Exactly how much fruit and whole grains is one supposed to add in Phase 2? Just so one is losing about 1-2 pounds a week? Thanks!

You have to experiment to maintain your loss. Have you done Phase I? Most people add one serving of fruit or a serving of bread for the first week of Phase II to see if they continue to lose.

Hey, Ruthxxx! No, I haven't done Phase 1 which is probably why I'm confused. Here's the link to my other post: http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36715.

I'd love to hear your advice on going straight to Phase 2. Since I'm postponing Phase 1, I'm anticipating that I won't lose more than 1 pound a week for the next two weeks, but I just really want to move away from the low-fat, high-carb diet that I've been doing for so long because I always have really bad cravings and feel like I'm *starving* on it. So even maintaining for a bit would be fine. I can't wait to start Phase 1!

Your other post asked if anyone had skipped Phase I. I guess nobody has which is why you've received no responses.
My advice would be to do Phase I first which will definitely move you away from your low fat and high carb current plan. You may or may not have 2 - 3 rough days as your body detoxes but then will be fine. I really don't understand why you would want to start with Phase II.

Ruth, I just don't want to change my diet too radicially as I have a really big competition coming up. Essentially, losing too much weight in a short amount of time might jeopardize my performance, and I don't want to risk that. But on Feb. 29th I'm starting Phase 1.

Edited to add: Also, in one of his interviews on the Prevention site, Dr. Agatston said that people exercising for 90 minutes or more at a time should eat a low-glycemic carb (like oatmeal) before working out to give them sustained energy. My season will be over soon, but I do two 120 min workout sessions a day, and I don't think Phase 1 would give me enough carbs to sustain that kind of intensity.
He also said that people who only have a little weight to lose can start on Phase 2, but he didn't give too many details about that. I weigh 115 pounds at 5'1'', so I really don't need to lose more than 10.

Thanks. That explains it. Most people have much more to lose and want the bigger losses of Phase I.

Blackberry -
This is not medical advice or anything, and I'm not sure what type of competition you're invovled with.

My husband is considering following the Body for Life/Eating for Life plan. (www.bodyforlife.com) He has a number of really good ideas on how to eat which are similar to Dr. Agaston - but he allows some of the things that we do not.

Also he has a complete free day.

I can't imagine doing phase II without phase I so that's about all the advice I have.

Oh, I found the original text that describes skipping Phase 1. It's not very informative though.

Skipping Phase 1

(Published 9/4/03) Anyone can skip Phase 1 of the diet anytime they want. If you have only a small amount of weight to lose, or if you’re more interested in improving your cholesterol than in dropping pounds, start in Phase 2 or 3 of the diet. Your weight loss may be slower, but you’ll still experience the benefits of improved heart health. Here are other reasons for skipping Phase 1:

You don’t have cravings for sweets or starches.
You’re nursing (be sure to check with your doctor).
The diet is for a child, preteen, or teen (be sure to check with your pediatrician).
You engage in endurance exercise (running or long distance cycling).
Your doctor recommends that you not start in Phase 1.

I agree with Ruth - I think we all started phase one because of the cravings and want the quick start of weight loss from phase 1.

I have found that I've lost about 1-2.5 pounds per week. I personally think that whey protein shakes (specifically the brand Aria) and slender soy milk or ff milk.

They are low cal, totally legal, and seem to somehow boost my weightloss.