What do you think?

[work-n-progress]

I have recently started trying Atkins, but I am having a hard time with it. I am considering trying South Beach but wanted to get some feedback from people who have tried both. I know you can lose weight with Atkins, but I can't help but worry about all of the eggs and bacon I'm eating. (lots of fat) I also wonder if I can do Atkins for the rest of my life. How does South Beach differ?

[mlmagic]

Originally Posted by work-n-progress

I have recently started trying Atkins, but I am having a hard time with it. I am considering trying South Beach but wanted to get some feedback from people who have tried both. I know you can lose weight with Atkins, but I can't help but worry about all of the eggs and bacon I'm eating. (lots of fat) I also wonder if I can do Atkins for the rest of my life. How does South Beach differ?

Hi!

I tried Atkins too about 3 yrs. ago, I did loose, but for me, losing was only half the battle, keeping it OFF...well that's what really counts! I gained everything I lost, when I got sloppy w/the plan, I got so bored and felt "un-healthy" with all the meat/fat/cheese, so I realized that I would need to find something I could do for the rest of my life. It would need to be healthy and realistic. I am a big natural person and I don't think it is healthy to eliminate fruits/veggies, (JMO). So I discovered SBD and I CAN do this WOE for life, It is reasonable and healthy, I think that is what will work long-term. There is nothing extreme about it, it is very much like the way meditteranian people eat and studies have shown, they are some of the healthiest people on earth and little obesity!! So I hope you will give it a try. Worst case...you go back to Atkins if you can't do it for life. The diff. between the two is simple: SBD is LOTS of veggies, past Phase I, some fruits, healthy, but SMALL portions of GOOD whole grains, and healthy fats...NO sugar, sweets, you get the picture I'm sure other's will add to this info, everyone on this forum is so nice and helpful...I would recommend getting the book, it is full of great info and wonderful recipes. The meal plans included, really help to get you started and stay on track till you do in on auto-pilot. I have lost 40+ lbs on SBD!
Good luck!
Lysa

[Nana Susie]

I lost my first 70 lbs. with Atkins so I don't have anything bad to say. I did stall after a year on program. I stuck with it another year losing and gaining the same 6 lbs. over and over. For myself, I like the idea of being able to have the low fat milk, yogurt, etc. instead of the heavy creams and fats. I am going into my 2nd week of South Beach and it has been great. No cravings any longer!!!!!!!! I like being able to have nuts, peanut butter and beans.............oh what I can make with those beans!!!!!!! Good luck with what ever you do.

[work-n-progress]

Thank you for responding! Since you can have some fruits on South Beach eventually, I think I will like it! I also like the idea of having whole grain breads and things of that nature! I'm going to try to pick up the book this evening or tomorrow! I have to admit though, I am kind of worried about adding another DIET book to my collection! But from what I've heard, this sounds different from the other books I've read.

Thanks again!

[mlmagic]

Originally Posted by work-n-progress

Thank you for responding! Since you can have some fruits on South Beach eventually, I think I will like it! I also like the idea of having whole grain breads and things of that nature! I'm going to try to pick up the book this evening or tomorrow! I have to admit though, I am kind of worried about adding another DIET book to my collection! But from what I've heard, this sounds different from the other books I've read.

Thanks again!

Oh my...
NO ONE and I mean NO ONE could have more diet books than me My family think I'm nuts! But I will say, Knowledge is power and I'm one of those people that if I'm gonna do something, I'm doing it all the way and want it to succeed! (healthy) I will add, that past phase I, (2 weeks) when you begin to add some fruit/carbs back in, do it slowlly ie: 1 apple, or berries maybe see how your body responds, if you get cravings, it helps me to eat my fruit w/a little cheese or nuts. Keeps the insulin from surging...Hope that helps. Your body will get used to having a LITTLE carbs from fruits/grains, slowly...without gaining the weight back and continuing to loose is the goal. After you get to your goal, phase III is awesome and VERY do-able, like normal eating, still NO SUGAR! Forever, as best as you can.
Lysa

[work-n-progress]

Well Lysa, I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one with a collection of diet books! Thanks for all of your advise! I have go to get control over myself and my weight! I'm taking all of my kids Halloween candy to my mom's house tomorrow! I can't just have ONE piece of candy! It always turns in to 5 or 6 or more! SUGAR IS EVIL!!!!

[mlmagic]

Originally Posted by work-n-progress

Well Lysa, I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one with a collection of diet books! Thanks for all of your advise! I have go to get control over myself and my weight! I'm taking all of my kids Halloween candy to my mom's house tomorrow! I can't just have ONE piece of candy! It always turns in to 5 or 6 or more! SUGAR IS EVIL!!!!

Amen sister!!
If it isn't in the house, I don't hunt it down when the cravings hit! I tell my hubby, he is sooo supportive, he's not a sugar freak...(he has a body like a greek God and has for 11 years)!! He is just blessed with a LOVE for exercise and good met. I tell Him, Take the kids OUT of the house for a "treat", Don't bring it home...He really helps me. Sugar really is evil, the more you eat, the more you want...
Best of luck!! Lysa

[AmandaL]

Atkins is good for me because of my hunger and overeating issues. The appetite reduction was why I went on atkins. With SB, you still have enough carbs that you do have an appetite.

The maintenance plan of atkins and the beginning plans of SB look about the same, so you can take that into consideration.

[Edin]

hi amanda, do some reading on chromium GTF. it cuts carb and sugar cravings and really works for me. (but of course, ask your dr if it is ok to take it.) my issues re breaking the diet are all in my head, but i am determined to keep at it and succeed. but the chromium GTF is a major help. there is chromium piclolate (sp?), but it is different, and does not work the same way. so check re the GTF version. those of us who lack chromium have carb/ sugar cravings. for me it was a big blessing to find it. over the years i have taken supplements for health,b ut when certain ones were recommended for certain things, like st john's wort, etc., they never did a thing for me that was discernable. but the chromium GTF (and the sam-e) are making a big difference for me. some carb/sugar cravings are due to the brain needing selenium. i take the sam-e for that, and it is helping with the depression i am still experiencing. i was using carbs/ sugar to lift my mood, and so of course gained. consider your dr's advice, but for me, the two supplements seem to be a major key and an answer to prayers. keep us posted hpw you are doing, ok!! hugs