Up two pounds — but with a terrific explanation!
Well, you can't expect me to consider the day I got the book in the mail to be Day 1. So this will have to do.…
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
SOUTH BEACH DIET - Day 1 - Comments Page 2
Up two pounds — but with a terrific explanation!
Well, you can't expect me to consider the day I got the book in the mail to be Day 1. So this will have to do.…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments26 - Dwaine AKA Scooter AKA D.J.
I LOVE BIG GIRLS! (But if you're still focused on losing weight, just don't lose the junk in the trunk, for Christ's sake.)
27 - EVELYN R NOYES
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT DIET SODA ARE YOU ALLOWED TO TAKE ANY IN THE 3 WEEKS
28 - chungh
Some great info on the south beach diet
http://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/diets/south_beach_diet/
29 - Ashley Crowe
I have been dieting for a few weeks now and I haven't seen any results. I am considering the South Beach Diet but I am only 16 and my mother thinks the diet is like the Atkins. I am clear on the fact that this one is healthier. How can I explain this to her?
30 - Mark
I'm on day 4 of the South Beacj Diet and I can say it's pretty easy to follow, and I am almost never hungry. I have never been able to diet well, and this does seem to work. I've lost about 5 lbs so far, and other than craving a beer, I am fine. I saw this list looking for a carb free, calorie free cocktail...I can't pass through a Super Bowl with no drinkie. All in all, the foods in the SB diet are great, although I dont have time to be all fancy schmancy with the meals. I don't have time for the parchment wrapped salmon and crap...just grill up a cheeseburger (no bun) and slam some romaine in a bowl. The desserts made with ricotta, vanilla extract, cocoa and Equal are damn good for what they are...it will get you through a sugar craving.
Good luck!
31 - Mark
Yes, you are allowd diet drinks, but they say to avoid caffeine, as this increases hunger. SBD is as healthy as Atkins...just watch either if you are active. If you exercise, the SBD tells you to eat a slice of bread before or after to prevent blood sugar from dropping too low. So in that respect, I think it maybe isn't healthier, but it does address more active people. I ride a bike a lot in warmer months, so I am just trying to get rid of some winter fat. When I ride, I actually NEED to eat lots of carbs, so anti-carb mentality is not for me...but this diet seems to be a good compromise. Just dont cheat. I'm going to do the rum & diet anyway...I need something to make me at least FEEL like I'm cheating.
32 - violet
My husband and I have just completed 4 very successful weeks on the SBD. He has lost 14lbs. and I have lost 10lbs. Since these were our goals, we are now into phase 3.
I seem to be having some "digestive" problems though. Is it a result of re-introducing carbs? Anyone else having problems of this nature?
33 - marie
My husband has been on the Atkins diet
since September. It is now Febuary.
He weighed 254 when he started. He
now weighs 200. He wants to get down to
170. No matter which diet you choose,
if you stick to it, you'll lose the weight! Good luck to everyone!
34 - Luci
I have been on the SBD for 2 weeks and I have lost 12 lbs. I find this a very easy diet to follow and I love the quick weight loss. I started phase II a day ago and I am being very careful to slowly introduce carbs back into the diet. I have had only 1 piece of bread (low carb bread 6 carbs per slice) in a 24 hour period and 1 fruit. I will slowly add milk, yogurt so I don't gain any weight back.
35 - Debbie Kerlin
I love being on the South Beach Diet.After three weeks I have lost 12 pounds.Best diet I have ever been on.
36 - Denise
I've been on the South Beach Diet now for 4 weeks. I have lost 8 kgs or in pounds 17.6 (I live in New Zealand and we use the metric system). I must asy that I'm very happy with the results and I don't crave starchy carbs anymore. I love the recipes but it is a bit a hassle going shopping because some food is name differently in New Zealand. Like for instance we don't have Laughing Cow Cheese, so I had to aasume it was just reduced fat cheddar cheese. But apart from that it has also been ok. I have recommended it to all my friends who have been on Atkins and didn't like the fact that they felt rundown all the time, so they have alll converted to the SBD. I know many people in New Zealand who were on the Atkins diet are now on the South Beach Diet. I put my dad on the SBD the same time I did and at the time he had very high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, even with medication. After a month his cholesterol levels have stabilised and so has his blood pressure. I hope this serves as inspiration for some people out there
37 - Dianne Florka
I am now in Phase II of the SBD. After the first two weeks, I lost 8 lbs. but have regained 2 lbs. (I've been on the plan for 4 weeks.) Now I find I am at a plateau. My goal was to lose 15-18 lbs. While I am not giving up, it is very difficult when I follow the plan, but still don't see the results. My husband is doing great. He lost a total of 20 lbs. to date. I am very active -- working out 6 out of 7 days. Each day I use a treadmill or elliptical machine. Three days a week I do strength training in addition to the treadmill. What am I doing wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
38 - John Florka
This is the 28th day of my being on the SBD. I am 61, work out 6 days a week, take various meds. for health reasons, and in general am in good health. Have had the hardest time losing weight(30). This diet for me has been the magic bullet. Have lost 20lbs. so far, most of it disappearing around the middle. Would recommend it to anybody. If you've quit smoking, this diet(?) is a piece of cake(haha).Am looking forward to my March Dr. checkup. God bless you Dr. Agatston.
39 - Mama Rose
Hey- how does SBD work with vegan and/or vegetarian diets? I am still in phase one, and am eating eggs, cheese, and greens lots. Way too much. I have used some great meat substitutes, but does anyone have any suggestions in regards to tofu recipes? Or other TVP or vegan recipes? Also- is SBD feasable for nursing/breastfeeding women? What about those with thyroid issues? Thanks, and best of luck to all. Health is wealth, and we are a poor country! *smiles*
40 - jdcord
In comments #5, Shannon posted that wine is ok on this diet, but according to the list of foods to avoid (page 127), it states that alcohol of any kind is to be avoided, "including beer and wine". I don't know if anyone had already addressed that or not.
However, I do have a question about cooking with wine or beer: shouldn't that burn up any of the sugars (as well as the alcohol) in either beer or wine? So is it ok, then, on this diet to cook fish or other meats with some cooking wine, or is that still a no-no?
41 - Fluffy
To those questioning alcohol and/or sodas... The information I've read is quite clear on these subjects. NO alcohol and that means beer/wine/vodka, whatever. It's all alcohol and not allowed for 1st two weeks. Even after that they only allow wine. Fortuantely I can't stand the taste of any alcohol so it's not an issue for me.
Soda is fine, diet of course and no caffeine is preferred. As with any diet, don't go overboard - don't have 6 cans/day.
42 - Julie DiOrio
I am 21 and have been on the SBD for 3 weeks and Have lost 10lbs Although I have had a problem cutting out the alcohol, I have leared to make good choices No beer, just red wine and Vodka. How much does working out excelerate the process?
43 - pooch
I have been on the SBD since Jan 13. I followed Phase 1 perfectly and have lost about 8 pounds.
Since then, I have done a combo of Phase 1 and Phase 2 by mostly adding fruit and yogurt back into my diet with a piece of wheat bread here and there.
I have indulged only twice on sweets -- as a reward for completing phase 1, and being able to buy pants one size smaller.
However, now I've hit a plateau at 10 pounds weight loss. I still NEED to lose more weight but can't figure out what the problem is. I am getting exercise (yoga, walking, and cardio) 2-4 times a week at half hour intervals.
Anyone have ideas or suggestions to get me past this rut??
44 - beth leigh
I've been on the SBD for two weeks and have lost 10 lbs. I enjoy most of the recipies and don't miss anything .... except for ice cream! I'm used to having it every day and have cheated a couple of times already. I don't want to undo what I've done, but I don't want to go crazy either. Does anyone have any advice for dealing with intense cravings?
45 - bleigh
If you've hit a rut in your weight loss and your diet hasn't changed, you need to increase your workouts. Increase the intensity or duration, or add weight lifting (which revs up your metabolism!).
46 - Dave Micka
Comment #37, Dianne, It doesn't appear that you are doing anything wrong. The only thing you may be doing "wrong" would be your strength training. Muscle is 3 times more dense than fat and you may be to the point that the fat you are losing is replaced by muscle and the muscle mass does not have to be great to offset a rather large fat loss. Another test you may want to consider is a BMI or Body Mass Index test and I am not talking about one of those cheap ones with the plastic calipers. You may have to go to someone who specializes in that sort of thing so that you don't get ripped off, your doctor may be a good resource for starters. Good Luck!
47 - Lori
Question:
I am in phase I of SB but do not like/can not eat most of the vegetables except for lettuce, tomatoes, and celery that they say I am suppose to eat. I have been eating a lot of salads but am afraid that it is going to get boring. Any vegetables not listed in the book that might be allowed?
48 - Lori
Happy Valentine's Day! Even if you are on Phase 1—the strictest Phase—you can still enjoy a sweet treat. Here's a South Beach Diet-friendly recipe to try:
Holiday Yogurt
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 cups nonfat plain yogurt
1 teaspoon cherry or strawberry extract
Red food coloring
Sugar-free chocolate syrup
In a bowl, stir together 1/4 teaspoon cherry or strawberry extract for every 1/2 cup of plain yogurt. Color with red food coloring until you reach your desired shade of red.
Place in decorative bowls and drizzle with sugar-free chocolate syrup.
Got this from "The Dish"- the SB web site. Am I missing something? Thought you were not allowed to have yogurt on Phase I and I thought no chocolate syrup either (sugar free or not). Did they screw up or is this correct that I can have this on phase I
49 - Carolyn
I am curious about carbonation... I am drinking diet rite...no sodium, no asparatame....I am on SBD and wonder how many oz I can drink a day... I am drinking a ton of water... please advise.. Thanks
50 - Roger
If you are making a link between "carbohydrates", and a soda being "carbonated" their is no relation.
Carbonation in sodas is just the "FIZZ"
created by gas. I think Co2. I know Co2 is used in making your own soda water.
I worked as a professional fitness instrcutor in health clubs and eventually in Cariac Rehab for over 10 years. My original certification was with ACE aka American Council on Exercise. I was slowed by knee surgery but still train a little. If you have any other questions I'll try to answer them. Just post it or E-mail at the address by clicking on my name or at
rajfitns@netzero.com
51 - Carolyn
I am not relating "carbonation" to "carbs"...My point in asking about how much carbonation to drink a day...I have heard that Co2 is supposed to absorb into your tissues and create a "bloat"...hence gaining pounds when you jump on that scale. I am at a stand still, today is day 5 on SBD and the first 2 days I lost 6 lbs. and the last 2 days I drank 4 cans of diet rite plus a good 80 oz. of water and I am extremely bloated....does anyone have any suggestions besides giving up my diet soda???????
52 - Roger
In all of the years I've been in the field I have never heard that. Gas(the Co2 is weightless) and it would not cause water retention. Bloating would only be caused by a few things. 1. That female time of the month. 2. Constipation and/or everything not moving through the system properly. 3. If you're diet has changed dramatically you can have traped gas in your abdominal area which I have had as a guy and it is very bloating,even painful. Gas-X along with Pepcid like meds can help if you can take those things. Are you exercising too?
WAS THAT 4 CANS A DAY?
53 - Andrea
My husband and I have just completed Phase I of the SBD. He is doing great--he lost 14 pounds. I on the other hand have not lost one pound...NOT ONE!!! The only difference in our diet, is I drink Diet Coke (several per day). There is nothing in diet Coke, so I assumed (incorrectly obviously) that it was fine. Has anyone else not experienced weight loss on the diet?
54 - Carolyn
It is 3-4 cans a day... I switched to the diet rite because it contains no caffiene...I need to do more exercise, but I am walking about 15-20 min. a day, 3-4 days a week and doing yard work (shoveling, weeding, etc.) I have only 16 lbs to lose to reach my goal weight, it was 22 lbs I lost 6 of that in my first 2 days (where I consumed the same amount of diet soda) I havent cheated with the "bad carbs" I only had an extra sugar-free fudgesicle and an extra 20 peanuts saturday night. I weighed in this morning and still stuck at a 6 lb loss..I feel smaller in the ab area and my clothes arent fitting as snug as they used to...maybe I need to not worry about the lbs and concentrate on the fact that my clothes are fitting better.
55 - Carolyn
Andrea, the caffiene is the party pooper, thats why I switched to the diet rite(it also contains splenda which is a natural sugar substitute vs asparatame in diet coke, I have read several articles on asparatame relating it to illness and disease in the body) How are your clothes fitting? I am going to throw away my scale and start judging from the way my clothes are fitting so that I dont get discouraged like I am this morning... Good luck!
56 - Scott Gardner
My wife and I have been on SBD for 10 days. Liek many, after the first couple of days it has gotten pretty easy. We both like to cook so we don't mind playing around in the kitchen. I've tried a few of the recipes and I must say the ricotta cremes are suprisingly good.
I've also found that I am eating more spinach than ever. I never ate it beofre but I've found that it takes on the flavors of the cooking materials (olive oil, garlic). So far so good. On SUnday we start phase 2. I'm looking forward to fruit more than anything. I will start with an apple, and maybe some strawberries.
As for Diet drinks, I've had 1-2 diet pepsi's a day as well as 2 cups (one big mug) of coffee a day. I suspect that your weight is due to muscel mass as was suggested before. I've also hit teh gym better than before.
I think that teh biggest cange I've noticed is continuity of energy level. I don't hit that 2pm dead spot whee I woudl get a bag of cheetos and a diet coke.
I was always skeptical of low-card diets, but I think that this one is on to something. It really isn't saying much new, high fiber carbs have always been recommended and no one really thought French Fries were good for you did they? My family ha sa history of late onset diabetes, so I am hoping to avoid the fate. I'm 34
57 - JohnFlorka
To the person writing *56-mind set is very important. The SBD gives you concrete ways to bring yourself back to good health. You are fortunate to have someone helping you. Thee onset of "late diabetis" must be scary. SO-do something and stop hoping.
Good Luck & good health
58 - PAT
What do you do at the end of phase 1 if there is no weight or ony 1 or 2 pounds? Do you continue with phase 2 or stay on phase 1?
59 - Eric Olsen
Eat less and exercise more.
60 - Mark Saleski
damn...eric olsen...journalist, nutritionist, fitness expert.
you renaissance guy, you.
;-)
61 - Roger
Eric is right on target. PLEASE READ DIETERS!! Before starting my work in collections and Investigating I worked as a Certified Fitness Instructor in health clubs and even in clinical settings with Cardiac rehab and post physical theraphy patients. I'm still certified with a few clients and qualified to answer just about any health and fitness question. In fact my email address on this board is rajfitns@netzero.com.
I've had the opportunity to work with Exercise Phyisiologist Phd. , Nutritionist, as well as Cardiologist. I'm sorry to say but in all reality the Atkins, SBD and all of the other programs are pretty much garbage not to mention possible long term health risk. The results and risk of these diets can vary. When the low fat craze swept through people (mainly women) were eating little or no fat(0 to 10 grams a day). The problems a lot of them encountered were extremely dry and brittle hair and irregular menstrual cycle. In fact I worked with a 20 year old college girl who went for 10 months without a period and ended up at the doctor with other problems due to the extremely low fat intake. One problem is that more than 90% of people start these diets without consulting a nutrition or health & fitness profesional. That's the main reason for such a high failure rate.
After 11 years of training more than 2000 different people and working along side true health and medical professionals I've found that more than 75% of people would rather spend their money and listen to all of the quack retailers of bogus weightloss products over real professionals. If anyone serious about their health has a question I'd be more than glad to offer my opinion for free and help guide you to the proper avenues and options that would suit you best.
62 - milliqat
Anyone interested in how this diet works for vegans, feel free to peruse my blog, at www.milliqat.blogspot.com
63 - Adam
i've just started the SBD yesterday and it seems that even after i eat food i'm still hungry, i get hungry about every 2 hours. it's not that i'm just eating to eat, it's that my stomach feels empty. did anyone have that symptom, and is it bad to eat until i feel like i'm about to explode in phase 1. i know the doc says not to starve yourself but i dont want to eat too much and just get fatter. can anyone help?
64 - Wendy
I have been on the SBD for 16days now. In the first week, my husband lost 14lbs, I lost 10, and our daughter lost 13lbs! I started walking so that should help. My question is, Can I start weight training now or should I wait until I've lost more weight? I highly recommend this diet, I am not hungry, I don't crave sweets like I used to, but I do crave my bread. That's it though. Looking forward to see what the scale says at the end of this first phase.
Wendy
65 - Wendy
Sorry guys we have been on SBD for 11 days not 16. Counted wrong!
Wendy
66 - Joe
Pardon me, I thought SBD meant something else.
67 - B
I am interested in the SBD - but of all the comments, no-one seems to be past 4 weeks on the plan, except for the one lady whose husband went September to February. Isn't there anyone past the two-month mark? I would also like to re-iterate the vegetables question: my boyfriend is a stubborn eater, but willing to try this with me. THe only veggies he eats are corn (not allowed), peppers and wax beans. What other veggies are allowed? For those of you wanting info on diet pop - caffeine slows down your metabolism, aspartame triggers sugar cravings, but there ARE berry and fruit-flavoured white "soda"s out there. In Canada, we have Clearly Canadian, and the grocery stores offer their own brands as substitues. They're SOOO YUMMY!!
68 - Alicia
Does anyone know if the weight lost during the SBD is muscle or fat...I dont want to do this anymore if I am gonna lose muscle and not fat.
69 - Roger
If you are not exercising regularly especially light weight training then it's muscle.
That's the reason people lose muscle so fast when they stop lifting. It's also the reason it's so hard to lose bodyfat. Muscle tissue is a preferred fuel over bodyfat.
70 - Diane
I have been on the SBD for 10 days. In the first three days I lost 5 lbs. In the next three days, I gained 4 lbs. And now, after 10 days, I am only down 1 pound. I am on Thyroid medication for hypothyroid. Do you suppose this is effecting the diet?
71 - big al
3 weeks on SB - down 8lbs...the cracker/potato/potato chip ban was/is a killer. What is purpose of decaf coffe versus high test?? I still drink high test...does it matter?
Big Al
72 - Dr. Siegal
South Beach Fat Burner all new dietary supplement for weight loss. Compliments Atkins,Zone, South Beach Diet,and other low carb diets. Stimulant and caffeine free.
73 - Cerrita
I was wondering if it was safe to do the southbeach diet if your nurseing. Me and a friend are on day three and this morning we both was very nausea. I actually puke. I felt I needed some carbs/sugar (and I did) I felt better afterwards. Should we increase our food intake or add a little carbs because of nurseing or maybe hold off untill we stop nurseing.
74 - Melissa
Does anyone know if you can have fat free sugar free frozen yogurt ( carbolite) in Phase I ?
75 - Judey
Cerrita, avoid all diets like the plague until you are over nursing. Just be happy with NORMAL healthy eating and regular gentle exercise. If you are breastfeeding, being on any restrictive diet could harm your child through your milk, as it may not contain all your baby needs in this critical stage of his/ her life.