motivated. All my life I have been struggling with my weight...sometimes I am very slim and sometimes I don't recognise myself from the weight gain. I have to say it was much more easier to lose weight when I was in my 20's. I am now 34 and am about 30lbs heavier.

I live in a country in Africa where people have no sympathy for overweight people.....I was in a meeting the other day and someone said, "don't give her any more cookies she is too fat as it is." Or friends just blurt out statements like...."You are too fat." Also, it it really hard to find "low fat" foods here. For example, we have low fat milk but it doesn't say what % whether 1% 2%..etc. I can't find low fat cheese, I can't find string cheese, We do not have salmon here and so on so it is pretty hard. Everything is fried in Oil.

Today is my 7th day on Phase 1 and I have not weighed myself. The last time I weighed myself which was a week ago, I was 160lbs. I am afraid to go on the scale. I have also been jogging, brisk walking and running for about a week now.

I cheated on day 4 by having half a glass of wine cause my friends were over and they kept begging me to have a glass. I hope this wouldn't affect the weight loss.
I have to lose weight cause I am so miserable, my clothes don't fit, I am dating a guy 7 years younger than I and he is in the entertainment business...He loves me but I also know that there is a whole lot of temptation out there. All I need is motivation, I love food as I grew up eating lots of sweeties.

I think I can stick to the diet except for one major problem, ALCOHOL. I do a lot of client entertaining and my will power is zero. I love Whiskey. I drink about 2-3 times a week. I have not had a craving for it because I have not been out. What to do?

Hello all - Just had a quick question regarding the South Beach Diet. I'm a fairly petite girl with a pudge around the belly area. I started the South Beach Diet two days ago. Will this work in losing some fat around my stomach/waist? I've only been eating the foods that are allowed in Phase 1 but have not exercised. Will just following the diet without exercising help me reach my goal? Any suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated! Thanks all.

I have been on the South Beach diet for almost two months now. It is WONDERFUL
I am so glad I decided to do it. After my pregnancy I was eating such bad foods. Too many deserts each week, too much bread too many carbs with each meal. I've relearned to eat whole foods using the S. B Diet and I've lost almost 20 pounds. Its important to incorporate weight training too into the program to build lean muscle. I am so proud of myself and so glad I bought the cookbooks. Variety is the Key to long term weight loss and healthy eating. Good luck to all.

I cheated on day 9 by having a glass of red wine and a slice of bread. Will this affect my overall workout even though I work out 6 times a weeK? I really want to lose weight. Help!

Today is my 1st day - I want to lose 7-10lbs. on SBD - other than water, what can you drink? I bought the books however; a friend is borrowing them today.

Thanks

Beginner

I have a question. I have been on the diet for six days now, and have seem to be doing OK. But I am confused when it comes to seating in a restaurant. Can I have the ceasar dressing on my salad at a restaurant, or does it have to be low fat, and can I have cheese in a restaurant...it's not low fat either!
Thanks!