Going to try SouthBeach--tips would be nice

[Lucky4]

I've been LCing off/on for years now. Unfortunately, whatever I have lost--is all back! Not to make a long story, strict LCing just isn't for me. Yes, I felt better. Yes, my bloodwork was wonderful. Yes, I had decent energy. But the restrictions from fruit, whole grains, beans etc just wasn't fitting into my lifestyle or my social/family sphere. It's been a really painful journey. I guess I'm hoping to find something that's not to an extreme--something that's workable. I will say I'm worried about a few things: I'm insulin resistant on Metform--so I'm worried that unless I'm stricly LCing, my blood work will suffer. I also worry that not being in ketosis will not give my the edge on appetite control--something badly needed. I'm worried that if I eat whole grains, beans, etc. it will just set me up for a binge. I'm worried about boredom--watching my family eat whatever and I'm eating eggs. I know there is more to this--and I have not read the book. But, just looking over the stickies and sample menues, I think this is very do-able--more than Atkins or PP. So, for what it's worth, I'll give it a try for a few weeks--maybe a few months before I make a concrete decision. If you have any tips or can soothe my worries, please do so.
Lucky4

[bailey42]

OMG Lucky your post sounded like it was me writing it. I have the same exact feelings only I am a type 2 diabetic. My blood sugars are great when I do low carb but I am so tired of straight low carb. I don't mean that I want to eat cake etc on a plan but I just want to have fruit occasionally and South Beach sounds perfect but I have all the same worries as you and would love to hear from someone that also has diabetes and see how they are doing on the plan.
Deb

[luisafernanda]

Hi Lucky, Bailey,

I can't help you with the diabetes part, but I can share my own experience.

- My blood work was fine before SB and has stayed pretty much the same since I've been following the plan (almost 5 mos. now).

- I am seldom hungry and don't get bored with the food I can eat. I usually don't have cravings, unless I am eating stuff I'm not supposed to anyway. I have an egg for breakfast every morning, but don't usually rely on eggs beyond that. I eat meat, fish, beans, fruit and all kinds of veggies, nuts, olive oil and dairy (reduced fat if I can get it, otherwise regular in small amounts and I don't stress over it too much). I eat whole grains when I feel like it, which (surprisingly, since I used to be a bread addict) isn't very often, usually not more than once a day. It just doesn't bother me not to eat them more than that, but I never feel like I'm missing anything...maybe because I CAN eat them if I want to. I eat 5 times a day. I have an occasional glass of wine. I don't feel deprived or like I'm "on a diet".

I think if you read the book (get it from the library if you don't want to make the investment yet) - a new one has just come out - it will answer a lot of your questions. I highly recommend it.

I think you'll find if you follow the plan as it's written, it will work the way it's supposed to.

Good luck!

[rose1]

Please, please, may I encourage you to get the new book. Your library should have it or that big online store that has everything will ship it to your door. It is NOT money wasted. Then follow the plan by the book, as written. You might be aware that the food plan was created by a cardiologist, based on the latest research, for heart health. Your other concerns are addressed, also. Best South Beach wishes.

[JoLi]

When I switched to SBD last year it was because I couldn't stomach the idea of straight low carb. I did really well on SBD. I enjoyed the bigger variation of foods such as fruit, dairy and grains. It was a better variety of foods that I enjoyed and didn't feel deprived. Do the program as written at the beginning and add in some exercise (good walking) and you should do fine.

[Judynyc]

Originally Posted by Lucky4

I've been LCing off/on for years now. Unfortunately, whatever I have lost--is all back! Not to make a long story, strict LCing just isn't for me. Yes, I felt better. Yes, my bloodwork was wonderful. Yes, I had decent energy. But the restrictions from fruit, whole grains, beans etc just wasn't fitting into my lifestyle or my social/family sphere. It's been a really painful journey. I guess I'm hoping to find something that's not to an extreme--something that's workable. I will say I'm worried about a few things: I'm insulin resistant on Metform--so I'm worried that unless I'm stricly LCing, my blood work will suffer. I also worry that not being in ketosis will not give my the edge on appetite control--something badly needed. I'm worried that if I eat whole grains, beans, etc. it will just set me up for a binge. I'm worried about boredom--watching my family eat whatever and I'm eating eggs. I know there is more to this--and I have not read the book. But, just looking over the stickies and sample menues, I think this is very do-able--more than Atkins or PP. So, for what it's worth, I'll give it a try for a few weeks--maybe a few months before I make a concrete decision. If you have any tips or can soothe my worries, please do so.
Lucky4

Hello!
I've been doing SB for the last 4 years and have had really great results. I've been able to maintain my 121 lb loss for 2.5 yrs now.

One thing that I think is key to success on SB is following the meal plan charts They are fabulous!! I'm pretty sure they are pinned here.

I limit my grain intake and have knocked wheat out of my plan. I have 1 rye Wasa per day and thats my grain. I rarely eat flour as it is flour that I have abused in the past. I enjoy eating starchy veggies.

Beans are portion controlled when you follow the meal plan chart. Portion control is key in this area. 2 servings a day- 1/3-1/2 cup is a serving.

Cheese is listed as an unlimited protein but I limit hard cheese to 1-2 ozs a day...big staller with more for me. I count cottage cheese in with my daily dairy totals.

Its a great plan when you use the meal plan charts and pay attention to portion control on foods like beans, fruits and starches.

[Lucky4]

Thanks to you all for the responses. You all look wonderful. I have Atkins-inducted for 2 days now just to get my body pulled back into the direction of ketosis. I read that it isn't necessary on SB--but if I don't, I probably wouldn't make it past the first day otherwise.
I will get the book--but how much can I actually pull off this particular thread? Seems to be a tons of info like the menues, food lists, etc.
I will admit that in the past on LC--it was the high fat that kept me going and it's going to be really tough to limit sweets, breads, rice, pasta, etc and not have heavy cream to fall back on. Yes, I'm a wimp--and at almost 46 years old, I'm SICK and TIRED of yet another diet. What woke me up though was tingling of my fingers at night, not being able to sit on my knees without feeling like there's an extra tire under me (fat thighs) and a swollen face every morning when I wake up. I have been upping my exercise lately though. Let's not even discuss that none of my summer clothes fit and I've still been wearing long-sleeved winter shirts.

Before I leave, let me ask a few food questions:
Is cream totally out?
Are sugar substitutes allowed (Splenda?)
What about butter--that, olive oil and virgin coconut are my main staples for fat?
What about the LC products--like LC tortillas?

Deb, I guess you and I should try this together. Last year I lost about 20 some lbs LCing--I've gained it all back and a few more. I haven't been regular with my Metformin--so just how tough could this be compared to how I've been eating! I would really love to lose about 40 lbs for health and about 80 altogether for looks!

[rose1]

To answer your questions:

cream is out

Splenda is ok

Butter is not

WHOLE grains are good when you get there. LC products are not necessary. You eat whole grain products.

Hope this helps.

[Radmom413]

This program works as my results and being able to stay on program for over a year shows.

Like Rose said; get the book, read it, follow it - to a T. Don't tweak and try and create your own modified version as so many people try to do.

The program works if you work it.

Welcome to a wonderful way of eating........FOR LIFE!

[bailey42]

Very helpful info here and I feel like this is a great support group.
Lucky-I just found the Supercharged SB book today so I can't wait to dig in and read it.
Deb

[Judynyc]

Originally Posted by Lucky

What about the LC products--like LC tortillas?

In my experience, any flour can be deadly to staying on plan. LC tortillas are not using the whole grain and are not SBD friendly...too processed.

I had to get it about flours in general....and I have finally gotten it.....I eat flour as a treat food, about once a month.

LC tortillas are bad!!

[Jean@125]

Just wondering about the boxed south beach meals that come with a wrap. Are they still okay to eat? Thanks Jeanie

[blueiowa]

Hi Judy, I am new here and have to agree with what you say about flour. it is such a slippery slope for me! Do you have any tips on how to get fiber- veggies I assume. I am concerned about heart health and I was always told to be sure to get fiber - oat bran or steel cut oats- do you use them?
Also, any special hints for desserts (I like the ricotta) on Phase 1 and maintenance?
Thanks!

[Radmom413]

Judy - I agree too; the key is to read ingredients and understand what they mean.

Jean - once Kraft bought all the rights to the SB stuff; some of the ingredients changed. I will eat those boxed sandwiches ON A RARE OCCASSION or for emergencies. You are still better off putting together your own *Stuff*.

[rose1]

Originally Posted by Radmom413

Judy - I agree too; the key is to read ingredients and understand what they mean.

Jean - once Kraft bought all the rights to the SB stuff; some of the ingredients changed. I will eat those boxed sandwiches ON A RARE OCCASSION or for emergencies. You are still better off putting together your own *Stuff*.

You bet. I go on a rant about this periodically. Right, Cindy?

Some (most) of the SB products contradict their own guidelines. Really makes it difficult to stay on the straight and narrow. The most successful people stick to the original guidelines and leave the products alone or use on RARE occasions.

[rose1]

Originally Posted by Jean@125

Just wondering about the boxed south beach meals that come with a wrap. Are they still okay to eat? Thanks Jeanie

I wouldn't eat them. If you do, use them sparingly.

[Judynyc]

Originally Posted by Jean@125

Just wondering about the boxed south beach meals that come with a wrap. Are they still okay to eat? Thanks Jeanie

I stay away from any boxed foods even if it does have the SBD label...its made by kraft and you need to read all ingredient labels. They use HFCS!! and wheat gluten and even sugar!!

[Jean@125]

Thank you all so much. I am amazed at all the products I see in the grocery store. Bars, wraps, puddings and snack packs. Jeanie

[Judynyc]

Originally Posted by blueiowa

Hi Judy, I am new here and have to agree with what you say about flour. it is such a slippery slope for me! Do you have any tips on how to get fiber- veggies I assume. I am concerned about heart health and I was always told to be sure to get fiber - oat bran or steel cut oats- do you use them?
Also, any special hints for desserts (I like the ricotta) on Phase 1 and maintenance?
Thanks!

I get plenty of fiber in the split pea and lentil soups that I make. These are legal for phase I and on.

Oat bran and steel cut oats are great for phase II. Yes, that would be great fiber but it may get in the way of your weight loss.

We are encouraged to eat 2 servings of beans/legumes/lentils a day....1/3-1/2 cup is a serving. This is a lot of good fiber.

No sugar added fudgsicles got me through my phase I and much of my phase II. I am not big ricotta fan but many are and make yummy desserts with it.

Now in maintenance, I do allow myself to have 100 cals of dk chocolate in the evenings. Its my sweet treat.

[blueiowa]

That makes alot of sense with the soups. I tens to think grain when I think fiber- but soups, veggies should play a major role.Great tips! By the way did your blood lipds improve? i am working on that and I would like to get ooff a statin.Thanks!

[Judynyc]

Originally Posted by blueiowa

That makes alot of sense with the soups. I tens to think grain when I think fiber- but soups, veggies should play a major role.Great tips! By the way did your blood lipds improve? i am working on that and I would like to get ooff a statin.Thanks!

I'm ashamed to say that I've not had bloodwork done since I lost this weight...I need to do that!!

I hope that you get off statins...asap!!

Good Luck!

[bailey42]

Judy I just read your journal and OMG what an inspiration you are to others just starting out. I am a type 2 diabetic and am i need of losing 80-90 pounds. I have been very confused since I left Kimkins and had my blood sugar under control without meds. I went off Kimkins due to getting very sick on it and since then have played with soooo many different diets that I have never just stuck to one. I did do Atkins induction recently and was losing great but Memorial weekend BBQ's blew that all to heck. When I do the strict induction type plans I always end up binging because it brings back memories of my Kimkin days and I panic.
Because of the diabetes, I will probably stick to a phase 1.5 with SB. I tried the Sonoma plan and loved that also except even with completly whole grain (health food store type) breads, my sugar would spike with it. Not having breads does not bother me in the least because I never was a bread person anyway. Having some low GI fruits are important to me however because they satisfy me when I want a sweet treat or am at a get together with desserts everywhere. I know for a fact that if I had not been in induction for Memorial day, I could have brought a low GI berry treat for myself with SF whip cream and Splenda and been very satisfied and not felt deprived while others ate desserts.
Since Memorial weekend I have been binging on sweets and chips like crazy. It was like a beast was awakened. Because I was on Atkins induction for the week prior to Memorial weekend and was free of my cravings, I am thinking I may try something like a phase 1.5 to get the last 4 days of carbs under control but not set myself up for another binge. I know if I go straight to phase 1 that I will not do it, because I have been trying that for the last 2 days. I am thinking that maybe a few fruit in there may help me ease back down to phase 1 after a week of phase 1.5
Would I still be welcome here as a SB person if I actually did my own tweaking? If I went back to a phase 1 plus 2 servings of fruit a day, I know I could do it but starting at phase one would make me procrastinate.
Deb

[rose1]

Deb, you do whatever you need to do for yourself. We're here to support you. The reason for starting in phase 1 is to reset your blood chemistry and stop cravings. If you can't do phase 1 totally, then start with it as close as you can. Dr. A says that children, pregnant or lactating women, or athletes should start with phase 2 anyway. There is no reason why you could not be successful if you start with phase 2 as long as you control your choices. Have a little fruit or starchier vegetables, but ALWAYS have it as part of a mini-meal.

[bailey42]

Thank you so much for your input. I will start today and try to keep it as close to phase 1 as I can without binging. If I feel a binge coming on, I will try a small serving of fruit like berries with Splenda. I think just knowing I could have it will help me not feel that deprived feeling and hopfully after a week on this tweaked plan I will be feeling back in control.
Deb

[Kitty-cat1]

I haven't read through this entire post, so I apologize if this is redundant, although I highly doubt it appeals to the majority.
1. The beginning IS.THE.HARDEST! Remember, it will only get easier.
2. If you fall off, get back on. If you fall back off, get back on, again. There is no shame in slipping. I think it's abnormal to not slip. Expect it, live from it and just move on.
3. Unlike MOST people, I DO reward myself with a monthly treat. It gives me something to look forward to, and it prevents me from falling off the plan in between those rewards. I'm not suggesting that everyone rewards themselves this way, but I am saying that you need to let The Beach work for you. If this WOE feels too complicated and hard, then you need to make adjustments. I have been on The Beach for 8 months and it comes as second nature, now. I'm confident in my choices and I DO indulge, like I said, about once a month. I've learned so much about what certain foods do to my body, what my body can handle and what it cannot. For example, I KNOW that I cannot have peanuts. I just cannot have them. I eat too many at a time and the scale suffers. But I can eat two chocolate chip cookies from the local bakery (an example of my monthly snack, not a low-carb cookie, not a low-fat cookie, a REAL cookie), and my body is fine, no weight gain and I'm satisfied. I know that I won't eat more than two, which is why cookies work for me (as the occasional treat). My son's 2nd birthday is in four weeks, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll have a piece of cake. That is my planned treat, and I know that I will not treat myself from now until then. I dunno - it just works for me, and that is my point. Use the principles of the plan and make them work for you.
4. Exercise has completely changed my life. I didn't start exercising until I hit month five. I was putting it off because I was lazy. I did NOT want to do it. I can't tell you for sure what came over me, but one day I jumped on the treadmill and started walking. I wasn't even walking fast. After a week or two I started seeing the weight drop off even more and it served as a HUGE incentive to keep going. A couple months later, I started jogging, and a few weeks after that I was running (something I never, EVER, dreamed I would do).

GOOD LUCK!!!