South Beach Diet anyone?

[DreamDelta]

My name is Angela and I'm a cookie-holic! Whew! Now that I've gotten that off my chest, my doctor says that I'm way too fat ! I need to lose at least 50lbs and suggested the SBD. Anyone ever been on it? Pros and cons would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ZerasPride]

I'm on the South Beach diet and have been for a little over 2 years. It took me a little over a year to lose the wieght and I'd like to lose another 10 to get to my ideal goal. The food on this diet is so yummy and I'm so satisfied with the way I eat, that I plan to eat this way forever!

The "pros" for me are losing over 100 pounds, 100 inches off my body, sleeping through the night, increased energy, feeling like I have control over my sweet cravings (it's a great feeling to sail past a conference room table full of sugary donuts and such without a second glance) and most important I've gone from a size 26 jeans to a size 10! What's great too is that you don't have to count calories, fat, portions or carbs with South Beach. This really was the easiest program I have ever done and I've tried just about every diet program out there. This one really worked for me!

If I had to find a "con" to the program I would say that it is expensive! I buy lots of fresh veggies and fruits and lean cuts of meat where before I would just buy a 10 pound bag of potatoes, several pounds of groud beef (the cheaper the better), chips soda and hostess snack cakes at the outlet store and be done for the week!

There is a South Beach thread on this board that is full of helpful and supportive people. Jump right in, we would be happy to have you!

 

[DreamDelta]

OMG!! You're my hero already! I kinda figured that this diet is going to be a bit more costly, but I'm prepared to spend as much as I need to. I've never dieted before, I lost a tremendous amount of weight years ago, before I had my son, just by working out 5 days a week. I'm in graduate school now, DH works nights and with two kids, going to the gym just one day a week is almost impossible!

Thanks for the help!

 

[DreamDelta]

Do I just do a SBD search for the thread?

 

[ZerasPride]

No problem Angela. I love to help out where I can. You are too sweet to call me a hero. I tell you, I think it's just stubborness on my part at this point that keeps me going!

I meant it when I said that this program is very doable. You just have to focus. I have been through so much in the past two years, deaths, emergency room visits at the hospital (not too much SBD friendly food available), vacations (including Disney), stressful situations (home and job related), parties, etc. I actually managed to go over 500 days cheat free. Once you make up your mind that you have to do this, you won't let anything (person or circumstance) get in your way.

If I had to give you one last piece of advice (I'm very wordy as you can tell!) it would be to plan plan plan. Don't act like difficulties won't arise. It sounds like you have your hands full as it is so plan that things are going to happen that derail your "perfect" plan for the day and work around it. I did a Body for Life challenge and the author of BFL said that you have to have a plan A, B, C, D and E if necessary. Don't get caught unaware. I'm known to carry nuts, bottled water and other emergency "rations" with me on my person and in my car. My family thinks it's funny. But doing this has saved me on so many occasions.

I wish you well and if you have any questions, just ask away!!

 

[DreamDelta]

From what I have been reading, the first two weeks are the hardest, but there is a dramatic wieght loss. I'm going to try to finish the SBD book that I have been reading this week before classes start again. I'm just so exhausted carrying around this extra weight! I was just at the emergency room last weekend because I threw my back out. My body just can't take it anymore. I love that show The Biggest Loser, it really inspires me. I just want to be healthier, look better, feel better and have more energy to do things with my kids.

Thanks for "listening" and being so supportive!

 

[ZerasPride]

You are more than welcome! I know exactly what you are talking about. I could barely walk up the 17 stairs in my condo at night to go to bed. Now I work out at the gym five days per week and do extra work outs at home in the mornings. Never thought I'd be this active!

You should be able to do a search and find the SBD thread, no problem! I love the Biggest Loser show too. I especially love the theme song, "What have you done today, to make you feel proud!" It's so inspiring. Let me know if you have any other questions, it's my pleasure to pay it forward!

Oh, you are right, the first two weeks are rough. I felt like I had the flu for the first 4 days. Then bing on day 5, I got this rush of energy that I have enjoyed ever sense. Just don't give up when you start to feel yucky, it's just carb withdrawal. Stick with it and you'll get a nice reward at the end of the Phase 1 period. I lost 14 pounds during the 2 weeks of Phase 1. I was thrilled!

 

[DreamDelta]

Just read your post and almost cried ...I'm a big crybaby anyway! Carrying this weight around has actually made me feel sick.

Already you have been a big help!

 

[sm4987]

Angela, Lisa gave you some good advice. She was my inspiration also. She pushed me by her willpower. I've lost 60 and at the end of this month have kept it of for 18 months. Come and join us, we will be happy to have you.

 

[r3ngels]

Angela... I just started SBD last week... I was hard at first I didn't feel sick but I had terrible headaches. Stick with it I am down 4 lbs and love the food I have been eating...

Get sugar free Jello and sugar free fudgicles if you crave sweet.... they have been getting me through the sugar cravings.

I also planned out my meals B/L/D for the next week and went shopping so I would be stuck.

 

[DreamDelta]

Thanks Sheree'. Really happy to be here and have so much support already. Trying to get myself psyched for Phase I next week!