Hi everyone. My name is Alli and I am new to this website. I love the support and friendliness that you all display and wanted to be a part of your community. However, I am also writing for a little advise. I started the SBD Phase I about three weeks ago. However, I have had slip ups from time to time and said that I would start the two weeks over again tomorrow. Last night I pretty much carbed and sugared myself out (kind of my last supper) and would really like to start fresh today. However, I am wondering if anyone has also had this experience and had success later. Or would it be better to give up on Phase I and switch to Phase II? I guess I'm asking...Is it important to really successfully make it though Phase I before moving on? Thanks for your help!

Hi, There are other programs besides South Beach that are basically the same as Phase II without a Phase I to begin them (Prevention's program, The GI Diet, new weight watchers program, I think). While Phase I can be a great kick-off with a chunk of weight gone and a realization of where the sugar and other refined goods are in your diet, I don't think it is absolutely required in order to eat healthier. Others may disagree, but I think if you can go on Phase II and make it a lasting commitment it's better than taking run after run at Phase I.

There are certainly people who should go straight to phase 2 including pregnant women and nursing mothers. Or if you only need to lose a couple of pounds. However, I really feel that Phase 1 is what helps to get rid of the cravings. So if you are still feeling physical cravings for the off plan foods, then phase 1 can be a big help. Yes, it can be hard but it is only two weeks. Just my opinion. Also, if you haven't read the book, you probably should.

I agree with Barb. Successfully completing Phase 1 is relly important to get rid of the cravings. I personally could not have dealt with Phase 2 if I hadn't done Phase 1, cause the cravings would have done me in. You have to get a grip on those cravings and clean your system out or else the first carb you stick in your mouth on Phase 2 could easily trigger a binge.

Welcome to The Beach.
Yup, Phase I is the detox stage. It's up to you whether you want to go through it again or go on to Phase II. Have you figured out what caused your Last Supper Blowout? Was it cravings from having had a few slip ups on Phase I?
If so, I'd go back to Phase I for a week and thene ase into Phase II.

Thanks SO much for your input. I think that I'm going to try to treat today as a new day and start Phase I fresh. I think that my blowout was caused by cravings caused by cheating here and there. We had cake at work (I said I'd just have a bite) and from there it was a landslide.

I have always been a little embarrassed to admit that I should lose weight and have therefore never really talked to anyone for support. So again thank you SO MUCH for your help. I'm so glad to have found you guys and your awesome network. I'm thinking very positive for this time around! I'll definately be checking in.

Alli

I think it's different for everyone, though I do have to agree that Phase 1 really did help me with my cravings and prepare me for Phase 2. Ruth makes an excellent point: knowing the reason behind your blowout is most valuable.

Personally, I did not have a "perfect" two week Phase 1 and I was thinking I had to start it all over again or what was the point? I am a very "all or nothing thinker" and a perfectionist. But honestly, I knew at that point, that if I stayed on Phase 1 for one or two more weeks... I'd lose it. (Not the weight, but my determination to stick to it.) So I started Phase 2 with the idea that Phase 1 was always there for me to go back to when I needed it. If I did a week of Phase 2 and I didn't lose... or heaven forbid, I gained, I would go back to Phase 1. I eased into Phase 2 gently. I pretty much just added 2 servings of fruit at first and still stayed away from all the other carbs and such. The important thing for you to remember is this: you're making a big lifestyle change. You're not perfect, there are going to be slip ups. Knowing I can turn back to Phase 1 any time I need it, is a great comfort to me and I hope it will be for you too.

Good luck and welcome to the beach!

Edited to add: Alli, I was posting while you were. That's a great idea! Getting rid of those carb cravings is on of the best things that ever happened to me.

Alli, welcome!
Sounds like you've figured out what you need to do.
It also depends on how much you have to lose. If I only had 10 pounds to lose (I WISH!), I'd probably just do Phase II, and get it off gradually. As it is, I'm hoping to lose 80 pounds this week.
Good luck!

Ellis, I'm with ya baby!

LOL! Good luck!

Welcome to the beach! I feel you need to do whatever works best for you. If it is phase 2 then start with it and maybe start cutting things back to where you ease back into phase 1. I know for me I love phase 1 for the detox. YES it is HARD but I am determined to make it work for me. Good luck and keep us posted on how you are doin!

Ali, welcome!

I'm glad you are here, and please, never be ashamed of wanting to take better care of yourself! If anyone bugs you, tell them that you are working on eating in a more healthy way.

I think you've made a wise choice. I think Phase 1 is essential to success on SBD. And you have to do it with no cheats at all! But that is possible...it's just two weeks. And there are things like the PB cup to help you out, too!

Alli,

Welcome! I too believe that Phase I is important to the diet but I also agree that it depends on how much you want to lose. I had to take each day one day at a time - some days one meal or snack at a time. I've thrown cookies in the trash and basically get everything naughty out of sight because of mind over matter. I turned down a gourmet dinner with friends and dinner out to eat during my two weeks of phase one. You can do Phase I - I believe that you can. Try reading some of the posts in this area under emotional eaters. I'd give you the thread but I'm not that fancy yet at this forum. There is wonderful advice there on how to get past cravings. Good luck!