I'm almost finished with P1W1 and I'm doing so well. I'm so proud of myself and I've finally found something that works for me. So while thinking of P2, I'm reluctant to start adding in carbs. I don't want to stall the weight loss anymore, I'm sick of being fat.

Is it possible to stay on P1 for a little while longer?

It really isn't recommended to stay on Phase 1 longer than the two week period. Just take it S-L-O-W!! There are some great suggestions for entering Phase 2 in the FAQ section.

Hey Jabroni,
You and I are in exactly the same spot it seems. I'll finish Phase 1 Week 1 this Sunday and I've been wondering the same thing. Thanks for asking the question that was on my mind as well. And CONGRATS on a successful week! 8-)

Hey noleschick! You and I have the same amount to lose. We should keep in touch since we both started last week. Honestly this is a lot easier than it was the first time I tried it a few years ago. This time it's gonna stick, I just know it!

Good luck this week!

I know it's not a good idea to cont. on P1 after the first 2 weeks but I might consider it for another week. I'll have to see how things go this time next week. Carbs scare the bajesus out of me!

I sooo know how you feel. I just finished my 3rd week a few days ago and was terrified lol. I bought some whole wheat total that sat in my cabinet for 3 days after I finished Phase 1 before I'd even try it. I usually end up stopping the diet I'm on after the 3rd or 4th week just because I get discouraged, and I went off plan for 2 days feeling sorry for myself. BUT I got right back on because I know I'm ready to lose this weight and I deserve it. I do believe if I would have added back in some whole grain after the first two weeks I may not have gone off plan, simply because, I was so sick of the same food all the time. So my advice is, if you're still having cravings, if you're enjoying the food you're eating and not feeling limited, and if you feel you could stick to Phase 1 a little bit longer, then I say go for it. You have to find what works best for you. Adding in the total didn't make my cravings come back (Thank God) and it also helped get me regular again. Hope that helped...sorry I rambled a lil bit

Jabroni, I felt that way too. I think it's normal to be scared to add the carbs back when Phase I has worked so well. But just follow the good advice already offered and go slow and you'll continue to do well.

Phase 1 is not meant to be a diet menu plan for more than two weeks because you cannot get all of the nutrition your body needs with the restrictions Phase 1 puts on your food choices. It is intended to cut out the simple carbs so your body can detox from those sugars and eliminate the cravings. You have to add fruit and grains back in for your health so you can have a well-rounded diet and be able to continue with this lifestyle change. Certainly, do it slowly, adding one serving of a fruit or grain per week to check on what can trigger cravings for you and also to "ease" your body back into these foods. That said, I don't eat nearly as many grains as I used to. Before I started South Beach I tried to go by the Food Guide Pyramid's recommendations, so I was eating about 6 servings of grains a day, all whole grains, but 6 nonetheless. Now I get in one or two a day and fill up the rest of my calories with lots of fresh veggies, some fresh fruit, and protein.

Hope that helps!

Kara