Collecting Information on South Beach

[septbride2002]

I've done low carb diets for awhile now. And I find them easy to follow - however I start to get the itch to add things like rice, or pasta back into my life. And especially fruit!!! I know a lot of you have had success on South Beach, and I am interested in finding out more. I plan on checking out the book from the library, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any good websites with tips, recipes, etc that I could reference as well.

Also any good war stories about Phase 1 and what you did to make it through the 2 weeks would be great.

Thanks,
Amanda

 

[NCRedding]

I would love any tips also. I bought the book, but I still am confused also.

 

[johde]

Hi amanda

I am going to assume you are currently doing Atkins and make some comparisons to it. First if you have already been through Atkins Induction and haven't been cheating there is no need to go through phase 1 you can start right in on phase 2. Phase 1 and Induction are similar but Induction is more restrictive on the carbs.

Starting in phase 2 most fruits and whole grains are added back into your diet. Most people recommend adding back one thing at a time a seeing how it effects your weight loss and cravings.

In exchange for the added "good carbs" (fruits and whole grains), the diet want you to limit the amount of Saturated Fats you eat.

What some people have trouble dealing with at least in the beginning is that there is no counting in the diet, or at least very little. He recommends you portion control your nuts and limit you calories for Dessert.

Just like Atkins, you eat until you are satisfied but not stuffed. If you feel hungry on the plan your doing something wrong. The way he describes it, It takes less food to keep you satisfied than it does to get you satisfied. That's why he recommends the 2 snacks during the day. Initially he wants you to eat 6 times a day: Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, dessert.

As far as web sites with good information:

Prevention magazine online has several good articles at http://www.prevention.com/category/0,5775,s1-4-86-0-0-0,00.html

Updates that may not be in you book can be found at http://www.southbeachdiet.com/updates.asp

Good luck and if you haven't already come over and say hi in the SBD thread on this board. There are a lot of people over there to give support.

 

[septbride2002]

I had to give up the low car lifestyle for awhile due to getting WAY burnt out. I followed the Protein Power Plan, which means I had to keep my carb count below 55 carbs per day.

I'm looking for something that offers variety, while still helping me to lose weight. I've never done the 2 week "induction" phase - so that is what I am mostly dreading. What can I eat for dessert?

~Amanda

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

Check this one out
South Beach Diet

 

[johde]

HI again.

During phase 1 there are three main desserts that are recommended Sugar Free Jello, Fat Free, Sugar Free Fudge Pops, and Ricotta Cream (Ricotta cheese sweetened with artificial sweetner and mixed Items like unsweetened Chocolate, Coffee, etc See Book for Recipe). Fat Free, Sugar Free pudding comes in starting in phase 2. There are others, the main thing is low calorie (under 75) and low sugar. When I was on phase 1 I mainly did the fudge pops and Jello. The fudge pops gave me a bit of a chocolate flavor and the jello gave a bit of a fruit flavor. Phase 1 wan't too bad for me. I did get "South Beach Flu" for a couple of days. Around the end of week one for a couple of days I felt a little weak and a little "off" nothing real serious. After those couple of days were over through, I felt better than I did before I started the program.

My biggest piece of advice I can give is when you get to phase 2 is to try and make it part of your everyday life. What I mean is don't think of it as a diet. What he is recommending is a permanent change in eating. For me that involved figuring out where and what fast food I can eat. And I've found things at most fast food places I can eat. Also, I am actively involved in my church and we frequently have pot luck suppers. I had to learn how to pick and choose there as well and not feel deprived.

Good luck

 

[AuntieM03]

I eat sugar free jello everyday and since starting phase 2 I have sugar free pudding most nights. Never would I have thought that I would enjoy something with the words sugar free so much.

 

[sm4987]

great advice here, don't have much to add except to note that you can have great variety after phase 1. The reintroductin of good carbs for most is a wonderful thing. Check out the book, or if you can afford it, his website. Plus the web is always great for information