[Pegesus]

Hello everyone,

I'm a newly registered member and first time poster and I'd like to say if this question has already been asked, I apologize.

I have been reading for a few weeks and I haven't seen this addressed.

I have NO desire to do phase 1 but I feel quite comfortable with the phase 2 lists and would be happy to start that way. I know I won't lose the 7 to 10 pounds of water weight but that doesn't concern me too much. If I could steadily and surely lose the 2 pounds a week, I'd be very pleased.

Has anyone else tried this?

(I haven't read the book but just the article about the diet in Prevention Magazine and what I've read here.)

Thanks, everyone.

[clovey]

Hmmm Hi Pegasus! Welcome!

I think the bottom line is to do whatever works for you. I am sure you would lose weight very well just following phase two style eating plan, as it is healthy and designed for it.

However, the advantage of preceding it with phase one was (for me) that the cravings for carbs, which I barely knew I had before, did go away. I am not sure that I would have noticed as directly the impact of high glycaemic carbs on my energy and mental state if I had not done the phase one cold turkey on them.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

[January]

Hi Pegesus & Welcome,
In response to your question, I wouldn't advise skipping Phase 1, as it is an important part of the plan. (And believe me, NONE of us relished the idea of Phase 1!!!)...But the purpose of Phase 1 is not actually to drop a large amount of weight-that (happily) happens as a result of it. Phase 1 is designed to detox your body, get rid of carb cravings (which I am afraid will NOT go away without doing this phase...thus making it harder on yourself in the long run).
Also, you are NOT strictly losing water weight in Phase 1. Some, of course is water, but my limiting the intake of carbs our bodies begin to process the food we eat differently. You are actually losing some fat in Phase 1. You should really read the book..it is an excellent way to learn about the important changes your body will be undergoing...altho, personally, I think Dr. A should have had a better editor...kinda choppily written in places! But the content is good and helpful. I refer to the book constantly.
Now of course, if Phase 2 (where you would like to start from) istotally different from your normal way of eating, naturally, you will probably lose weight, slowly, just from the change in habits alone...however, bear in mind what I said about the carb cravings...I was a carb addict (really) before this...my whole diet was based around pasta & bread with a few veggies thrown in for color!
I can honestly tell you, that after I finsihed Phase 1 in january, I have not touched bread or pasta & more importantly, I don't even want to!
Only you can decide what is best for you, but IMHO, I would do Phase 1, because I unerstand the importance of it.
Good Luck
January

[CrystalCaity]

Could you try phase 1 for a week instead of two? That might make it more bearable. Though, once you get started, it's pretty easy to keep going. I don't know if it's advisable to only do it for a week, but it might be worth it and detox your body just enough to go through phase 2 happily.

Determine what would be so hard about phase 1 for you. For me, it's chocolate. Not only do I not crave chocolate now, but if I really need a fix, I can make mocha ricotta.

Reading the book really breaks it all down and made me see things differently. Good luck!

[Pegesus]

Thanks everyone,

I guess the main reason I don't want to do phase 1 is the lack of fruit. I eat an apple or an orange every day. I will miss pasta but I know I've got to get over it if I ever have any hope of getting this weight off before my 50th birthday this year!

I guess I can do it....and I will get the book. Thanks again.

[January]

Good Job, Pegesus!
You can do it & we'll be here to help you thru it every step of the way!
This is a very supportive group & full of great ideas & tips..and a lot of fun, too!
The 2 weeks goes VERY quickly.
Jan

[dynagrrl]

If fruit is your biggest worry, I ate the sf jello, lime flavoured. It made a HUGE difference!!!!!

[clovey]

I really really missed fruit in phase one, and a lot of people say the same, but it is such a joy when you add it back!! and really two weeks is nothing. 14 measly days.

One of the things I found was that I appreciated the fruit more when I started having it again. And that first bowl of blueberries.....

Actually, I cheated half way through phase one and had a bowl of blueberries, but I did not phase one for three weeks, so it was ok.