More South Beach Diet Questions

[DavidandDenise]

I've been reading a lot about South Beach Diet lately and I have several questions. I'm not completely sold on it and I'm just now sure it's for me, but I'm really interested in it. I already eat WW bread and pasta, but I also eat a lot of cereal and think it might be what's hindering my weight loss. I know there have been a lot of questions asked lately, so thank you in advance for your time and help.

1. I know this is a way of life and I'm basically looking for a way to cut sugar even further--is this a way of eating that could benefit someone that only wants/needs to lose 10-15lbs?

2. Is it true you lose around your mid-section first?

3. What do you drink for breakfast if you don't like coffee, tea, or tomato juice?

4. Is it true you can drink FF milk during phase 1 now?

5. What is restricted in phase 3? Could you tell me what you eat now that you're there?

6. Other than headaches in phase 1, have you had any health side effects?


Thanks!

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi!

I'll try to answer your questions with my experience with SBD so far.

1. I know this is a way of life and I'm basically looking for a way to cut sugar even further--is this a way of eating that could benefit someone that only wants/needs to lose 10-15lbs?

I certainly think this way of eating can benefit anyone, even if you don't have much to lose. What you may find is that if you are already eating a healthy diet that you will lose slower than someone like me that has/had a lot of weight to lose and was eating a very unhealthy diet. I dropped 14 pounds during the two week Phase 1 period but I was also eating a 20 piece chicken mcnugget for lunch every day.

2. Is it true you lose around your mid-section first?
Just about everyone I know who is on the program has lost weight around their midsection first. My friend at work and my husband and I, in particular, had large stomachs and I just can't believe the difference in the three of us. Just yesterday one of my coworkers that is thin said she thinks my stomach is flatter than hers. Not true of course, but my tummy is significantly flatter and of the 50 inches I have lost, I know a majority of it has been around my tummy and chest.

3. What do you drink for breakfast if you don't like coffee, tea, or tomato juice?
That's a hard one. I'm not a coffee drinker but I did drink hot or cold tea for breakfast during Phase 1. I'm not the biggest tomato juice fan. Most mornings I have milk with breakfast either in my cereal or if I have bacon, eggs and toast, I'll have half a glass of milk.

4. Is it true you can drink FF milk during phase 1 now?
Yep, this is true. You can have either fat free or 1%. Which is very nice because when I did Phase 1 back in December we weren't allowed it at all in Phase 1.

5. What is restricted in phase 3? Could you tell me what you eat now that you're there?
I haven't given much thought or done much research on Phase 3 because I know I'll be on Phase 2 for at least another 6-9 months. Maybe someone in maintenance can help you. I love Phase 2 so much I could pretty much eat this way for life.

6. Other than headaches in phase 1, have you had any health side effects?
I have had no adverse health effects from this program. Besides the headaches you mentioned at the beginning of Phase 1 (only last 1 day for me, thank goodness) I have had only good results. I've lost 65 pounds in a little over six months, I've lost about 50 inches and gone from a shoe size 9 to a 7-1/2. I used to have really bad insomnia and when I did fall asleep I'd have nightmares so bad, DH said I was whimpering in my sleep. Since Day 1 with SBD, I haven't had a problem with either. I also had bad acid reflux, it was gone with Day 1 as well. I have more energy (which I need for my FIRM work outs) and just about everyone says how pleasant I am now (makes me wonder just how grumpy I was before). I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this program except our food bills. This is not an inexpensive program for my family but the food is so good, we really don't mind.

I hope I was able to help you out and I'm sure other SBDers will share their experiences with you.

 

[sueg]

I can speak to Phase 3 because I've been there for at least 6 months. I lost 65 lbs. overall, but only the last 15 lbs. were on SB. I treat Phase 3 as "my life". I still follow alot of the dietary changes I adopted in Phase 2 because they truly have become my WOE (Way of Eating). But in Phase 3, I allow myself to "situationally" have foods that are off-program. When I encounter a wonderful dessert or a special dish that I really want to eat, I do. I have it in moderate amounts, along with my other healthy choices. I've maintained my current weight throughout Phase 3, and have even dropped a lb. or two.
The only real pressure that I encounter in Phase 3, is when I am time-pressed. When my shedule is crazy, it is harder to stay w/in my WOE. What is quicker than pizza, sandwiches or pasta? In a pinch, I've had pizza, but I don't eat the end crust.
The other constant in my life is exercise. I know ZerasPride from the FIRM thread. I know that the SB book says there is no need for exercise, but this is the one statement of Dr. A's that I seriously disagree with. I think SB maintains that position because it wants everyone to try SB, whether or not they are willing to try "some" exercise.
Even after losing 65 lbs., I am not thin, but thanks to SB & the FIRM, at the age of 50, I am in the best shape of my life.

 

[ZerasPride]

sueg - what a wonderful post! I knew you were on Phase 3 but forgot for some reason. I am kind of worried how I'll handle things when I get there and if I'll be able to maintain but you have showed me the key, exercise! As long as I keep FIRMing and make sensible choices with SBD in mind, I think I'll be okay. Get ready for lots of questions from me when I get to where you are!

 

[DavidandDenise]

Lisa & Sueg~ Thank you two for the great responses! I really appreciate them. Like I said I'm not sure, but I think I might give it a try before I go back to school (after our 3 week trip to WDW and NY). I would like to be into phase 2 before school starts so I know I'm through phase 1. I think if summer was a lot longer, I would be okay, but I'm excited about how much this could help me throught the school year. Maybe I can just lose during the year, rather than gain and lose the same 5lbs over and over again! I guess I'll decide for sure when we get back and make that first grocery trip.

DH wants to know if you really ate eggs and ham or bacon every day for breakfast during phase 1. Also, what do you eat for breakfast in phase 2? Could I drink Crystal Light or sugar free koolaid w/ breakfast?

Thanks again!

 

[ZerasPride]

DH and I ate the quiche cups (recipe in the SBD book) for breakfast most mornings or an omelette. We ended up doing the quiche cups mostlly (adding bacon to them) because they were so easy to make and a batch would last us for a few days.

I pretty much eat the same thing for breakfast in Phase 2 which is 1/2 bowl of whole wheat cereal with 1% milk and some breakfast meat (either 3 slices of bacon or 2 small sausage patties). If I'm really hungry I'll add a couple of scrambled eggs with a slice of low fat cheese. For special treats I have found some pancake mix made with buckwheat flour which are pretty good or I'll make mock french toast. If you look at my journal I've got the recipe (I think) or I can post it for you if you like. Just let me know.

I don't see why you couldn't have Crystal light or sugar free koolaid. As long as you don't have the processed sugar you should be good with whatever "diet" drink you like! I hope you do join us!