I lost about 50 lbs on South Beach about 5 years ago. For whatever reason, I fell off the wagon and gained it all back, plus another 20 or so. Since then I have tried every other diet plan out there because I did not want to give up carbs and sweets. Well, I finally came to the conclusion that I have to get this weight off, and I needed to go with the only plan that has worked for me in the past. I started phase one on January 1.

Wow! I now remember so clearly why I loved this plan! I am down 6 lbs in two days (OK, I know alot is water, but hey it is numbers on the scale), I am eating really good, fresh foods, and I am full! I eat a hearty breakfast then go about my day and before I know it, it is lunch time and I am not even really hungry yet! I know snacks are important on this plan, and I eat them when I am hungry, but often snack time sails by without me noticing it! I went to the movies yesterday and did not even blink at passing by the popcorn and candy. I am loving this!

So, I guess I am a convert for life. There is nothing that works for me like this plan. I am coming to terms with the fact that white bread, rice, and pasta are out forever, but I am looking forward to adding some great whole grain products in phase II. I am really looking forward to FRUIT! In fact, I am considering adding back only fruit for a while since I have so much to lose, and I am really not missing the grains terribly right now.

Sorry for the random babbling, but I am just so excited about South Beach and had to share!

Welcome back. And congrats on the first 6 pounds gone. Keep up the good work.

I lost around 40 with it 4 years ago. I have gained about half of it back. Actually I was able to maintain the weight loss for about 3 years which is the problem with most diets. It seems like I can lose weight with any diet when I set my mind to it, but I always gain it back immediately. To keep it off for 3 years was amazing! I actually felt like that was my normal weight. Stress this past year got me eating everything in sight the past 6 months but I feel in control now too. This is day 7 for me in phase 1 and I feel great! Pants are not killing me as much as they were a week ago.
I'm so excited to find this message board also!

Hey everyone! I'm new to this forum. I just went out and bought all the items for phase one. I had much success with SBD after doing it years ago but like everyone else i had gained it back and then some

So here i am again. I am about 155 pounds, and i need to lose about 20 pounds. The 130's are definitely my "happy weight", as i am only 5'6".

Looking for some support from you all who are also doing it! Let's keep each other motivated..

Happy New Year!

to The Beach! We look forward to getting to know all of you better and good luck!

Welcome to all you newbies. There are a lot of us loyal South Beachers here! You'll get a lot of support here. The FAQ's & recipes here are a godsend. Congrats Hello Nurse! You're off to a wonderful start!

back to most of you!

HelloNurse: I am the same way. I went looking around for an easier way to do it and I can't find a plan that I can maintain so easily. The SB WOL makes me happy and it's easiest for me to commit to.

I'm loving SB. I was on WW for a while and yes I lost weight but I gained it all back and became obsessed with counting points. Today I noticed something that never happened for me while on WW ... not only do I not have regular cravings but my appetite has greatly diminished. It seems like I was always hungry on WW, or at least thinking about my next meal, but not on SB

hey i am new to the beach too ( and this website) ... i started phase 1 january first as well.. CONGRATS on the 6lbs!! i love reading everyones posts and seeing their success because it motivates me to do better!
hello nurse - GREAT JOB!! keep up the great work

question- yesterday i made grilled chicken with a marinade that has 4g of sugar (per serving and i used 2 servings for an entire packet of chicken) in it, is this a no-no on phase 1?

I am also new to SBD...I have felt better on this diet than I have in a while! I started a few days before New Years. I have a question... I didn't see lowfat cottage cheese on the list of Phase 1 foods. Is that allowable or not???

yes, cottage cheese is allowed. It's listed in a few of the "snack" options in that actual meal plan. i like to eat the cottage cheese with almonds.

Cottage cheese and almonds? Gotta try that! Sounds like a good snack. Also cottage cheese and cinnamon is another idea to try.

Good luck Hello Nurse! You're doing great.

Thanks for the support, everyone! Newyearnewme2010, 4 gm per serving is an awful lot, IMO. Read the ingredients, if it has added sugar, high fructose corn syrup or other sugary by products, it is a no-no for SBD. Don't stress about little mistakes like that, I am sure most of us have made them. Just keep going and reading labels and you will be great!

I have also tried WW and can do well, but my downfall is definitely carbs. Quitting carbs is like quitting smoking; once you get past the first few days, it seems to get a bit easier. I just started Phase one today. I am so glad I accidentally happened upon this site last week. I am looking forward to working together toward our "new year goals."