Hi!
I have tried South Beach a couple times. I usually end up quitting before the end of the first week of P1, but I am always drawn back to the wonderful recipes (which makes me want to try again!).
One issue that comes up for me every time is the expense. Here in PA, in the wintertime especially, certain things are pretty expensive, like all the fresh veggies and leaner cuts of meat.
Does anyone here have good suggestions for how to make it through while on a tight budget? I recently made up menus & grocery lists for 3 different things I was thinking of doing. South Beach again, Volumetrics, and a "South Beach Shake (convenience foods, really) Diet" I had read about in Women's World or something like that.
Sadly, the "SB Shake Diet" ended up having the shortest, cheapest list. I know I'm not going to want to use bars and drinks for the duration. They help me get back on track when I've gotten off track, and I am able to gradually work into smart options in "real food."
I figure in a couple weeks, I'm going to be ready to get back on the regular SB plan, but again, I'm worried about the impact it will have on my pocketbook.
So, any hints for how to do South Beach cheaply (I try to follow the actual menus and a lot of recipes, which I think affects things) would be very appreciated!
Thanks!