South Beach Diet

[robex]

I'm trying to lose about 10 pounds and keep it off, once and for all. It's the same weight I get rid of every year and then it slowly creeps back...

I've read some good things on the South Beach Diet and am wondering what people's experiences with it have been! Thanks

[cercis]

Re: South Beach Diet

DH and I did it. He's kept his off for over 2 years. I've been creeping back up (but it has been 2 years and there was a major move in there).

We were so successful that we continued to lose weight even into phase III. My doctor finally told me I had to gain weight (5'8" and weighed 120.5lbs). I think that's part of why my weight is going back up. I ate "bad" stuff to gain back to an acceptable weight and the cravings have never stopped.

I'm on a very modified phase II now, just to stop the weight gain. If that doesn't work, it's back to the doc for blood tests to find out if my thyroid is crapping out (family history there). Last year he thought I had a goiter developing but the levels were fine, a little low, but fine.

[conniej811]

Re: South Beach Diet

I've been on it since May 2nd and have lost 55 and 1/2 lbs so far. I am really pleased with the way of eating. Very healthy food.

Connie

[robex]

Re: South Beach Diet

Way to go on your weight loss--Congratulations! I hope I can lose my extra weight and keep it off.

[jodi]

Re: South Beach Diet

DH and I have been on South Beach for about 6 weeks now. We don't have a scale, but I estimate that I have lost about 10 pounds and he has lost at least that much, probably closer to 15. He has gone from a snug 38 waist to a loose 36, and he's still dropping. I am close to dropping a size, but right now am just finding my current clothes much more comfy. I went on it because I wanted an overall healthier lifestyle that I could stick with, and I still had about 15 pounds to lose from two pregnancies. He went on it because I told him to He is only 28 and already is on cholesterol meds, so I really wanted to see how much this would help. We plan to go get our cholesterol rechecked soon, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Aside from the first few days, I really don't think it has been hard to follow. I haven't even missed most things. One thing to remember though - this is a lifestyle change program, not a diet. If you are not planning to make some permanent changes in your diet, then you will gain the weight back after you quit South Beach. If you haven't yet, get the book out of the library and read it cover to cover. Good luck!

[cercis]

Re: South Beach Diet

I also recommend "Eat, Drink and Be Healthy" as a companion book. Both are very good.

I don't find eating SB to be that hard. Most things have a whole grain alternative now. It might be a bit more expensive, but you'll eat less because it "bulks up".

I gained weight back because when we moved I started eating things that weren't as good. I started working and had the weekly "pastry friday" and started giving in to the temptation of the vending machine and soda. But, because we've continued to live SB at home, my weight gain hasn't been that dramatic. I also think that my family history could be catching up to me.

[robex]

Re: South Beach Diet

Thank you for the helpful information. I will get out both the books from the library and read them. I tend to eat fairly healthy meals but have junk food snacks. I love chocolate and potato chips! I never had a problem before I had kids with maintaining my weight, but my Mom, who was always extremely thin, started packing weight on in her 40's and is probably about 30 lbs. overweight now and I would really like to prevent this happening to me!
Good point, Jodi, about the lifestyle change, not a diet...

[marvholly]

There is also a FREE on-line message board. It is a support group, has ideas for breaking plateaus and BUNCHES of recipes:

Index page • SB Diet Message Boards

[Gary Barzel]

As with any diet, it requires constant work and unless you are fully committed to keeping it up, the initial weight you lose will only creep right back up as soon as you start slacking off.