South Beach Dieters......... Unite

[thotfulspot]

Hello, everyone! I'm officially back from vacation, have just caught up on the thread, and am only a bit jetlaggy still.

First off, welcome to all new Beachers! It's great to see the group getting bigger (even as we all get smaller -- it makes room for even more!).

I was a bit apprehensive about our trip, as I have had a habit in the past of gobbling down junk nonstop on vacation. I decided beforehand that I would eat one off-program thing each week, and decide with every temptation if it was worth making it the week's item. Well, I ate the world's best pizza one night in the first week, and couldn't even figure out if was really cheating. No meat toppings, thin crust, and I didn't eat the crusts -- but I'm thinking fivish big slices makes it count as a treat. Mmmm -- worth it.

Otherwise, I felt indulgent by stashing sugar-free Popsicles and Fudgsicles in the freezer, and was a happy girl indeed to discover Ben & Jerry's Carb Karma chocolate ice cream. I couldn't believe that stuff was sugar-free, although I'm guessing it still doesn't count as a health food.

I ate sandwiches on whole-wheat pita bread, high-fiber cereal for breakfast, and enjoyed every bite. I actually couldn't bring myself to really cheat -- I knew I wouldn't really enjoy it enough to make it worth paying the price of getting a stomachache and feeling bloated.

My husband celebrated his birthday while we were in Florida, and didn't want a cake, so I stuck candles into Krispy Kreme donuts. I cut them into bites to share with everyone, and had one bite myself. First taste -- mmm. Last taste -- ehh, whatever. Yes, I ate a tiny bit of a Krispy Kreme and didn't stick my head in the box to inhale the crumbs!! Woo-hoo!!

We made it to the Magic Kingdom one day, and I stayed completely on program -- faboo salad at the Columbia Harbor House for lunch, and salads, meats, and vegetables at the Crystal Palace dinner buffet. On an unrelated note, Captain Hook totally checked me out at the Spectromagic parade that night -- hand to chest when he saw me, followed by a deep courtly bow. Oh yeah!

I did try out a couple of different bars, so as to have something on hand for emergencies, like the flight back. Weird, wrong texture. I know we should only be eating actual food and not processed stuff, but given that the meal on the flight over was a choice between High Carb and Extremely High Carb, I wanted to be prepared (I didn't eat either, so you know).

Nice things about food on the trip: cheese sticks, lots of nut options, low-fat and sugar-free yogurt, whole wheat pita, and restaurants that are offering more carb-conscious options. Nice things about being back: better cheese (even if the selection of low-fat cheese is lower), and being in a low-carb-product-free zone -- I don't have a choice here, I *have* to eat real food! Bottom line: I lost three pounds on vacation! Don't even ask me how -- my clothes felt tighter to me by the end, but the scale and my measuring tape don't lie! (You know what, I'm wondering if the dryer didn't shrink my clothes a little ... )

Long post! One final note -- we were in Orlando right at the end of our trip, since that's where we flew into and out of, and we stayed in the Dolphin as Hurricane Charley roared overhead. Very exciting, very happy to have been so safely situated, and I now never need to experience a hurricane again. However, I give the Dolphin top marks as a hurricane shelter.

Oh, (final final note) I bought the South Beach Cookbook while in Florida, and the recipes look amazing! I've tried out the Grilled Raspberry Chicken, and I'm looking forward to trying out other recipes in the time to come!

 

[thotfulspot]

Oh, one afterthought -- for those of us who are chocolate lovers and get a hankering for it that can't be denied, one of my greatest pleasures is a square of really good very dark chocolate. I never cared for dark chocolate before, but it's very intense and a little goes a long way. My favorite is Lindt 85% Cacao, and I can have a bar last three weeks. Best thing -- one square, and I don't crave any more.

Just a tip!

 

[leanne2255]

Wanted to check in and express my frustration. I seem to have reached a plateau on SB. No weight loss for the past 3 weeks. No gain, either. Not sure what the problem is. I have toyed with the idea of going back to Phase I, but the thought of eggs every morning, and no fruit, keeps me sticking to Phase II.

Has this happened to anyone else? I SO want to claim my 25lb clippie, but no luck so far.

 

[ZerasPride]

Hello to all my South Beach buddies!

I'm sorry it's been a while since I've posted on our thread.

I've had a weird past two weeks and my weight has been bouncing around like crazy. At one point I was up as much as 4 pounds and I wasn't really doing anything different - same exercise and the same food as always. I upped my water, took away my desserts and my weight was still up. Things are finally moving along again but it was a frustrating two weeks. I'm now down 1.5 pounds and have lost 76.5 pounds. I'm just 6 pounds from hitting onderland and I'm so excited about it.

Today was also the second time I've worn my size 12 slacks to work. I bought them last week and wore them and was thinking today that it might be a fluke and that they might not fit but they fit fine. A little snug but thank goodness for stretch material! What makes a size 12 slacks so amazing to me is that 1) I was wearing size 26 slacks just 8 months ago and 2) I'm still a few pounds from onederland. Anyway, I just love South Beach!!!!

I had decided to go back to Phase 1 for a bit but it feels too much like a diet to me. I only lasted one day. While I am doing Phase 2, it just feels like a natural way to eat. That may sound strange but I was getting that nervous jittery and worried feeling I used to get when I would go on a diet. I haven't felt it one time since Phase 2 and I don't ever want to feel that way again so it's back to Phase 2 and steady (but slow) weight loss. 1 to 2 pounds per week is just fine with me.

thotfulspot - thanks for the report on your vacation. You did a wonderful job staying OP. I'm very proud of your willpower because it's not easy, especially on vacation. Thanks for the reminder about the dark chocolate. I am re-reading the SBD book and came across that point and couldn't believe I had forgotten about it. I love Dove chocolate bars and every once in a while I do like a little indulgence so I'll have to remember the dark chocolate.

leanne2255 - I know how frustrating not losing can be. Especially when you are doing everything the same as always. My friend at work goes for 2 or 3 weeks and doesn't lose anything and then she gets a nice little whoosh. I'm trying to convince her to measure so when it happens she'll have something to hold on to but she is resistant for some reason. She has done a fine job and lost 52 pounds since January 5 on South Beach. She looks fabulous! I'll tell you what I tell her, hang in there, hold on, it will happen. Measure, watch your portions, drink your water and don't forget the exercise. Do these things and you will be claiming your 25 pound clippie. It may not be exactly when you want it to happen but our bodies have their own minds and don't want to cooperate with us for some reason sometimes. I can't face Phase 1 again either. I thought I could but I only lasted 1 day and it was a disaster. I decided that even though I want to get to my goal as soon as possible, I'm not in competition with anyone. I'll stick to Phase 2 and get to goal when my body is ready. Take care!!!

 

[sm4987]

Hello all. I think that we all are going through the same frustrations. I went back to phase one because I stopped moving for 3 weeks. I don't know what's going on. I exercise like a fend. I upped it because the scale doesn't want to move.

So anyway, I think we all just need to hang in there. There has been to much progress for us so far to stop now. I don't mind phase 1 because it's temporary. Just remember ladies that it's temporary. We just need the nudge in the right direction.


Hang in there leanne and Lisa. We can do this.

 

[thotfulspot]

Whoa! Reality check time, blue people!

No question at all, when the scale (and the measuring tape) get comfortable and refuse to budge, it's frustrating, particularly when you're doing everything that led to losing weight before. And when your expectations have been raised by success, hitting a stall makes you feel less in control.

But may I direct your attention to some mighty impressive numbers blazing out proudly beneath those morose words? Look at yourselves!! Don't compare yourself to last week or the week before that -- think back to the you that began this amazing journey. How different do you look? How different do you feel? How much healthier are you on the inside? THAT is the measure of your real success, not what has or hasn't happened in the past 48 hours.

We've all been there, and we all know the steps to take -- drink up the water, tweak the exercise, double-check what and how much you've been eating -- and it's good advice, but there's something else to keep front and center in your minds:

YOU ARE AWE-INSPIRING.

The Beginning You would be staring at the Now You with dropped jaw and hopeful tears.

Plateau, schmateau. You rock, Beachers!

 

[dizneyfam]

OK South Beachers, what about corn-on-the-cob on phase 2. I know the corn part is bad but it has alot of fiber which should be good. Does anyone know?

 

[thotfulspot]

As it happens, dizneyfam, I have my handy-dandy South Beach Good Fats/Good Carbs Guide right beside me, and it states that 1/2 cup of sweet corn can be eaten in very limited amounts.

If you really want corn, I would look at it as a treat rather than as a vegetable, and not indulge very often or in combination with other starchy/higher carb foods.

Or just skip right over it and go straight to the fennel. Mmmm, fennel.

 

[sm4987]

Thotfulspot, you are quick. I had my handy guide by me also. I love that little book because it comes in handy in a pinch.

 

[thotfulspot]

Me too! What I especially like is that it's nuanced -- not just dividing foods into 'avoid' or 'good', but recommending 'limited' and 'very limited' in some cases, which makes it much easier to see where a particular food fits into the big picture.

 

[dizneyfam]

Thanks for the news, although its not what I wanted to hear. I bet Buttercrunch ice cream is on the dreaded "avoid" list. I'm going to pick up the book and get back on track.

 

[crz4mm2]

End of week two.
I started SBD two weeks ago today. It was very tough the first week. oh the sugar and carb cravings.... Well, those cravings have gone. I find this diet really very easy.
I measured myself this am. Down 1 1/2 inches bust. 2 inches waist and one in hips!!! I am very excited. I haven't weighed myself as have no scale here at home (probably a good thing).
Best news is am up to 1 mile on treadmill. Feel better than I have in long time.
Have a great weekend everyone!!

Cathy

 

[ZerasPride]

Good afternoon South Beachers!

thotfulspot - First let me thank you for those inspiring words. You are so right that if the Me that I was 8 months ago could have seen the Me I am today I would have just been awestruck with disbelief. I even carry around a pic of myself at my heaviest, right when I started SBD and whenever I start to think down or negative, I pick up that picture and it gives me a lot of perspective. Thank you for putting it so eloquently! You and Sheree have also convinced me to purchase the little SBD handbook. I didn't think I needed it but it sounds like it comes in handy when you have a question about food. Thanks!

Sheree - you have done so well and I know how frustrated you must be feeling. What a great job you are doing to go back to Phase 1. As I said in a previous post, I only lasted 1 day back on Phase 1. I do love Phase 2 and know if I continue to drink my water, work out daily and watch my portion sizes, the weight has to come off. Maybe, sometimes, our bodies just need a little time to adjust before moving to the next level. Hang in there kiddo!

Cathy - congratulations on your progress! I have found that losing the inches mean just as much as if not more than losing the pounds. Great job too with the exercise. Welcome to Phase 2 and continued success!

Have a great weekend Beachers!

 

[leanne2255]

The 25lb clippie, that is!!! Whew- it has been a battle. Thanks for all of the encouraging words. I checked back on the posts to see when I got my 20 lb clippie, and it was 7/18. So, it's been a little over a month for the next 5 lbs.

I know I should not get frustrated. 5lbs a month is GREAT!

Lisa- I saw your post about going back to Phase I- I think you have a point about it feeling like a diet again. Phase II is definitely livable, so I'll just keep on. Only 15 more lbs to my goal of 40 lbs. I hope I hit that before year-end, and at the very latest, my 50th Birthday in February. I'm going to Las Vegas then, and I plan on buying a STUNNING outfit to wear, to show off my fabulous 50 year old body. (anyone see that Bowflex commercial with the 50 year old woman? OK- that won't be me. Even when I was 25, I did not look like that)

I enjoy reading about everyone else's journey. It helps to keep me on mine.

Have a great week-end everyone! I'll be in Chicago with my DH (no kids) celebrating his 50th B-day (he's lost 45 lbs). We plan on visiting some museums, and have tickets to see Tony Bennett in concert on Saturday night. (I guess we are old)

 

[sm4987]

leanne2255-WTG girl

 

[sm4987]

Hello everyone. Still not seeing a lot of us checking in, so I hope everything is going o.k. with you all.

Phase I worked out for me great. I dropped those stubborn pounds and grabbed my 45 pound clippie. I'm 8 away from the goal I started in January. This way of eating is terrific!!!!!!!!!!

 

[thotfulspot]

Grand! Good to see everyone's spirits up again!

Cathy, nice going!! It's so motivating to see the inches melt away, isn't it? Keep up the good work!!

Leanne and Sheree, congratulations on the new clippies!! Way to go!!

As for me, I'm 18 pounds from goal and one pound away from my own next clippie. I've pretty much gotten to this point -- 32 pounds! -- without exercise, and I would be a very happy camper indeed if I could be at goal by the end of the year. What I'm thinking is, if I can just fit in 20 minutes of brisk walking or swimming or whatever every day, my body will be so shocked at the change that I may just get there. I'm starting today -- we'll see how it goes!

And as a sign of how my tastes have changed, this weekend was my daughter's birthday party and there was a fair in town. Not only did I have exactly no cake, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream, crepes, etc., I was honestly not even tempted. Once or twice I breathed in deeply, thought 'Mmm, that smells good,' and kept right on going without regret. What a difference from last year!

Happy Monday, Beachers!

 

[sm4987]

thotfulspot, isn't it wonderful!! People think I'm crazy when I talk about how I don't miss those things. It is strage for me too. I sniff things when I cook for my children,but in no shape form or fashion am I tempted to eat any of it. I love being like this because I feel so in control. You too will be at goal in no time. Getting in a little exercise will probably help you get to goal faster.
Keep up the good work

 

[LovesDoomBuggies]

I am starting my first full day of South Beach today, after a long hiatus... I was on it in December and some of January and lost maybe 7 pounds and got frustrated because everyone else I knew that was on it had lost 15 or more in their first two weeks! I only want to lose 20 or so and thought I could knock it out in the first three-four weeks and be done with it... well, that was a bad attitude!

I fell off the wagon and then a series of events made me gain weight... my grandma's funeral provided lots of homebaked goodies from friends, then I graduated college and there were lots of parties, then I was in a couple of weddings, which was reason for more drinking and cake-eating... long story short, I am about 8 pounds heavier than I was BEFORE I started the diet in December!

So, I am back on today and can't wait to see that first weight loss again. I made the tofu cacciatore last night... eh. The picture looked so good, but the result was only okay.

I look forward to losing weight with all of you and plan on posting pretty much daily... I find it helps to keep me on track.

I have plenty of motivation...I am at the age where all of my friends are getting married, and my five-year reunion is next summer! And, of course, I want to look good for our Disney trip in January. I have to look my best for Mickey

Thanks for "listening,"

Stacy

 

[sm4987]

Hello Stacy. Welcome. We hope to help support you on your journey. This time you willbe able to stick to it and meet your goal. That's my positive thinking here. Try not to look at everyone else's weight loss. I only lost 9 in the first two weeks. I was frustrated too, but I kept at it and now I am 45 pounds lighter. Keep on coming back, it helps, believe me I know :thewave: