Why arent there more of us ?

[Lisa'sGonnaLoseIt]

Ok... lets say that yes, I am paranoid about SB and maybe my mind is messin with me right now but.....

This board always seems to be empty most of the time. If SB is such a good plan for wtloss, health etc... why arent there more of us ??

Hopefully, no one takes any offense to this, as I meant it in no way offensive. Just very curious because its a major difference between this board and the Atkins.

Thanks

[Jeffy]

I am not sure how that question can really be answered. I don't know that anyone would know why there aren't more people visiting the South Beach section of LCF, other than that LCF started as an all Atkins/other low carb plans board. The South Beach section was added much, much later, and since it is not considered a "low carb" plan, people probably won't find this board when searching specifically for South Beach support (there are other support boards for that, with many, many participants - use google). It's probably less popular here, because there are just a lot of Atkins and other low carb plan followers, and some are deciding to try something different, such as South Beach.

In order to realize that South Beach is a good plan for weight loss, health, etc., all you need to do is read the foods list. What could be more healthy than the allowed foods on each Phase? To me, it just makes complete sense.

[heyjewd]

I am trying SBD for the first time today. I have done Atkins for years, up and down roller coaster of weight gain, loss and gain again. I am looking for something less extreme, more practical for long term health. Just wanted to let you know I am here and am open to any advice to get through phase 1! Thanks, Judy

[zeraspride]

Lisa,

As someone that has been on the SBD board (and grateful for it, btw) since it was graciously started, I have often been disappointed by the lack of participation. If you look at the views of various threads, you will see that many people lurk here but not that many post here. I would like to see that change in 2006 and do my best to post and answer questions and start threads. I notice something similar on several other "break out" forums like the muscle matters and century club. They just don't move as fast either as the ML. That's probably one of the reasons after I check in here first, I go to the ML to see what's happening in the lc world because that board moves much faster.

I love it here though and am so glad we have our own place to post since as Jeffy put it, some people don't consider SBD a low carb plan.

I don't know about other people, but I have had tremendous success with this plan and just frankly don't think I could have been on Atkins as restrictive as it seems to me for over 2 years like I have been on this plan.

I will do my best to be around and keep the board moving but I think it takes a willingness on all of our part to make this place a "happening" one!

[Lisa'sGonnaLoseIt]

Enough said ! Everyone here seems really nice and I am excited to be trying something new. I was just curious about not many people doing SB, I think alot of this is fear of change and failure lol.... I havent been on the wagon too well in the last few weeks, so I am looking forward to getting back to healthier eating.

[Patt3]

Well, I'm pretty new here too. I'm still on LC, but making a plan to switch to SB. I spent the weekend reading up on it and I have been visiting here too. I would guess most south Beachers go to that site's boards. But obviously, there are enough folks here on SB to keep this board going. And I hope you will all be here for me when I make the change !

[Lisa'sGonnaLoseIt]

Welcome ! Tomorrow will be my first day, and I will definately be here for you when you switch over ! The way I figure it, we cant ever have too much support or information ! Good luck !

[zeraspride]

Patt3 - you can count on our support. Since you've been lurking around, you know the encouragemnet and inspiration here is just awesome! Having such a strong support system contributes to me staying focus. We look forward to getting to know you.

Lisa - I think you have something there. I'm sure at lot of Atkins fans that are thinking of switching might be uncomfortable with the allowance of all the fruits and veggies and "good carbs". I hope any that are thinking of making the switch and coming out of lurkedom do so. We would love to welcome them!

[PamB]

I have a ? about SBD. What basically is the difference between Atkins OWL/Maintenance and SBD? Dont you add fruits, nuts, whole grains and somewhat lower your fats in the later phases of Atkins. I think I remembered adding fruits and nuts very soon after induction. Just curious. I haven't done any reading up on SBD. Thanks!

[zeraspride]

I don't know a whole lot about Atkins but I do know that many people (at least the threads that I read) stay on Induction for a long time without going up the carb ladder. With SBD, you do your Phase 1 for two weeks and then switch over to Phase 2 until you get to goal. During Phase 2 is where you add in those veggies, fruits and whole grains. The only thing I wish SBD had was a better idea of what the maintenance phase is supposed to be like instead of saying, "if you gain back a few pounds, go back to Phase 2". I would like a little more direction than that but oh well.

[rose1]

Originally Posted by PamB

I have a ? about SBD. What basically is the difference between Atkins OWL/Maintenance and SBD? Dont you add fruits, nuts, whole grains and somewhat lower your fats in the later phases of Atkins. I think I remembered adding fruits and nuts very soon after induction. Just curious. I haven't done any reading up on SBD. Thanks!

Pam, a major difference in SB and Atkins is SB declares up front that it is not about low carb, but GOOD carbs and GOOD fats. The SB food list focuses on lower or reduced fats, ie low fat dairy products rather than heavy cream, olive oil rather than butter, etc. You don't have to keep carbs below a certain number. You eat generous amounts of lovely low GI vegetables right from the beginning. People generally feel it is much less restricting. Also, if you read the SB book, you will read about some science concerning the effect of saturated fats on the arteries that was not available when Dr. Atkins formulated his program.

And yes, you are supposed to add in these other foods in OWL, but from what I read in the main lobby, people are reluctant to.

[Topazz]

I do not understand the SBD. I tried to find the book at the library but they did not have it. There were several others, all LC plans, but not SBD. From what I see SBD is very very similar to Weight Watchers.

Is it hard to understand? How does it differ from Atkins or WW?

[rose1]

Originally Posted by heyjewd

I am trying SBD for the first time today. I have done Atkins for years, up and down roller coaster of weight gain, loss and gain again. I am looking for something less extreme, more practical for long term health. Just wanted to let you know I am here and am open to any advice to get through phase 1! Thanks, Judy

Here's my advice for Phase 1. EAT! Follow the menu plan outline, use the recipes to avoid boredom, eat from the approved food list only, like the book says, "Snacks are required." The two snacks keep your blood sugar from plummeting. Don't cheat--it will set up cravings. Come here and post often. Welcome aboard.

Oh, yes, DRINK YOUR WATER.

[rose1]

Originally Posted by Topazz

I do not understand the SBD. I tried to find the book at the library but they did not have it. There were several others, all LC plans, but not SBD. From what I see SBD is very very similar to Weight Watchers.

Is it hard to understand? How does it differ from Atkins or WW?

Your library should be able to get the book for you through inter-library loan if they don't own a copy. Also, check the stickies at the top of the SB forum. This WOE is not at all hard to understand. There are a few WWs here who can answer that part of you question. A major difference between Atkins and SB is Atkins allows saturated fats such as butter, heavy cream, fatty meats and SB uses good fats such as olive oil and low fat dairy products. Atkins severely restricts carbs during induction and SB allows generous amounts of low GI vegetables.

[Merrie Lee]

Some people lurk, meaning they read all the time and seldom write. I am one of those and I appreciate all the information I find on here, but I do not know anything to help anyone. EXCEPT, I can say that too many acronyms are used that us newbies do not know what they refer to. And I can tell you that the South Beach diet is the first diet I ever lost any weight on. I also learned that phase 2 has to be very minimal for me; apparently grains react in my body and make me hungry. But I keep trying. Merrie Lee

[rose1]

Originally Posted by Merrie Lee

Some people lurk, meaning they read all the time and seldom write. I am one of those and I appreciate all the information I find on here, but I do not know anything to help anyone. EXCEPT, I can say that too many acronyms are used that us newbies do not know what they refer to. And I can tell you that the South Beach diet is the first diet I ever lost any weight on. I also learned that phase 2 has to be very minimal for me; apparently grains react in my body and make me hungry. But I keep trying. Merrie Lee

Hi Merrie Lee, Welcome out of lurkdom. You're right about the acronyms--it's just a shortcut, but really confusing if you don't already know. I understand about the grains. I found that I had to add them very slowly. I can tolerate them better now. If you feel that you want to, you can help others simply by telling of your own experience. Also, it helps others if you are willing to post on the check-in threads. It is very helpful just to know that others are in the same boat, sorta like misery loves company.

[redqueen]

Hi Lisa! OK, I'll "weigh in" here!

The SBD board IS a smaller community than the main board. So for that reason alone, there is less activity. However, we do have times when it is very busy, other times, it is less active. Life happens, and we all get busy...A couple of days last week, there were 35 or 40 people viewing these threads. If any of them ever "de-lurk", we are gonna be smokin'!

I work full time, and have a "party-plan" business and do custom picture framing on the side. With all that, family & home responsibilities, some days I just don't have time to do more than start the check-in threads and quickly say Hi!

When we have new people join, we try to welcome them & answer questions quickly. But there quite a few SBD veterans here (because it does work so well) who are checking in to be accountable & keep us updated, but they aren't necessarily asking questions. Personally, 4 months into SB, I am happy to say that I am no longer obssesed with food or the diet itself. It has become my lifestyle. I do still come to ask questions or vent about a badly planned or eaten meal occasionally. But is is less frequently.

SB is just a different way of life than Atkins. You won't see much discussion about new low-carb products, because we don't use them much. We don't need bread & cracker substitutes, because we can eat those. It is absolutely no problem to eat out, so there really isn't much discussion of that.

We are here for you! Ask away or start threads of discussion that you are interested in. You'll see activity I'm sure. In the meantime, let me promise you that the board activity is not constant. It will be busy or slow dependent on many factors. I can assure you that it has nothing to do with the effectiveness of the diet! Actually, you'll notice that the same people stick around day after day! That is a clear indication that SB does work well.

I will look forward to "seeing" you on the check-in threads and hearing your questions as you start this new, exicting journey!

[kimlou]

Originally Posted by heyjewd

I am trying SBD for the first time today. I have done Atkins for years, up and down roller coaster of weight gain, loss and gain again. I am looking for something less extreme, more practical for long term health. Just wanted to let you know I am here and am open to any advice to get through phase 1! Thanks, Judy

I have just started too for the exact same reasons. Any tips and advise is welcome . TIA

[zeraspride]

My advice to get through Phase 1 is to take it one day at a time and do not focus on what you can't have but on what you can have. I took a boot camp work out class today and the instructor pushed us - I mean really really pushed us to our limits. Just when I thought I was going to break at one point she said something that clicked with me and helped me get through the 45 seconds of pain I was feeling at pushing my muscles. She said to focus on anything other than the pain. I think that is such good advice. Focus on something other than food during Phase 1 when you know it's the most restrictive. Come here and post often for accountability and comraderie. The next two weeks will go by whether you do Phase 1 clean or not so why not take it one day at a time and do it! We will be here to support you all!!!

Merrie Lee - I agree with what Chris said. When first started posting on these boards I didn't think I had much to offer in the way of support but if you've lurking here for a while, you know I'll start a thread on just about anything I happen to be thinking. Sometimes I feel silly when I share my feelings but most often someone posts and tells me that they were thinking something similar or how glad they are that I posted how I felt. I find this is a great place for me to feel safe and be "real" even though I know it's the internet, somehow I feel like I can be more open and honest with my feelings which helps me to be more so that way in real life. I will also try to cut down on the internet shorthand. It's convenient when I type but probably disconcerting for someone new. We look forward to getting to know you!

[justmarvi]

Hi to all and welcome newbies!

I think the most important thing is to learn the food lists, what we need to eat and what not to, also to use the menu outline to get a good understanding of the program.

It's so easy, the stickies have most of the info we need and we have a great forum. Be sure and monitor your reaction to the beans and milk products in phase 1, add new things in gradually to understand your tolerance of them. I wish it was a quick fix but it isn't, it's a learn/tweak as we go for all of us.

We may not be online a lot but we will be back for sure to answer any questions and help, so please, post way.

I've always wished our forum popped like crazy too. I don't really know Atkins but I have read some posts in the main lobby and we really eat much like many on that program do past induction.

It's always exciting for us when we get new members, come on in you guys!
Good luck to all!

[Calliecat]

I'm one of the lurkers. I am on here everyday and read all of your posts, but I haven't been very good at posting. However, I am going to try to change that! You all have been very helpful, but I think that by actually posting I may hold myself more accountable. I started SB again on 1/1, but have been doing P2 - with a lot of cheating. I had just decided earlier today that I am going to do P1 for 2 weeks. And I will work on posting on this board more often!

[justmarvi]

Hi Callie!

Thanks so much for posting, it inspires all of us to do better!

I'll work at posting more too and staying on program too and finding things to inspire us. I think all of us would like to know we made a difference just by being here.

See you guys a little while, gotta go get some walking in.

[Lisa'sGonnaLoseIt]

Nice to meet everyone btw !! I am happy to be here, and happy to have started day #1 !

[vessel of prayer]

Hi Everyone
All the info on here is superb!!! I couldn't have said it better myself!!! I also need to post more than I do. I have been on SB since Sept 23rd. I was 180 .6 at the time. I switched from Atkins. I am now at 167.4. I am a very slow loser, but at least I am losing. I went a little overboard on Christmas Day and was losing very slowly anyway on Phase 2, so I decided to go back to phase 1. Well Fri. I can go to phase 2 again. Looking forward to it. Any questions I can help with, just holler!! I dont know a lot, but what I do, I will share.

Sheila

[TeaLeaf]

There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with SB! For me, though, too many choices gets me in trouble. Unless I go with a plan that has VERY easy rules, I screw up. I've never been good at portion control.

Thus the current number on my jeans label.

My husband went on South Beach instead of Atkins because he was born and raised in the heart of Ohio and he can't live without the occasional starch and beans. Everyone is different...I think it's more the committment to the plan that's important, not the plan.

(HUGS) and best of luck to you in your journey!

[justmarvi]

TY Tamara, good luck with your plan, visit with us more often! I have to be careful with choices too, ugh.