South Beach Diet

Exactly right Laura, I think that most people think that phase 1 is where it ends. Phase 1, can even be skipped, it's simply getting your blood sugar under control.

And it is a diet that is achievable for the rest of your life. I lost 75 pounds on the SBD and kept it off for 5 years until I started eating burgers and fries for lunch every day. Not because of the diet, but because I CHOSE to eat unhealthy food. Any diet plan, or way of eating would be destroyed by doing that .

Healthy eating is just that, healthy eating. There doesn't need to be a label, but what works for one won't work for another. The SBD principles work for me, I love veggies, I enjoy eating fresh foods, and I can generally use it's guidelines to make a good choice in a restaurant situation. And it even allows me to eat dessert when I want. It's helped me figure out why I can't eat just one donut (white sugar and white flour are a really bad combination for me) and make the choice to not eat them so I don't crave food later. It's not a cure-all, it's a tool, and just like any other tool, is only as good as the person using it.

And it is a diet that is achievable for the rest of your life. I lost 75 pounds on the SBD and kept it off for 5 years until I started eating burgers and fries for lunch every day. Not because of the diet, but because I CHOSE to eat unhealthy food. Any diet plan, or way of eating would be destroyed by doing that .

Oceanrose, you are right on the button! I lived on SBD for years, and still follow what I learned religeously! Nothing WHITE (except cauliflower!!!), GOOD oils, protein at every meal, fill up with as much fiber as possible, and try to have 3 moderate meals plus 2 or 3 healthy snack every day! And this way of life came about because Dr Agatston was working on a healthy way for his heart patients to live and be active. While developing this, his staff discovered those who were trying his plan were losing weight! It was NOT initially developed as a weight loss diet! If properly followed, one should feel healthy and alive!

My departure happened when, after years of overdoing my daily exercise routine (race walking, aerobics, weight lifting, zumba, plus almost any new discovery), I wore out my hip and required a replacement. The hospital food was not a problem: it was simply inedible! But 2 weeks in rehab...typical institutional "comfort" food...and my weight and tastes started to backfire, plus no more 5-7 miles of speedwalking daily, and no more gym, and over 3 years, I gained around 40 pounds. At 40, one has time to get back in shape. At 80, it becomes crucial for one's health. My Dr said to cut calories. I did! I gained more weight. I was really feeling desperate when one of the staff in my Dr's office said "You need our nutritionist. You are in starvation mode" and she set up an appointment.

I am now on approximately 1200 calories a day, and here My Fitness Plan is like a miracle, because it tells me exactly WHERE I'm messing up! I journal evry single day. And basically, I am eating South Beach Diet rules, and there are things I simply cannot get myself to eat---especially WHITE ANYTHING! Nuts are great snacks, 1200 calories keeps me very full, but I force myself when I'm able. Once we are in our 80's, doctors are a frequent occurence, and on days I have "procedures, I often don't eat enough,, and the scale will NOT budge down!

So do not eat less than 1200 calories a day. In SBD, it's OK to skip the 2st 2 weeks. They often cause constipation, and they are merely a kick-start for the impatient! Just read the rules, understand the what and why of SBD, and think of it as a truly healthy lifestyle.

It took me 3 years to recover my strength after the hip surgery, and I ended up with the new hip being higher than the other, so my entire walking gait has changed. I now prefer walking to a Jane Fonda or Leslie Sansone DVD, under a fan in my air-conditioned comfort. Sometimes that's necessary anyway, in Florida. But I find I cannot consider eating stuff unacceptable on South Beach Diet, and ;though at my age, it's much more difficult to lose pounds, I gladly settle for the ounces going down!
Buzz