Do you have to begin with Phase 1 ?

[Lisa'sGonnaLoseIt]

I watched Diet Doctor on FitTv and she was talking about phase 1 being so restrictive and started her dieter out on phase 2, do you have to start on phase 1? I would think it would be ok unless you were having really bad cravings, then you could drop back to phase 1 till you cleaned your system out.

Anyone here not do phase 1 when they started ?

[zeraspride]

I believe the consensus is that if you were already "low carbing" like with Atkins or some other program, it's probably alright to just jump into phase 2. I know I really needed the detox period because I was coming back from vacation and I was in carb high heaven (on purpose, knowing I was started when I got back home). I also lost the most weight in that 2 week phase 1 period (14 pounds). I've never seen weight loss like that again so I would say if you weren't low carbing you really need the phase 1 period. Anybody else care to share what they think?

[Lisa'sGonnaLoseIt]

Realistically, what sort of weightloss should I expect in phase 2 ? I am first to admit that I am type A personality, I want it NOW NOW NOW lol.....

[zeraspride]

Lisa, you are so funny! I was the same way. From what I remember, I was losing anywhere from 1-3 pounds per week. It was awesome! Of course I was very heavy. I started out at 282.5 pounds so the pounds came off fairly quickly and were consistent for the first six months or so then it began to slow down to 1/2 pound to 2 pounds per week.

[Lisa'sGonnaLoseIt]

Did you do phase 1 during that good weightloss ? I am around 300 but I dont want to stay on phase 1 for very long, I am switching so I wont be deprived anymore lol..

[zeraspride]

I started off with Phase 1 and did it strictly and faithfully for two weeks. I never cheated EVER. I was actually cheat free for 500+ days before I started adding stuff like legal treats and such. I lost 14 pounds during the first two weeks and was thrilled. My weight loss was up to 20 pounds at the end of the first month. It was so dramatic that by my third month about 10 people at my job were doing South Beach. One lady kept with it and she lost about 75 pounds. I'm so proud of her!

I went from wearing a size 26 jeans to a size 10 (vanity) size. I'm working my way into size 10's (for real, no vanity sizing) as my goal.

Lisa, you sound so determined that I'm sure you'll have great success. Oh, what I did was ease my way off Phase 1 and did sort of a Phase 1-1/2 for a few weeks where I gradually added good carbs back into my diet. It worked for me!

[Lisa'sGonnaLoseIt]

I am so proud to hear that ! You should be proud as well, you have done excellent ! I hope I can be a great poster child for SB too Keep up the good work !

[zeraspride]

Thanks so much Lisa. This has been an interesting 2 years I can say that. I was so used to medicating my feelings with food that it has been quite a shock to actually have to "deal with" things instead of hiding behind a quart of butter pecan ice cream. I do feel like a poster child for South Beach. I feel like this program has given me life back. I can actually walk into a room with my head held high. I have actually learned how to deal (okay still learning) how to deal with my feelings in non-destructive ways. I can't even really put into words how my life and my attitude has improved since losing over 100 pounds!

I'm sure you'll know the feeling for yourself soon enough!

[rose1]

Originally Posted by Lisa'sGonnaLoseIt

I watched Diet Doctor on FitTv and she was talking about phase 1 being so restrictive and started her dieter out on phase 2, do you have to start on phase 1? I would think it would be ok unless you were having really bad cravings, then you could drop back to phase 1 till you cleaned your system out.

Anyone here not do phase 1 when they started ?

Another rant coming. These people drive me NUTS! There is nothing restrictive about Phase 1. You are allowed all kinds of DELICIOUS foods. Has she ever looked at the food list? Has she ever looked at the gourmet recipes in the cookbooks? Has she ever seen the menu plans? There is a wider variety in the Phase 1 food list than most people EVER eat. You get three delicious meals, two interesting snacks, AND a yummy dessert. Your food on this WOE is what you make of it. Varied, healthful, well-balanced, DELICIOUS food!

The reason for Phase 1 is to clean your bloodstream, start to reverse your body's inability to process carbs properly, and get rid of cravings. Get through the first day clean and you have already started to change your body chemistry. Rant over.

Now, to answer your question. Yes, you can start on Phase 2, just expect slower weight loss. In fact, Dr. A starts children and heavy athletes on Phase 2, because their requirements are different. You only stay on Phase 1 for two weeks and it doesn't have to be dull and boring. Then, you are supposed to move into Phase 2. Like Lisa said, you can ease into it. The main reason people fail at SB or Atkins is they don't move on. Then the temptation to "cheat" hits and it's downhill from there. Remember, there is plenty of help here.

Emily's Mom

[Lisa'sGonnaLoseIt]

Sorry I asked