I haven't been on the boards since mid July. I started the SBD in June and had good success and then went on vacation for 3 weeks. The first week and half I did great and then it all went downhill from there. Summer's done, no more vacations are on my horizon and I want to get back on track tomorrow but I'm not sure if I want to do a strict P1 for 2 weeks or what I consider to be my P1.5. For me this means mixing in a little bit of unsweetened applesauce and some fresh berries in my morning greek yogurt. And maybe the ocassional piece of corn on the cob, nothing more then 1x week. I know that fruit is not a trigger food for me, nor is the corn on the cob.

So I guess my question is, given what I know about the purpose of P1 (ridding body of sugar cravings) and knowing that fruit isn't a trigger food for me, can I be successful getting back on track on p1.5 vs p1? I don't mind eating a P1 diet and don't miss grains, potatoes or even fruit, but the thought of eating plain greek yogurt with nothing more then natural pb for the next two weeks is making me shudder. I don't do artificial sweeteners so that isn't an option for me.

Thoughts from the veterans of SBD who have had to start over?

When I mess up I always do Phase I for at least 3-4 days, but that is after overeating for a few days. Since you were off plan for 3 weeks, I would not do Phase 1.5, but stay strictly on Phase I for at least a week, maybe more. Just my opinion.

I'd definitely suggest 3-5 days of P1. The good news is that by doing that you'll probably drop a few pounds very quickly which should be great for motivation.

Since you've asked for feedback you'll probably get some different opinions then you'll need to decide what's going to work for you.

I'm one who strays from SBD foods but not too often and not for very long. Since starting, I haven't found the mental oomph to do a full two weeks. What I do is do P1 as long as I can then transition to 1.5. I figure it's far better for me to transition and continue on a positive note rather than beating myself up because I couldn't do a full two weeks.

Best wishes!

I've been in the same boat! When i mess up i go back on phase 1 for the two weeks- for the discipline. It helps me to focus- i know it's extra boring to do it again, but it makes phase 2 so more more enjoyable!

I've been on south beach 3 1/2 years now, and am just finishing off a phase 1-1.5 redo, since I was allowing myself too many off plan foods. For 5 days I did strict phase 1, then since then, fruits but no grains. I have successfully resisted many of the foods I was back to eating....like the donuts someone brought to work this am!! I feel so much better, and don't have the cravings like I was. I will mention, it took me several times to do this well again...maintenance and real life is tough!

The honest truth is I do best if I do a few days, at least of PH1. But I rarely have the willpower. I really got off track with a road trip last month and I think it took me longer to get my feet under me because I only did a day or two of PH1 then thought I had it under control. Not! But see what works for you.

I'm back to say that my plan of doing p1.5 instead of a strict p1 failed miserably. It wasn't enough to stop the cravings and I kept eating like crap. So I'm going to start p1 tomorrow for a minimum of 1 week, hopefully 2. That way, I hope I'll have lost the weight I regained and be back in a positive mindset.

Good morning Nat4crim, just want to let you know that you aren't alone. I was doing great several months ago, ran headfirst into some serious health problems and lost control. Now I've decided that I can't use that as an excuse and am ready to get right back on track. So I'm hoping you are doing what you said and starting p1 again today. I'm right there with you and any others. Day one of phase one, here I come! Let's just get through today, ok?

I always start over on Ph1. Always.

I've been on SBD 4 serious times from 2005-now, with 3 months being the longest period of time I've stayed OP. Having just come back from vacation and doing the best I've ever done (tastes, not full plates and no gorging), I am doing Ph1 for 3-4 days for sure. I need to or won't be strong enough.

Plus, I am well on my way to beating that record time!

I started today, feel like crap since the 'flu' hit immediately and my head is killing me but I know this will only last a couple of days and I can do it. We all can.

I made it through day one and am working on day two! I'm confident that I'm going to make it. From past experience, mind set is a good part of a successful phase one. Just have to know it can be done.

Ph1 redoer here too. My husband is starting South Beach Sunday, and so I told him I'd do the Ph1 with him... so I'll be going strict again for 2 more weeks. It'll be good to have some in-home support though so as long as I help him through this, we can help each other through Ph1.5.

My husband is doing this diet with me too. Makes it so easier to have support and when I plan meals I just need to add a grain/starchy veggie for my toddler.

Well on a positive note, I'm still determined to do a clean phase one but on the negative side, I didn't make it through yesterday so will be starting over today. Had a cardioversion once again yesterday and first I had to fast and then my blood sugar dropped too low and the dr insisted on some quick orange juice. Long story for the rest of the day but the procedure worked once again and I'm back today with more resolve than other. Hopefully the rest of you working on your phase one are doing great and don't forget to come post and let us know. It really does help! Not only you but it also encourages the rest of us to continue.

I wouldn't consider this event as a failure, you had to have orange juice for medical reasons. If you didn't give in to other temptations I'd continue and not start over. But if you feel you have too many craving then it may be wise to start over.

One day at a time...

I just came back from the grocery store and was salivating over everything even things I'd never consider eating. But I know if I stick with it, the cravings will pass.