First, I love this site so much! All the recipes are WONDERFUL.

My name is Jennifer, and I'm a medical student who has started to move over to the chunkier side of life. I'm 24, and I have about 25 lbs that I could stand to lose. Because of school, I've traditionally found it hard to diet but this time I'm loving that I'm getting to learn to cook (for the first time ever... that's so awful to admit!) and do so in a way that's healthy and maximizes what my body can do for itself. I'm at the end of week 1, phase 1, and I'm feeling great. My energy level is good, and my cravings are starting to subside with the help of my sugar free hard candy friends, the LifeSavers. I'm not weighing myself until the end of phase 1. I'm in the market for a lifestyle change, not a quick fix, so I don't want to get discouraged if my weight loss isn't where I want it.

On a side note, another part of the reason I'm doing this diet is to better counsel my patients. I want to be able to tell them that there is hope out there for metabolism correction based solely on diet and exercise, and know that I'm not just spouting off something I have no personal experience with. We are taught exactly how important diet is in preventing heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, but doctors are some of the worst eaters out there! So, I think patients will respect what their doctors are willing to model.

That's about it. I have a dog, a cat, and a horse. I live with my sister. I spend a lot of time studying! That's me in a nutshell.

Jenn

Hi Jennifer It's nice to meet you.
Congratulations on a great first week!

to South Beach, Jenn! I'm glad this plan is working out well for you, and it sounds like you have a sensible outlook for a successful weight loss. We're happy to have you joining us here and are looking forward to getting to know you.

Hi Jenn. Welcome to South Beach. Wishing you success. SB has been the answer for a lot of us. As a nurse, I read a lot of nutritional stuff, and I think this way of eating is the healthiest plan I have ever followed. I do think it helps to have "walked the walk" when counseling patients. This forum and web site have really been a life saver for me. Hope you have time to visit often. Dr. Agatston has a really good book "The South Beach Diet Heart Health Revolution" that might interest you. Lots of good information.

Hi Jenn (great name ). Welcome to the beach! Glad you posted and said hello.

You've got a great outlook on this lifestyle change and just wanted to say that it's awesome! Good luck and be sure to stay involved here!

Hi Jennifer and

It will be great to have your input. I think you'll find alot beachers who can confirm that this WOE combined with exercise really does help prevent and even correct many common ailments. Many of us are able to cut down or even stop taking corrective medications for high cholesterol and blood pressure.

I recently acquired a copy of Dr A's book which Anne mentioned, but haven't had a chance to start reading.

Best wishes on your personal journey.

Welcome Jenn

Hi Jenn,
Nice to meet you and Good luck with all your pursuits!!
Deb

Sorry to be so late in welcoming you but

WELCOME!

You have exactly the right attitude for this plan. It IS a lifestyle change!

Just want to say "Hi". I'm new to the site, also. Just started back on SB Phase 1 (starting Week 2). I think this site will be a big help. I was at goal for 2 years, and then went way offbase AGAIN. My plan is to never go more than a week without weighing myself, and to go out to this site at least 3 times a week. It's just nice to have support. Looking forward to getting to know all of you!

to you, OnTrackAgain. Good name! Come on in - the water's fine.

Welcome OnTrackAgain! I'm with you First day Phase 2 but third time around.