Anyone know of a plan that is low carb (which seems to work for me when I stick to it), but doesn't restrict me from fruit?!

I'm on day 3 of south beach, and failed miserably today when I had a bagel. *ouch* I was out and about, and have an aversion to eggs (which the only other things they offered was omelets)...and choose not to sit there gnawing on a piece of sausage (which Southbeach says no to that anyway, lol)

Anyway, thanks for reading!

Have you tried just calorie counting? Works for me anyway. The low carb diets do work for me, but I LIKE fruits and veggies, and they're good for me. I refuse to believe that they aren't. So I just count my calories, and tend to stay away from "white" carbs (pasta, bread, potatoes, corn, etc.). My carb count is pretty high according to fitday - I tend to operate about 60%, but that's because of my 4 - 5 pieces of fruit a day. Oh well, I'm losing weight, and I feel good.

I vote for calorie counting, too. More flexible than low carb.

Ditto for me. I can't eat a lot of my favorite carbs because I'm gluten intolerant, but I still get plenty in with fruits, veggies, beans, rice, etc. I count calories and it works well for me. Nothing is restricted; everything in moderation, and you learn how to eat sensibly.

well southbeach- the first phase is only 2 weeks long. i would say try it again. i can't have dairy or eggs and i'm giving it a go. substituting a few things here and there won't kill you- if you have fruit for breakfast- while not on plan- i think you're fine. much better than having a bagel (most bagels do have eggs in them, FYI) good luck!! if you need a south beach phase 1 buddy let me know, i'm getting back on it today!

I'd say calorie counting. It makes you more aware of your choices. You could aim for a certain level of protein (which would naturally restrict your carbs). I do about 30% protein, 25% fat, which leaves around 45% carbs.

i'd have to agree with the calorie counters! i am a carboholic. i tried to give up carbs for 2 days and realized they make up about 90% of my diet because i'm such a picky eater. i started calorie counting and did it for about 3 months, still eating everything i love (including brownie sundaes hehe) just less of it, and now its just a way of life for me. i don't even think about calories most of the time, just portions now and can still eat everything i love...including mounds and mounds of watermelon.

I think you will get my vote on not only calorie counting but food portioning as well.

works well for me when I decide to stick with it. =/

Calorie counting, build your own plan that you can stick to long term.

Wow! Thanks everyone! I didn't expect to get so many responses!

Carcar05 - I'm starting back on my diet as of..well after I ate that bagel. Ha! So, I'll be a good dooby again. I am going to modify it a bit, I will have a piece of fruit in the morning, or perhaps some FF plain yogurt. I'll be happy to be your South Beach buddy! Oh, and the egg thing...I can deal with eggs that are hidden in delicious stuff, like cake :P

jelder 227- I completely agree with you! Fruits/Veggies are always a good thing, no matter what people say :P

I've tried calorie counting, and it never really got me anywhere. Once I get over these terrible two weeks and I hit the second phase, I will be concentrating more on carbs in moderation. When I don't feel restricted, I do a lot better. Just a rebel I guess A rebel that needs to drop 20. lol

I calorie count and keep my fat in moderation - it works well for me, since I can eat three bagels in a sitting, easily.

If you would like another option, The Fat Smash Diet allows as many fruits and vegetables as you like! I love this diet!

Eating low carb really keeps my hunger in check, which makes controlling food intake a lot easier. When I eat high carb foods, it can trigger crazy hunger.

I think regardless of your plan, believing that you "failed miserably" because you had a single serving of an off-plan food isn't going to be a practical way to live. It's important to accept that life happens, and occasional mistakes and less-than-perfect choices are part of that.

There's no rule in South Beach that says you must be perfect for 14 consecutive days before moving on to Phase II. You can choose to do the best you can for the two weeks, and go ahead and move on. You could even choose to move to Phase II early (it would be a better choice than deciding the plan isn't for you because you can't or don't want to complete the first phase).

In a consult with the MD heading our local weight loss clinic, she told my husband and I that she has quite a few patients who succeed on South Beach or a modified Atkins who cut short or eliminated completely Phase I/Induction (she recommended to my insulin-dependent husband that he skip the lowest-carb phase of either plan, because of the diabetes meds he was on could make going too low carb dangerous).

Ive never limited myself on carbs, just calorie count and limit my fat intake.