The Zone or South Beach?

[McKelly]

I just got off the telephone with my physician and I was diagnosed with PCOS. She told me to lose weight or I might be at risk for diabetes because of my hormone/insulin levels, la la la la and a bunch of other stuff I didn't understand. I know I have to lose weight and was considering joining WW but she suggested The Zone or South Beach. She said the The Zone would be the best but after reading reviews of it on the internet, it seems really confusing. Has anybody tried this and was it as difficult as it sounds, with blocks and such. What about South Beach? Is that simpler to follow? I guess I should try The Zone since that is the one she suggested, however, with two small kids, I don't want it to be rocket science and end up giving up because it just seems like one more thing I have to get done in a day!! Do you know what I mean? Anyway, has anyone had success with the Zone? What are your opinions/thoughts on this diet. Thanks for the help!

 

[Christine]

Way back when I tried the zone. It was very difficult to me. Food was done in "blocks" and some foods were worth 2 blocks or 1/2 a block. I guess it's like the Weight Watchers point system but more confusing.

I think South Beach is pretty easy and straightforward and user friendly. I think both diets will give you good results.

 

[tw1nsmom]

I think South Beach is very family friendly. They're really just well balanced meals that focus on veggies, lean protein, and whole grains. I've lost 40 so far, but I would lose more if I was following the plan more closely. On the plus side, I've been eating mostly what I want with a core of South Beach, and I haven't gained any weight back. I don't know enough about the Zone to really comment on it.

 

[Rhonda]

I think that in the long run, The Zone and South Beach are not really that different. South Beach makes it much easier, but basically you are eating the same things as you would on The Zone diet.

 

[KerriMc]

Hello

I haven't tried the Zone, but have heard it is complicated. I am currently on the South Beach Diet. It is pretty easy ... not counting points like WW, which I would always start out great on and then kind of go down hill. I HATED counting points, but it definitely works if you follow what they say to do

I am liking South Beach. The first two weeks were the hardest as I think if I looked at another egg I could just chuck up at times !!! Other than that I didnt' find it too bad. You just have to get creative and really watch what you are eating. We are now having a lot of chili and more beans and veggies. We have really cut back on the bread around here and I think that makes a huge difference for us. I had my first piece of toast two nights ago with my omelet and it was heavenly!!! I never knew bread could taste so good!!! Anyways ... I've stopped sugar in my tea and I NEVER even thought I could do that!! I'm proud of myself for that one! I am also really trying hard to drink more water, which is hard sometimes, but I've tried adding some Crystal Lite to it and that helps a bit.

Anyways ... PM if you'd like. I too have PCOS!! I also have two children, an almost 4 yr old dd and an 18mos old dd. They are a big part of my motivation! I don't want them to struggle with weight all their lives. By changing my eating habits now, I am setting them up to have a good example and to develop those habits at a young age!

By the way ... we've been on it for two weeks this past Monday (dh for three). At last count he had lost 14 lb and I had lost 6 lb. I know my metabolism is slow, but I am starting to feel so much better. I know I need to start walking more and that will help a lot. (I like to hibernate in winter!!)

Anyways ... better go ... good luck whatever you decide to do!! I have found many great support groups online and great sites for recipes! I can share them if you'd like

Bye for now
Kerri

 

[johde]

Hi
I just wanted to wish you Good Luck. I have been on SBD. I think it is very easy to follow. In my mind, it focuses on getting to know your body and what triggers unhealthy eating. What I like is that there is very little counting. You eat until your full (not stuffed) and don't ever feel hungry (if your hungry your doing it wrong). As I've been losing weight I am seeing my portion sizes naturally decreasing. I just get full quicker. The same goes when I splurge. I still enjoy Chocolate but, 1 small piece of fudge is pleanty. 6 or 8 M&M's and I'm satisfied. I don't need the whole bag or half a pan. Once again, Good luck what ever plan you decide on. The biggest thing is which plan do you think you can live on for life.

 

[McKelly]

Thanks everybody for your help and opinions. I just ordered the South Beach Diet book to take a closer look. My only other question is, it seems like fish is a big part of the South Beach diet and I don't really care for seafood. Are you able to eat chicken and beef and not eat seafood at all? Does that make sense? Thanks again.

 

[swilphil]

I also tried the Zone and it was too complicated for me, plus I'm a picky eater. I do think the Zone is probably a better all around diet because it doesn't eliminate as many foods as South Beach and some others. But if it's too hard to follow, then it's not going to do any good. I would do South Beach and see if there are some modifications you can make to help with your situation.