I did print the Phase I list up top, as I have the old, original book. But I was wondering, for the pros here...What is the absolutes that I MUST have in-stock to be successful in your opinion? I plan on stocking up on Sat. Even brand names would be great..such as salad dressing..I find it hard to find good lower sugar ones?? Thanks!

For salad dressing, I have been using Olive oil and rice vinegar only, since I am not sure what is legal, and it works for me.

I don't love a lot of the vegetables that we are free to have, so I have been stocking up on celery, and things for salads.

I don't like the taste of splenda, so I have given up most sweet things. I have SF gum and the occasional diet soda as a "treat".

Rice Vinegar? That is a new one on me? Are you still on Phase I? I am really wondering IF I can do this?

You'll really have to experiment and look around to find what you like. I'll tell you what my staples are, but I'm sure everyone's are different.
I almost always have on hand:
Trader Joe's Goddess dressing, canned tuna, canned beans, natural peanut butter, assorted nuts, Laughing Cow Lite Cheese, eggs, skim milk, NSA fudgesicles, Fage 0% Greek Yogurt.

I am stocking up...So far I have beans, beans and more beans, albacore, sardines, salmon, skinless chicken breast, baby tomatoes, Goddess dressing, SB Italian dressing, Omega-3 eggs, Baby organic yogurt 4 oz., cheese, FIJI water, Lean Cuisine's with meat & veggies only.

Has anyone tried the South Beach frozen meals? The breakfast burrito looks good??

The breakfast burritos wouldn't be Phase 1 friendly because of the wrap.

Are the yogurts you got the YoBaby ones? They're whole milk yogurt with sugar added, so not OK for Phase 1 (or really any phase of South Beach), although my one year old eats them.

Read the ingredients on the Lean Cuisine's. Make sure there are no hidden starches or sugars.

Baby tomatoes! Yum! I love them on cottage cheese. Mmmmm! Great snack or quick lunch (or breakfast, at that!).

My staples are loads of veggies (zucchini, broccoli, romaine, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, snap peas, etc.) and quick snack ideas (nuts, pre-cut veggies, cheese sticks).

Good luck!

Kara

Oh pooey!I went and re-read my double check...LOL! They do have added sugar!!!?? I thought the * meant only from the whole milk source? Man..you have to be soooo careful!! Pooey. Looks like the plain really is the only good way to go??

Yeah...I only saw a couple of Phase I..and they didn't look so good? The LC are safe...one is grilled chicken with spinach and cheese.

I am going to miss my Better than Peanut butter from TJ's! It is out of this world good. TJ;s has the best baby tomates...never thought about them with cottage cheese?? Gonna try that.

What's Better than Peanut Butter?

I miss Trader Joe's!

Kara

It really is better than peanut butter. It is peanuts, natureal sugar cane, and tapioca pudding. Very smooth and so good on gala apples. It will now have to be an occasional weekend treat.

I think what has helped me the most so far (I'm on day 9 of P1) is having a plan. Before I started I sat down and looked through the recipes in the book and on here; I copied the ones that fit us the best, and I made my shopping list from those recipes and snack ideas. I didn't know exactly what days we would have those dishes, but I knew that's what we would be eating for the week, and I've stuck to it (well, I did partake of a wafer dipped in grape juice on Sunday, but it wasn't like I could refuse to take Communion because it didn't fit into my diet, right? lol)

Anyway, that was my overly long way of saying that *my* absolute must for Phase 1 was a firm plan and shopping only from that plan.

Good luck! Phase 1 will go by faster than you think - at least it has for me so far!

Jennifer, I took communion on Day 2 of Phase 1 back in December, and it didn't do anything. I figured God would intervene and cleanse me from the physical ramifications if needed!

Kara

I never thought about Communion! I wouldn't think of skipping it though. It's so small it shouln't interfere. Like you said, I'm sure God wouldn't let it screw up your diet.

I completely agree on this. Having a plan really helps me stay on track, with all my meals and snacks all planned out in advance. I like to make and freeze lots of meals in advance, too, for the times I don't have time to cook. Knowing I can just defrost and heat up a tasty meal in a matter of minutes is invaluable!

The staples I like to keep on hand are ff Greek yogurt, sf jello, eggs, a variety of lf cheeses and string cheese, boneless skinless chicken breasts, and tons of veggies - both fresh and frozen. And I'm totally addicted to Trader Joe's Organic Low Sodium Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup.

They have a low sodium butternut squash soup, too, jillybean! I just stocked up on them again today!