Some SBD questions... please help!

[pjlla]

After maintaining a 40 lb weight loss for about a year (give or take about 5 lbs) I have decided it is time to kick it into gear and lose the other 40. I lost the first 40 on WW, but have spent the last year kind of gliding and back pedaling, so I decided to needed to try something new. I decided to give SBD a try. I lost 5 lbs last week and was pleased with that, but not enjoying the diet AT ALL! I had several pounding headaches the first week when I wasn't able to get to food in a timely manner. And I'm sorry but, now 10 or so days into it and I would still give my right arm for a Girl Scout cookie!!

Anyhow, this week seems to be a little better and I am trying not to let myself get hungry like that. But I have read and re-read the SBD book at least three times and am not finding the answers to my questions. I have tried the website and it seem like I have to sign up and pay $$ to get answers to my questions. So I thought you all here could help.

Can I be eating TOO MANY good carbs, such as green peppers, lettuce, eggplant, cauliflower? I just had dinner and feel very full from my oven roasted veggies, mashed cauliflower, and london broil. On WW this full feeling usually means I over-ate. It has been really hard to transition from a LONG TIME WW mentality to this business of eating even when I am not hungry, etc.

Are there any common beginners mistakes? Hidden carbs in something I should be avoiding? I have been using the Paul Newman's Light Balsamic Vinegrette dressing instead of making my own. There is some sugar in the ingredients list, but the carbs per serving was only 2, so I thought it would be okay.

I have been using fat-free half and half in my coffee (usually only once a day, not even every day). I've been using a little real butter, but mostly Smart Balance spread. Are both of those items okay in small quantities?

Can I drink V-8 in the afternoon? I know there is some concern about WHEN carbs are eaten. But I don't really want the V-8 in the morning.... I would prefer it mid-afternoon. Is that okay?

Lastly, is there another book about the SBD (other than the original and the cookbook) that I could get? I just feel like the original book doesn't answer my questions. In fact, it actually causes questions. For example.... he states on one page that you shouldn't use low-fat mayonnaise.... but most of his recipes that use mayo call for Low FAT!! Also, carrots are on the list of foods to avoid for both phase I and II.... but there is a phase II recipe that includes carrots. I suppose he just means extreme moderation for things like that. I just found good portion of the book somewhat contradictory to other portions of the book. And somethings just don't seem clear.

Any help would be appreciated!.........Thanks in advance.........Pamela

 

[johde]

Hi Pam.
I think everyone here that is doing SBD has had what we call South Beach Flu for at least a couple of days in phase 1. It is actually your bodies reaction (withdrawl) from the missing carbs. It should go away in a few days.
You mentioned feeling "very full" after a big dinner. The way I understand it. He uses the term "satisfied" as being OK. If you've moved on to feeling "stuffed" you've gone to far. You will need to decide where your "very full" fits in that range.
Part of the SBD philosophy is getting to know your own body. I would try your V-8 Juice in the afternoon and see what it does to you. If you feel craving a couple of hours later you know that's not the right time of day.
About the carrots. There have been several changes to the SBD as further testing has been done on different foods. http://www.southbeachdiet.com/public/diet-updates/diet-updates.asp in the free section of the SBD website lists those changes. There are a couple of big ones for some people. Carrots are now on the foods to enjoy list starting in phase 2. 2 to 3 cups of skim or 1% milk are allowed starting in phase 1. Finally, a medium banana is allowed starting in phase 2. There are other changes but most of them are fairly mild.
With the low fat and fat free items. You need to watch and make sure they don't replace the fat with added sugar. My general rule of thumb is I don't do the fat free items (don't like the taste of most of them). I will try the low fat if it adds only 1 maybe 2 carbs per serving.
Good luck as you continue.

 

[sm4987]

Jeremy gave you good advice. I don't do fat free, because that usually means extra sugar. Check the lable. The wanting carbs will pass. Keep a good eye out for what you are eating during phase 1. I don't think you can ever overdo it on veggies, just watch what kind you eat. It will pass and before you know it the weight will start coming off!!! I've lost 60 pounds on it since last Jan. and I've been maintaing since last Oct!!!! Come join our thread, we'd love to have you.

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi Pam,

As Sheree already said, we would love to have you join us on the South Beach thread. Lots of friendly and encouraging people on it. I found that I had to get used to eating more frequently so I don't get hungry. The three meals per day, 2 snacks and dessert are very important. With the salad dressing, I believe as long as it has 3 grams of sugar or less per serving, it's okay. What I love most about this plan is that you don't have to count carbs, calories or fat. It's just great!