Hey ladies! I'm SO glad I found this website! For a few weeks now I've been saying to myself that I need to get back to eating better and exercising...but now I've made up my mind to do it!! I've bought an elliptical that should be here by Tuesday...I made that decision because I know me and know that plus exercise tapes plus walking my two dogs will be the best combo for exercise. For food choices...I'll be going back to the beach...I tried south beach about a year ago and lost weight...but then crashed and burned. This time I feel serious about it and am getting excited!! This website has a great deal of information that I"m excited about! Any tips for just starting out will be greatly appreciated!!!

One question so far...I see lots of things calling for protein powder...can anyone recommend a brand that's best??

Haven't picked a start day yet as I haven't had a chance to make out a grocery list ...one day this week though!!

Thanks!!!
--Mandy

Hey MandyLeigh -

Protein powder preferences are SO individual! See if you can find a health food store that sells in individual serving size packets and try a couple. That's how I found my current favorite brand.

Have you seen our South Beach forums? Go over and visit! Such great ideas for those on the Beach.

Can't wait to see you around.

Good morning everybody!! I know in my first post that I said I didn't know when my start day would be...but it's today!! I'm so excited I almost feel silly being this excited over starting a diet...lol!! I went to the grocery store yesterday and should be set for the first week!!

I have been over to the SB forums and LOVE them...that's where I got most of my ideas for meals this week!!

Happy Monday!!
--Mandy

Mandyleigh. I'm doing SB too. Have a great first day and post any questions, etc. Everyone is really helpful and supporitve.

Thanks for the advice about the protein powder...will hopefully get to the store today to see if they have different sample packs or whatnot.

So I got on the scale at work yesterday for an official weigh-in for day 1...LOL....it was 3 pounds heavier than what I imagined it to be...but I was okay with that because I know I'm now taking steps to get it to say what I want it to...and that the scale will NEVER say that number again!!!

Maybe ya'll can steer me in the right direction. I'd like a place where I can give a daily update...but doubt anyone wants to read that...is there somewhere that I can start a journal or anything?

My elliptical SHOULD come in today and I already have help lined up to help set it up tonight....i'm soooooooo excited about that!!

Anyhow...thanks again....Happy Tuesday!
--Mandy

MandyLeigh! You're expecting an elliptical? That's awesome - it's GREAT cardio exercise with no impact to your joints, which is really neat.

As for protein powder, I highly recommend Hank's Finest Protein Milkshake, located here: http://www.healthfitnesschannel.com/index22.html - it really is the best tasting out of all the protein powders I've tried.

Myoplex protein shakes are not bad, either... though you should definitely stay away from Pure Protein Powder and Designer Whey - both taste like BUTT!