Hi there, thought I'd give a little intro before I start posting. My name is Jessica, I'm a 27yo mom of 4 (and a labor doula/HypnoBirthing Pracitioner). I'm not new to weightloss efforts, I received my Lifetime Status with Weight Watchers in 2001-kept if off for a year then SAD (get really depressed in winter months) and the pounds came rolling back.

Decided to try something different as even though I was good at WW I had massive cravings and it took a lot of willpower. I've read a lot about the benefits of cutting out processed foods (my faves are actually Eat, Drink and be Healthy, The Schwarzbein Principle and The Thin Commandments diet-for it's interesting info not for the actual diet) I've also read every diet method on the market and feel that SB seems the most doable and balanced.

More than just losing the 15-20lbs, I'm hoping this way of eating will help with my asthma, reactive hypoglycemia, PMS and SAD. And I'm praying that this will rub off on my dh who's family has a strong history of heart disease and early death. My MIL almost diet on Valentine's day from broken heart syndrome (pretty ironic, eh?) which is a stress/diet induced cardiomyopathy (enlargement of heart) at first they said she'd never be able to work, exercise, climb stairs or even experience strong emotion ever again-she's made a remarkable recovery and has been doing SB since March-lost over 30lbs and exercises everyday. She's healthier than ever.

Ok forgive my rambling, 'nough about me. Been lurking for a couple of days and am looking forward to being a member.

~Jess

Welcome Jess! Sounds like you've done alot of research ..Good 4 U ! It's so wonderful about your MIL..I'm sure healthful eating and exercise played a major part in her recovery...I can tell you that I feel so much better since being on SB. I started end of May, and will be looking forward to how I react in the winter months..(I have SAD too).. So pull up a towel, and come visit our daily chat thread..Read the PH1 Sticky and Emergency handbook! The folks here are wonderfully supportive and wise!

Hugs 2 U!

Jess, welcome to the Beach! Good for you for taking charge of your life!
That's wonderful news about your MIL!

Of course we have room for one more! Welcome to our lovely beach!

Welcome, Jess! You'll love South Beach. Even a carboholic like me can do it. The cravings will disappear!! Never in a million years thought I'd say that but they do. I have more energy and don't crash in the afternoons like I used to. Good Luck! Hope to see you stick around !

Welcome, Jess! Have a cup o' coffee with us!

This way of eating is amazing....I am finishing my second week and already look and feel better! My blood sugar is balanced for the first time in ages! You will find that the longer you are on plan the more benefits you will see!

Welcome!!

Thanks for the warm welcome! I realize I don't have much weight to lose (I'm only 5'1" and have a really small frame so every pound DOES show) but like I said there are sooo many other motivators for me. My asthma can get pretty bad and one thing I noticed is that it's at its worst after I eat pasta-so I'm hopeful that this will actually help with that as well.

Welcome Jess!

Welcome to the Beach Jess. I know what you mean about WW and having cravings. I was just talking to my friend today about how when I did WW I'd lose weight but it was such a struggle to resist junk food but on South Beach, I don't have the cravings. Like the others said, it's amazing how the cravings dissappear. Also a BIG congrats to your MIL. I'm looking forward to reading your posts.

Hi Jess welcome to the beach!!!

Pull up a chaise or a beach towel and settle in. This is the friendliest forum on this site!

Welcome to the beach. I too am a fellow shorty. Only 5', so I know what you mean about each pound. Pull up a towel and join the party. You will love it here. We are a great bunch of chicks.

Little Chick, you look much taller...

Welcome to the beach, Jess!

Come and join the Phase I Start - July 11 Thread.