Hi everyone...

I'm new to the board and to the South Beach Diet. I just completed Day One of Phase One. Basically, I've been following Weight Watchers because I am a picky eater and I find that it suits my tastes and habits best. However, I am trying to lose the 8-13 lbs. that SBD claims to let you lose in the first phase. So I'm trying this out for two weeks. But, I plan to return to WW once I complete Phase One. So I have a few questions...
1. On WW I was eating rougly 1200 calories a day with their points system. Today I counted my calories on SBD, and it was about 1000, which was 200 less, but I'm curious, does SBD work because its less calories, or is it because simple carbs are eliminated and your body is reacting to the foods differently, or both?
2. Secondly, when I return to WW after Phase One, I plan on being very careful about not gaining weight back, but has anyone done this, and do you think that I will gain the weight back even though I am watching and maintaing about 1200 cal/day?

And just for a little background on me, I've been doing WW for a few weeks, and I am successful on it, but it is a more long term thing and takes a little longer which is completely fine, but I am looking to jump start some more weight loss before I return to school, and return to WW as soon as Phase 1 is finished. Any advice/feedback/personal stories would be greatly appreciated. I just don't want to mess up my metabolism by switching around and I fear wasting my time and gaining weight. Please respond ASAP!

Thanks a ton!!

Welcome to the beach!!!

SBD will NOT make you lose that last 8-13 lbs in the first phase alone. For those who have less to lose, they will not lose their total in the first phase. That is for most people, you could be different I suppose. The 8-13 pound loss is an average loss, which in my opinion shouldn't have been put in the book. As a rule, those who have less to lose will lose less in phase 1 and those who have more will lose more.

This is not a quick fix plan, one that you can use to lose 13lbs and then stop. Some, however are doing SBD and WW together, so maybe you could incorporate everything. Also I eat about 1800cals a day give or take. You should not be going under 1200. Are you eating all of your snacks and meals? You need to eat regularly and frequently to lose weight and be healthy.

SBD is a longterm thing. It is not a fad. It's a healthy eating plan, something I will definitely do for life. I wish you luck in your choice and on your last few pounds.

Good advice from ozziesgirl. I agree that the 8-13 pounds advertised is hype! It's possible for folks who are very overweight and have not been dieting to lose that or even more on Phase I but not possible if you have already been dieting.

There is a thread in the FAQ Section about WW and SBD. This is a very healthy lifestyle change but will not knock off your remaining weight quickly. A pound a week is the usual rate of loss.

The thing is...if you haven't been controlling what you eat at all, and you have a ton to lose (I have 150 lbs. to lose), plus you DO NOT CHEAT at all, you can lose a lot. I lost 26 pounds during Phase 1. That was because of the factors above, I believe. People like me, combined with most people on SBD (who seem to lose 2-4 pounds during Phase 1), and you get the average they advertise, of 8-13 pounds.

I don't think that doing Phase 1 alone and then returning to WW will really help you...it might get your metabolism working, but if you add the simple carbs and sugar back in, it will come back. I tried a Phase 1 type diet for three weeks last fall, and lost 27 pounds. I then gained it back in two weeks of regular eating. What was the point? What's worse is that you usually lose muscle when you lose that quick, then when you gain, you only gain fat. You then have less muscle than before...and muscle is what burns your calories!

You might be more successful to either work WW and be patient, combine WW and SBD (taking out the simple carbs and sugar), or do a whole different program. You might PM Mauvaisroux for help on combining WW and SBD. She may know of others who do it and can help you.

I wish you lots of good luck! :

I would also like to add that even though SBD says you don't have to count calories, if you are eating 1000 calories, you aren't eating enough. I'd definitely recommend eating 1200 calories or more.

Hey everyone...

Thanks for your advice. Actually, I've decided against continuing on SBD...I know I know, quitting after one day, not too good, but I agree with all your comments that since I've been dieting, the weight will not come off easily for me just by doing Phase 1. So I'm going to continue with my WW and excercise. Good luck to all of you as well!! Thanks again.

I think you have a made a good decision abcd1234! You were having success at WW so there is no reason to change plans for you. Just be patient and you will be at your goal in no time.

There are WW boards on here that offer support, information and ideas as well. So you don't need to leave us completely. Good luck with your new decision. Let us know how everything goes!