WELCOME! South Beach Diet Thread -- Good Carbs, Good Fats

  WELCOME BEACHERS  
      We are glad your here!
    Lose weight - Get healthy

  CLICK BELOW LINKS FOR HELPFUL SB INFO
      THURSDAY is Voluntary Weigh-ins 
          Original 2007 SB Thread LINK

Cardiologist Dr. Agaston's diet for healthier hearts resulted in weightloss. 
Healthy carbs ~ Healthy fats ~ Lean meats ~ Low-fat dairy. 
Your body deserves it! 
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PHASE 1 --  2 Week Intro
(Bootcamp - hang in there! Just 2weeks :D)  
   LINK 1  Foods To Enjoy
   LINK 2  Foods To Avoid
   LINK 3  Model Menu
   LINK 4  Tips

PHASE 2 --  Weightloss    
   LINK 5  Foods To Reintroduce
   LINK 6  Foods To Eat Rarely
   LINK 7  Model Menu
   LINK 8  How To Reintroduce Carbs

PHASE 3 --  Maintance   
   LINK 9  A Lifestyle Change 

HEALTHY VS UNHEALTHY 
   LINK 10 FATS
  LINK 11 CARBS
  LINK 12  FIBER

DINING OUT & ONLINE RECIPE COLLECTIONS
  LINK 56  DINING OUT & RECIPES

Much of this data obtained from the southbeachdietbulletinboard .

Glad you found us, candi!  Think that was smart to get in the groove day before starting and hope its going well. The first few days can be the toughest and of course, after the first 2 weeks the plan eases up with the introduction of carbs.

Most definitely felt withdrawl during the first few days of the diet. Carbs were the primary portion of my diet plus Im insulin resistant so I was used to that physical "high"after eating them.  So starting out, I'd know I was full - my stomach wasnt hungry but I was missing that emotional kick.  For me, this passed after several days (or I got used to it) and discovered I no longer had that strong need to take in more carbs/sugars to pick up my blood sugar because it had never spiked & dropped in the first place. This was a joy to be off that roller coaster that was based on carb/ sugar instead of actual hunger.

Phase 1 loss depends on a few factors.  Start weight being one. Another your average calorie intake before starting (stronger loss if it was high, not as high if you low like on a different diet).  Im an extreme case because I started not dieting and at 465 lbs so my intro losses were extreme - after 2 weeks, I'd lost 22 lbs, after 3rd & 4th lost 13 lbs but afterwards, settled into around 1% of my weight weekly (then around 4 lbs). 

I dont think there is any harm with extending it a 3rd week, particularly if you dont have only a little to lose and remember, you get to decide at what pace you introduce carbs. You might decide week 3 to start phase2 but spread out the period of increasing your carb intake or just extend phase2 a 3rd week.  Definitely something to decide based on how the first 2 weeks go plus you can switch you decision.

BTW Ive done SB since June 2007 and have posted on this thread plus the prior one (we switched up threads Jan 2008) and the SBers posting here have been extremely helpful in my success as has the diet plan itself.  With my next lb or two loss, I'll have lost 240 lbs on SB.  Im not bragging - just pointing out that SB has great potential as a diet and hopefully its one you can work with but dont decide that based on phase1 since its not the actual diet but a tougher intro phase.  GOOD LUCK - lets us know how it goes.  

Another lb - good going, brianna! Ice, guess that bug wasnt ready to leave. Sorry to hear its hitting you worse and can imagine its too much to go workout. Take care of Ice, the exercise isnt going anywhere and when youre up to it, know you'll be back at it. 

Right now, I have to do this colon cancer test. Non invasive but I have to make these sample 'smears' on slides from - well, my toilet is the nicest way to put it LOL.  Problem is diet.  They want you to avoid all meat - fish, poultry, beef because it doesnt want any blood to detect it coming from the colon instead of food.  I realize I could switch off SB but my blood sugar cant deal with carby diet or I get much hungrier.  I need to do it three times and since there are several days between when I go, this will take 9-12 days.  Thinking vegetarian SB plan for protein - eggs, beans, nuts which Ive been doing but UGH, wondering if a colonoscopy wouldve been easier. 

After that paragraph, seems weird to close with this but - Good eating everyone !

Welcome Candi! SB is a great way to make a lifestyle change and not just diet... this is my second go around. Lost about 25lbs the first time, then went thru a stressful period where I gained it all back. This time around, I'm down 20lbs and looking to lose another 10 or so.

Sun, you are too funny:) At least the test is non-invasive!

Still at 134.5 as of this morning. The bug seems like it's finally going away. Hopefully it does so I can finish the semester on a positive note:)

Inlove, are u out there? Would be nice to hear from you! 

Thank you both for the input.I am 172.8 as of this morning,was 174.6 on Wednesday I know it is water but that is fine I was 172.0 on Saturday but went up in a couple days,I knew I was eating way too many carbs since I retained that much water.I did low carb for two days now and introduced SB yesterday,I am glad to be doing good I am really hoping to eliminate bad carbs out of my diet completely and see SB as a way to do so.I am enjoying the recipes and feel I can eat this way for the rest of my life.I am surprised that I am not having severe withdrawl symptoms at all.A little headache but not terrible.

sun123 I had a colonoscopy in Janurary.I had diarrhea for 4 months and every Dr. I went to kept treating the diarrhea until I started bleeding then they admitted me and did a colonoscopy.It turned out to be colitis so hopefully you will have something like that.I did similar tests as you're doing now but it was just once.I hope everything checks out fine for you.I know how scary it could be hearing the word Cancer.when I was in the Hospital the gastrointerologist looked at me real concerned and said but you are so young while shaking his head! That freaked me out and made me feel like I was dying!

Thank you both for sharing your experience on SB. 240 lbs is a lot of weight and it is totally o.k. to brag I would be!20 lbs is awesome as well.I am wondering if within the first two weeks since the weight that is lost is mostly water did the loss make a difference in your appearance or in the way you felt.I know mentally it was probably a wonderful feeling but physically how did it effect you? I was also wondering if I should count calories as well,I tend to overeat not because I'm hungry but just because I don't pay close enough attention to how much I'm eating.I could not lose weight even after I changed everything I ate until I counted calories I dropped about 26 lbs counting calories.so do any of you count calories?

Those dropped lbs are staying away I see, Ice.  I can imagine how difficult it is to lose the last few lbs but your determination is an asset.  Wishing you luck as you zero into your goal. Im with you too - no mas voluntary lurking

My mealplan is very repetitive so I easily know my calorie intake.  While the SB plan's structure does the calorie counting for you, I think you'd be smart to count since your consious of non- hunger eating.  

candi, in addition to the cookbook, click in "LINK 56" in this thread's OP for SB recipe sites.I dont 'recipe' - lazy cook here but have the cookbook. Sarah recommended Strawberry Buttermilk Ice, a phase2 dessert and that was worth the effort. My anti-diet daughter fell in love with it too. Also thanks for sharing your own dr experience. My brothers had pre-cancerous polyps (I understand they arent that uncommon) removed in his 40s and since Im 46, simply going to be preventative.

Im horribly unobservant but even though water gain is easier to lose than fat, just TOM water bloat that tightens clothes indiciates its a outer physical change.  Congrats on the 26 lbs too and if your interested, we do a voluntary Thursday weighin. I know its always helped me with something to work towards and my own accountability.

Starting to get ready for tonights company party. Sleeveless dress - ooh, I hope the restaurant is warm!  My first ride in a limo (stretch too) as we will go around seeing holiday lights. 

With this no meats eating while I prepeare for the tests, Im realizing how much hungrier I am. Still getting in eggs and beans for protein and no bulking up on carbs to keep my blood sugar intact but Im normally cool with hunger.  It will be interesting at the restaurant going vegetarian.  Free meal, fancy restaurant - my dr timed this poorly LOL.  Actually I should, couldve waited until after tonight. Hmm- if they have a lite meal that sounds delish but has some fish, poultry or meat might just restart since Ive not "gone" since the appt to start my first test and Ive 3 to do total.

Got to go get pretty and need a bunch of time LOL!!  I like taking my time though on special occasions to prepare so catch you guys later. 

Sun, hope you have lots of fun at your compnay party.

Candi, I count calories in addition to doing SB. I'm not really religious about counting, but I do log all my meals just to make sure I'm getting enough protein and not consuming too much sodium. It has been really helpful, because it keeps me from consuming below my required calorie limit. I used to eat a lot of lettuce and veggies which are not very calorie dense, and ended consuming below the required 1200. Nowadays, it helps me not to overdo it with the whole wheat bread:)

Thank you guys for all the help! I actually went through the book and counted up the calorie count for the meal suggestions and it came out to be about 1500 calories.I was so excited since I shoot for that much either way.I am pleased with how this is going so far I know the loss is water but hey I don't need all that extra water anyway.I'm also really enjoying the recipes from the book and I saw the ones from a link here they sound awesome.I am sooo surprised that I am doing so well.I have craved sweets a couple times but I just pray for strength and the desire fades! I am excited!!!!!

Welcome Candi!

Sun - I hope you had fun at  your party!

I am good, this is my last week of school and I am off till January!

Hope your all having a good weekend!

I thought the party would be fun but it was more so.  Started out more formally at fancy restaurant.  Four entrees to pick from and I had beef tenderloin and also decided to have a dessert because they had creme brulee - a fav and I already dont eat out barely plus not places which serve it. No regrets - it was amazing. 

Funny how it when from froo-froo to crazy limo party.  Lots of fun and had a ball. Afterwards another three hours at back at the restaurant nightclub - not my thing but with that group, it worked.

Velvet - thinking youre up for the time off! Know your not heading home so will you be kicking back or do you have plans?  Candy, happy that SBs working for you! Youve every reason to sound optimistic.  Love how the calories fell in for you.  Dont forget the SB desserts either plus SF treats like puddings and fudgesicles :D. 

Thats great discipline, Ice. I used to log my foods but as the weight continued dropping I just droped off and like I said the foods are repetitive so its easy to do the general math in my head.  Nutition wise, I just try to watch the sodium and am always going after the protein but see that youve a more accurate accounting of yours.

Im not expecting last night to hurt me Thursdday. Figuring one night and more active than normal.  The scale will tell.

Sun - Sounds like your party was alot of fun and that is always nice when you have a good group, makes work functions alot more fun.

Yes I am ready for the break and I will make a nice healhty dinner for Christmas for me and the boyfriend and just enjoy the holidays and my time off.  We have a few parties to go to as well so that will be nice.

Yay - my vegetarian days are over! I stopped by the dr, told him I was backing off this test and going to schedule a colonoscpy with a specialist.  Left a message for one today.  Also scheduling a vascular specialist appt to get info on my leg edema and ultimately get the pressure needed for support socks.  Hoping that will help with swelling.

Good to hear Velvet that your bf is up for the healthy holiday dinner - simplifies things Im sure! When those parties roll around, would like to hear of them.  THinking your counting down this week :D.

Candi, hope your doing okay knowing that this may be the hardest time of your SB at the start!

I have been sticking with it, though it is hard since it is ttom so I am craving sweets I have eaten way too many sugar free sweets.on Sunday I ate a little too many Almonds but I'll fight these temptations only a couple more days and week one is over!

Candi, you'll make it! You won't even crave sweets after a while. Be carefull with the sugar free sweets, they can make you gassy and bloated if you eat too many.

Velvet, I'm right there with you on that countdown. One exam tonight, and the last one on Thursday, then I'm free for 3 weeks. Whoohoo:)

Sun, it's good to hear that you found an alternate. Hope it works out better for you. Hoping you hear only good news from your test. Good luck!

Weird weight days. Yesterday new low but big jump today so curious what tomorrow shows.  Meeting a friend for lunch - going to Souper Salad. Have another lunch next week but with a guy I used to work with and not thinking he'll do souper salad.  Used to like Chili's because could depend on their lettuce wraps.  I was scanning restaurants and boy even the healthy choices still run high calorie.  My choice of restaurant.  As someone who doesnt eat out, any thoughts preferably SB friendly.

Candi, those SF have helped me through many a sweet tooth. Sympathies to make through TOM and if its too much, you can skip to phase2 but if your able to last both weeks you will max your intro loss.  

Your down to one, Ice.  What will you be doing with three weeks?!

Sun- funny, the same thing happened to me. I was 134.5 yesterday, but jumped to 136 this morning!?! I didn't drink enough water yesterday and had loads of protein, so I'm hoping it's just water retention from the sodium and I can get rid of it today.

My mother is coming to visit for a few days, and then we're all gonna visit my brother in the northeast for the week of Christmas. My new niece just arrived, so it should be fun. I've gotten a few pics of the baby with her big sister, and they are just too cute. I can't wait to pinch some cheeks:)

Hello, everyone!!  Thank you for the congrats on my wedding anniversary : )  We had a really nice night that night!!

Well, I am so 100% ashamed.  I have been eating worse than I ever have before.  I did get on the scale once last week...and it was horrible: 138.6 lbs :'(  I'm too afraid to weigh this week b/c I'm eating even worse this week than I did last week!!  If you're not too annoyed with my horrible eating and self pity on my weight gain, then I will continue to write in this thread : )  I do plan on starting a hard core diet on December 26th - yep, not waiting until Jan. 1!!  BUT, I REALLY want to drink champagne on New Year's Eve,  How do you think that will affect the diet??  Anyone else planning on having a few drinks that night?? : )

Ice & Sun, thanks for encouraging me to stay in touch - I truly believe this website is what holds me accountable and helps me, er, helped me lose the weight that I did...even though I'm gaining it all back.  You 2 are the best : )

Glad to see someone new - Hello, Candi!!!  Stay away from my posts - but let Sun & Ice guide you : )  I'll be better in about 2 weeks - hehe.

I'm glad everyone seems to be doing well.  Sun, I do NOT envy your situation right now!!!  My sister is doing something similar for her 19 month old...she said it's one of the worst things she has ever had to do : (  Ice, don't worry about your little weight gain...I think that sometimes cold medicines make your retain water.  I drink when I have a cold...but nothing ever seems to come out.  so that's my theory : )  Where is Ozma????  I see I'm not the only one MIA!!

I hope you're all having a good week - and maybe, just maybe, I'll do the Thursday weigh in.  I'm telling you now, it won't be pretty!!!!

*loves*

Ice - good luck on your last exam and yes woohoo on 3 weeks break!

Sun - glad your getting all signed up for your test, being proactive is always a good thing with stuff like that and with a family history sounds like it is best.  I agree restaurants are WAY high in calories, which is why I dont eat out much.

We are going to get a tree this weekend and decorate our patio and hopefully get my carpets shampooed, I have been waiting for the break from school to get that done.

Hey everyone.... it has been a hard week for me and Ive been occupied with other things.  some days I dont even log my food.  I did get on the scale and no change in numbers  I think Ill just try to stay put for a while intill the meds kick in...... if its even the right amount LOL. 

My dad called the other night and said he's have heart problems  Scared me a little bit but its not like I wasnt expecting it.  High fat food and booze never helps a heart out plus having to deal with my step moms terminal cancer..... its a recipe for disaster.

Sounds like everyones doing okay and even with the set backs of the holidays we will all pull through.

Getfitgirl - Sorry to hear about your Dad, I hope things improve for him