[mikeysmommy]

Hello Everyone * waving very enthusiastically *
So, tomorrow morning will be my first official day on South Beach.
I have the book and have read it and will probably keep it close by to refer to. I must say that I am very impressed with all the SB information on this forum. It's very well organized and all the recipes will make it a bunch easier to stay on plan. I know the rules and I just have to apply them starting as soon as my eyes open in the morning! I am sure questions will pop up as I go and just needing support in general. Looking forward to getting to know you all better. I will be here a long time because I have A LOT of weight to lose. I am only 5 feet tall and weigh a whopping 263 pounds. Ideally I would like to get to 125 pounds.
Let's get to goal together!

[cottagebythesea]

to the Beach, I know it's Fall, but it's always warm and sunny here on the Beach!

[LitChick]

Welcome!

Don't worry, you're not the only one with a lot of weight to lose - but it can be done!

I've been trying a lot of the recipes here on the forum. Our favorites so far are the cola chicken, the salsa chicken and the taco bake.

[Ruthxxx]

Mikeysmommy, and to The Beach. I'm glad you are going to hang out with us a long time so we can get to know you really well! Please join us on the daily chat where we share our lives - good and bad parts.

[BrunetteBunny]

Hi there mikeysmommy! My Hubby and I are starting South Beach tomorrow too! I just told him "Hey, I know there's a buncha South Beacher's over on 3fatchicks!" Lol* We will have to keep in touch and see how we do! I have quite a bit to lose too! I'm 5'2 and I weigh 202 pounds...I lost 8 pounds by accident - I think due to my oldest daughter beginning preschool and making me run all over the place! I actually don't have the South Beach Diet book, I borrowed the one at Wal-Mart to do my shopping! I sorta wanted to try it out before I bought the book. I just used the guide to shop and tomorrow am going to pick up the book *crosses fingers that it's in* from the Library...or borrow it from my parents who have a copy of both the diet book and the cookbook. They both lost quite a bit of weight on the plan, and so did my Aunt and Uncle. I weighed a healthy 123 when I met my Hubby (before I had my two daughters) and am hoping to get back to that weight or even a little lower. I just want to look good in a pair of jeans again! Lol* Well, good luck tomorrow!

[mikeysmommy]

Thanks for the warm welcome Ruthxxx, LitChick and cottagebythesea
I have been looking at the recipes and getting motivated to make lots of them!
I will definetely put cola chicken, salsa chicken and the taco bake on my menu in the VERY near future! I have never made cola chicken before but I can imagine that it's delicious!
I have a lean burger cooking up on the grill outside right now. I LOVE food on the grill
I got some of those veggie sausage patties this morning at Costco. I am going to try to incorporate those into my menu at breakfast. Try something different.

[mikeysmommy]

Originally Posted by BrunetteBunny

Hi there mikeysmommy! My Hubby and I are starting South Beach tomorrow too!

Hi BrunetteBunny
That's awesome that you and hubby are doing this together! My hubby is going to be doing it for the MOST part tee hee. He just can't give up sushi I make it homemade for him. I AM however going to try to make it with brown rice later because he said he had some with brown rice made at a grocery store the other day and actually preferred the taste! He is really trying to behave for the most part. His cholesterol is pretty high and he's also a diabetic (both of us have blood glucose problems)
Stick tight and let's get this WEIGHT OFF ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!

[BrunetteBunny]

Lol* Thanks mikeysmommy - I'm a goob...I didn't realize your original post was from yesterday until now...so I'm taking it your first day went well! Lol* My Hubby I think will stick to the plan pretty good...as long as I help him come up with some meals that he likes. I have never had sushi! Does it taste fishy? (That's probably a dumb question! Lol*) It's so popular now too. I'm actually really nervous about trying different types of fish...I really didn't try much when growing up so I haven't any idea what I'd like. Are you a fish person? Any suggestions? Alright, well, I'm off to enjoy my gazillionth can of Diet Coke for the evening...since I can't have much tomorrow. I think that might actually be the biggest hurdle for me since I'm really addicted to caffiene. But it will be good for me, so I'm gonna try! Woohee!

[mikeysmommy]

BrunetteBunny - I don't eat the sushi that is raw so I don't get the fishy taste really. I like the California rolls (crabmeat - USUALLY imitation crab meat) it's really yummy! I like the eel one too. I ended up Liking it before I KNEW what it was - than it was too late ha ha. I like the all veggie ones too. I don't like the caviar on the outside though - just can't get over the little fish eggs around the outside. I am going to have to stay away from sushi though because it makes my blood fly through the air and also I want to be successful on SB and I know that rice WILL cause me cravings. It's hard enough trying to fight the CHOCOLATE monster! I don't want to have to fight that rice monster too!
As far as fish...we eat Salmon - usually bake it in the oven with dill, pepper, and lemon juice - usually lay lemon slices on the top too. Or, we put Lipton onion soup mix over the top to bake (but we put about a tsp/tbsp. depending on how big the salmon filet is of mayo spread thin before we put the Lipton soup mix on it because it sticks better. We noticed the tiny bit of mayo keeps the fish really moist too.
We eat Mahi Mahi and like cod and snapper. I think if you are not a fish person the safest fish for you to try are the white fishes - like cod etc. I make these tuna muffins that are really good (if you like tuna fish you should try them!) they are tasty. Let me know if you want the recipe they have egg and diced veggies in it! I had made a tartar with jalapeno and dill and it was YUMMY!
I am excited about trying new recipes!
I am addicted to caffeine as well. It's a rough one to taper down on.
I am down to one latte a day now. That is the one thing that I really like about South Beach. I can still have lattes! As long as they are sugar free and non fat/low fat. Portion control is such a huge issue with me. I have to really watch my portions and not let myself get away with stuff.
I am headed into the lovely time of the month soon and my cravings are starting to scream CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE - I will have to resist them calling my name. I am thinking that I need to plan a week of menus in advance and just stick to it. I have a little 18 month old that keeps me hopping so it might help to have things planned out. Have you written out any meal plans?
Ok, I'm going to go and get my Diet Dr. Pepper and get the dishes done and one more load of laundry ( the never ending pile of clothes )
I'm so excited to see how you like day one on SB

[Ruthxxx]

to you too, BrunetteBunny. Please be sure to check out the Revised Phase I Foodlist in the FAQ section for the updated list of foods.

I am going to start a Phase I Start/Restart Thread for folks starting Phase I this week. You could post your menus and questions in there and the experienced SBDers will critique. Please join us in the daily chat too.

[BrunetteBunny]

Ruthxxx - thanks for the warm welcome! I will definitely check out the Phase I thread and I have already checked out the food list...since I'm just borrowing the book, it's a HUGE help! Thank you!

mikeysmommy - I will totally take your advice about the white fish, and I do like tuna quite a bit, and I would love your recipe! Thanks! Howsa'bout Tilapia? Is that how it's spelled? My parents began eating it a lot when they did SB...I never did ask them how they cooked it! The crabmeat sushi sounds pretty good, I love crab meat...and I will have to try the Lipton mix over fish...put it on the Salmon? What heat/time do you generally cook that at? I'm a fish virgin for the most part! Lol* That might be something I could get my Hubby to eat...I would love to get us eating fish regularly...it's so good for you!
I haven't tried planning out any meals yet, and I have two little ones (my oldest 4 and my youngest 9 months) so I know what you mean about convenience. If you have a hectic schedule that might really help ya out. I used to plan meals a lot when I worked and we were on a very tight budget...it made things so much easier, especially grociery shopping. Sometimes I'd cook things the night before and just re-heat it the next evening to cut down on cooking time. I should start doing that again! I'm a big snacker though, so having the all you can eat snacks around works for me too.
Well, I've got breakfast done, and it really felt like we were cheating! I'm not an egg kinda girl, but I had my two slices of turkey bacon (something we usually eat anyhow so not a big change for us) and crumbled my Hubby's over his scrambled egg beaters. I think today will be easy because we're so motivated right now. I think tomorrow or the day after will be when we start to get grumpy! My Hubby's worried his late night sugar craving is going to be difficult for him...I'm gonna head off to look for some good Phase I treat ideas! Good luck today to you too! *woohee!*

[mikeysmommy]

BrunetteBunny
Tilapia YES! YUM! That is another one that we eat a lot. I usually just put the fish filets in a pan in the oven with a little EVOO and whatever spices I want and then bake. I usually use 350 degrees. Depending on the thickness of the fish the time varies (usually around 30 minutes). You will know that it's done when the fish is flaky and white. My favorite for the Tilapia is a lemon/pepper seasoning and dill. Fresh lemon slices baked on top work wonderful as well. Does your hubby like sugar free fudgesicles? Perhaps that would help with the sweet tooth cravings. Also, I would highly recommend getting ricotta and making the ricotta desserts that are in the SB book. I am sure the ricotta cream recipes are listed in the recipes on the SB forum here. Basically all it is - 1/2 cup ricotta (believe it's the part skim) and add sugar free flavoring to it (like any of the sugar free Davinci syrups) or you can use Splenda. There is a really yummy one with unsweetened cocoa powder/splenda and I think it was slivered almonds for more of a tiramisu flavor. Also those cheesecake muffins are AWESOME! It's like a legal but feels naughty treat for when the sweet cravings are attacking! A lot of people like those for a change of pace for breakfast. You have your hands full with your two little ones! It's going to be awesome because they are going to see Mom and Dad eating healthy and will join in You know I was just thinking, Lipton onion soup mix might not be alright for SB - the only reason is because I think it has sugar in it.... I don't have anymore in the pantry so I can't check. I just looked up a mock recipe for it online and I think the sugar could be swapped for Splenda and make LEGAL Lipton Onion soup mix SAFE for South Beach! It's nice that for the most part ANYTHING can be modified to be legal. Okay, I gotta go and shower and get moving and do things around here. Talk to you soon!!! remember to drink your water!

Modified Lipton Onion soup Mix homemade (with Splenda)
Ingredients:
3/4 cup minced onion
1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
4 teaspoons onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed celery seed
1/4 teaspoon sugar (USE SPLENDA)


Directions:

Combine all ingredients. Store in tight fitting container. About 5 Tbls. of mix are equal to 1 1.25 oz pkg. Use in making soup or onion dip

Onion Dip: Mix 5 Tbls. with one pint of sour cream.

This recipe for Lipton`s Onion Soup serves/makes 1 cup


Here is the recipe for the tuna muffins!

TUNA OR SALMON MUFFINS
2 6-ounce cans tuna or salmon, drained well
2 eggs
1/4 cup celery, chopped fine, 1 ounce
2 tablespoons onion, chopped fine, 1/2 ounce
1/4 cup green pepper, minced, 1 ounce
2 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (reduced cheese/even mozzarella works)Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch Old Bay seasoning

Mix all ingredients and spoon into 6 well-greased muffin cups. Bake at 350º for 30 minutes until puffed, set and lightly browned around the edges.

Makes 6 servings
Can be frozen

Per Serving: 109 Calories; 8g Fat; 12g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 1g Net Carbs


I serve these with Tartar Sauce or Chipotle Mayo. They are also really good topped with sautéed peppers, onions and mushrooms, then a bit of the Chipotle Mayo.

Here's a slightly larger recipe:

TUNA OR SALMON MUFFINS
Three 6 ounce cans tuna or salmon, well-drained
3 eggs
1 stalk celery, chopped fine
1/2 medium green pepper, chopped fine, 2 1/4 ounces
3 tablespoons onion, chopped fine, 2 ounces
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (reduced cheese/even mozzarella works)


Mix all ingredients and spoon into 12 well-greased muffin cups. Bake at 350º for 30 minutes until puffed, set and lightly browned around the edges.

Makes 12 servings

Per Serving: 109 Calories; 8g Fat; 12g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 1g Net Carbs

[Ruthxxx]

Mikeys Mom, could you please split off these recipes and post them in thr appropriate part of the recipe sections. They look good. Don't worry if they don't post immediately. I am "moderating" all recipes put in there to keep out "food porn". These will be approved darn fast if I'm around.
Lipton soup mix does have sugar but I bet the beef bouillon granules do too. However, we will go nuts if we are too persnickety about things and I could be wrong!

[BrunetteBunny]

mikeysmommy - thanks for the recipes! We will definitely try them out! I picked up some of the sugar free fudgesicles today too, thanks for the tip, Hubby doesn't eat chocolate so I got him PButter and the sugar free/fat free cool whip to make some of those PButter recipes I saw over on the Phase I deserts thread. We're gonna try the tilapia too! I have never used EVOO, but I keep hearing a lot about it. I will have to try that! It sounds really good - especially now that I'm kinda getting "fatty food" cravings! Oh my gosh, it's like fried food/sugary food detox! Lol* This evening has been a bit rougher than I anticipated - I didn't do so hot at my shopping yesterday so I went out again today to pick up some more items (I had seasoned chicken broth, celery, and healthy choice lunch meat for lunch...I couldn't count on two hands how many times I wanted to run over to McDonald's or Taco Bell)...Dinner was pretty good though, but I forgot to get lettuce for salad, so, I'm gonna make one more short trip to the store. They are gonna think I'm nuts over there! Lol* We ended up having a kinda low cal shrimp scampi for dinner! I had some cottage cheese and baby dills 'cause I'd forgot to pick up the lettuce, but the shrimp turned out so good...reminded me of being at Red Lobster, and gave me some hope! I also had to use up my nut and sweets for the day with some of the cool whip and PButter...earlier I snacked on some sugar free strawberry jello. I have a major sweet tooth so that really helped. So, a snacky day, pretty unstructured I know, but I made it! I'm gonna plan tomorrow's meals, I think you're totally right now, it's so much better if I make a menu! I did pretty good with my diet coke, I am a little embarassed to say I have you beat in the too much coke dept...I usually drink on average 8 a day...but today I had three! I was gonna try two, but I got a major caffiene headache, and craving, so I drank a third. I had no coffee today either, so I think that was pretty good. I need to get off the caffiene! It's getting nuts. Well, I hope you did good today! Can't wait to hear! Talk to you soon!

[mikeysmommy]

All in all it sounds like you had a great day on the Beach! I'm proud of you!!!
Good job!!! The grocery store people are going to know you by name!
Your food for the day sounds YUMMERS! Good job on getting the stuff for the sweet treats for you guys. The pb cup things for hubby sound yummy.
Today I had morning star veggie sausage for breakfast and a low fat shake
Lunch: Lean pastrami with cheese nuked and side salad
Dinner: chicken cooked with celery, red pepper, green pepper, onion, few peanuts thrown in and a little EVOO and some red chile flakes for some heat! It was my mock kung pao ha ha.
I had a HUGE glass of apple zinger tea - (soaked the tea bag for about 10 minutes with about 1 cup of water and) then put that over a bunch of ice, added some fresh lemon juice and a tsp of Splenda and added more water to make this monster beverage as big as my head so I have been doing the potty dance a lot. I also had a sugar free toasted marshmellow, sugar free hazelnut latte iced. Oh and 2 Dr. Pepper I have sugar free jello that I need to make. I think I have lemon so perhaps I better make some of that for snack/sweet cravings!
Huge hugs and you are doing awesome my dear!