Is the South Beach Diet a good idea?

I think it's acceptable, although unnecessarily restrictive for those that know better. If it gives you the confidence that you can change your eating habits and allows you to begin your own journey then that can only be a good thing.

I think it's acceptable, although unnecessarily restrictive for those that know better. If it gives you the confidence that you can change your eating habits and allows you to begin your own journey then that can only be a good thing.

If you believe SBD is unnecessarily restrictive, you've never tried Atkins. I couldn't do it for 2 days, let alone 2 weeks!

I started SB in 2005, weighing 245 lbs. After one year of SB living I was at 170. I did gain back some, but in mine and SB's defense, I had two kids since then, and depression from the loss of my daughter. I wasn't healthy mentally and just didn't care to fuel my body with good foods.

It does restrict during the first phase.. but for me, I needed that restriction to retrain my body not to constantly pack in the sugar and carbs. By the time I was eating more carbs, I naturally did not crave them. SB saved my life honestly. It has taught me healthy ways to eat. I was a chips and coke gal., since 2004 I naturally limit junk food, and read EVERY label before buying it. ( also taught me how to read labels.) I eat only lean meats, whole grains, low fat dairy... all things sb encourages. I eat like a SB'er still, even here on MFP. Just varies now... some days my log looks like phase 1... some days its like phase 2, other days phase 3. I don't follow strictly now, I don't feel I need it, but THEN... I did. Any way of living that you dedicate at least a year to sticks with you, and carries over years later, even when you don't realize it, so choose wisely. Just because it is my idea of healthy living doesn't mean it's everyone's.

I believe you would have accomplished and learned to do all of that on your own.. but congrats on your success!

Anything that excludes anything that is not a poison is too restrictive for me ... It's just not necessary. Following macros, eating at least 80-90% whole foods (including lots of vegetables, fruit and water) and following a sensible exercise program will never sell a book though.

You know what - I'd always just assumed this was another fad diet ala Adkins that was unsafe/unhealthy/etc because I never felt like it was worth looking into, and thus I was ignorant about it. But thanks to this thread, I did a little research, and turns out that it's a pretty awesome approach to eating!

The only thing is that it's a brilliant piece of marketing, because it slapped a name on the diet I already do on my own - only good carbs and good fats, etc. Is there anything else about it that makes it "unique"?

Also, I'd avoid the SBD brand foods for the simple reason that they're all made by Kraft Foods (ie: heavily processed), but overall I'm glad I learned something new today.

Rock on South Beachers!

That is awesome! Good for you for actually researching! I think people get caught up by the 2 weeks with no grains and fruit, but the intention of those 2 weeks are to rid your body of cravings. Which it completely works because I don't crave sweets at all. Then when you start slowly adding them in it teaches your body how to respond to fruit and grains without your body craving sweets right away. I love that slow process. Eventually I am now able to have a treat without getting out of control. It's a wonderful feeling. I love that during the initial 2 week period they encourage lots of vegetables. I am very leery of a diet that is so lo-carb they want to limit your veggies! that is just wrong.

Anything that excludes anything that is not a poison is too restrictive for me ... It's just not necessary. Following macros, eating at least 80-90% whole foods (including lots of vegetables, fruit and water) and following a sensible exercise program will never sell a book though.

I find counting calories pretty restrictive.

My best friend and I tried South Beach a few years ago. We were only like 16 at the time, so going into Phase 1 was probably not the wisest decision. We were SO weak and tired after only a day. I remember on that first day, we decided to go out and get something to eat. Since neither of us could drive, we went somewhere local: McDonalds. I ordered a grilled chicken salad and picked shredded carrots out of the salad because carrots aren't "phase 1 friendly." THAT was depressing.

Needless to say, we both gave in by day two, but I've considered giving it another go on occasion. One of my personal problems is that they only allow sugar-free sweets. I can't eat "sugar-free." I also have not quite adjusted to the taste of plain Greek yogurt. I LOVE Chobani, but even if I get plain I have to add a teaspoon or two of honey- berries just don't sweeten it QUITE enough for me. I generally go for the flavored ones- including the tubes and new "Bites". Honestly, that would probably be one of the hardest things for me to give up. One of my standard breakfasts is 6 oz of Chobani with berries, old fashioned oats, and chia seeds.

I still consider it on occasion, but the fact that I can't enjoy my favorite yogurt until I get to phase 3 (in about 45 pounds) is a little depressing.

For me, I believe South Beach is safe. It's based on the glycemic index of foods. I've lost a total of 25 pounds since the first of the year (this was aided by regular exercise too). I was also diagnosed as pre diabetic this week, and my physician whole heartedly supports my decision to follow the South Beach plan.

Learning about foods, about carbs, about blood sugar is informative as well. A question, though, does South Beach require you to buy something, other than maybe book, or a web subscription.

I couldn't agree more. The only SB products I buy are the protein bars and I only eat them when playing golf or when I miss lunch, and it's certainly not required. I don't find eating this way at all restrictive.
For anyone interested I have a bunch of SB friendly recipes on my Pinterest page: www.pinterest.com/issypal

imho, buying the south beach bars isn't much different than the various shakes etc that folks buy.