Five years ago this weekend I began the SBD journey which helped me lose weight in time for my birthday and made me more conscious about what I eat...and now I'm back for again. I didn't find it too hard to follow back then.

I'm looking forward to it to help me get back in gear for my 40th birthday in 6 weeks. I think it will be more challenging this time around as my life situation has changed living with a guy who always wants to eat out - argh!!! ...and I love to cook. Evening meals will definitely keep me on edge.

Any new insights?

Ottawa native here too although sure not a girl anymore - although I do have my moments.

One thing that will really help is to check in here every day, possibly in the daily chat thread. It seems that our consistent posters are the consistent losers. (I miss Ottawa, particularly the dining out choices!)

I think the dining out choices is what got me back here!

Thanks for the encouragement...I'm sure I'll be on every day...I get a little obsessed and knowing that I have people to answer to makes me even more motivated - lets just hope life doesn't get in the way.

Lots of beachers manage to eat out. One thing I find helps with that is looking at the menu online in advance and choosing a couple of good options before even getting to the restaurant. For me, honestly, I just eat out way less now. Sometimes my husband goes out with his brother or a friend if he really wants a restaurant meal. But since you love to cook you may just have so much fun coming up with yummy OP dishes that you will both be happy eating in.

I'd suggest coming up with some strategies....

possibilities?

Tell your BF that for the first 2 weeks you'd really prefer to cook your own dinners and you'll make something he'll love if he'll stay home with you....

Start researching restaurant menus online and find some options that he would enjoy AND have great options for you to stay on track....

Analyze his favorite spots and ask him to support your journey by not going to the ones which really don't jive with SBD....

Best wishes!

Thanks for the great suggestions. I'm hoping that I can persuade him to eat in more often - he, too, would benefit from a lifestyle change...and more veggies!

I survived day one...but lost my valentine's support group I signed up with...

Here's where you signed up. http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/40-s...tines-day.html

If you click on your nickname and then on "Find more posts", you'll find out where you posted.

thanks for the reminder...now i can catch up on my posts!

It's been two days that I've been on SBD...well a modified version anyways.

I know that fruit is forbidden in phase 1 but one of my v-day challenges is to drink one green smoothie per day and I add some fruit to the vegetable based drink - hopefully it won't hinder me too much!

Otherwise, still no alcohol or carbs. I need to pack a bigger lunch with more protein for work as I'm always starving by the end of the day. Today I came home and ate a yellow pepper with hummus before I passed out!

Hey o-town girl, I am in your neck of the woods as well!

Weighed myself yesterday on my wii...down one pound!

Still going strong!

Have lost 3 pounds in the first week!

Hi ladies, New to South Beach diet.. I went up 3 lbs. since yesterday morning. TOM is coming for sure.. Yesterday I was at 212.4.. -13 lbs.. From doing Atkins.. I want to give South Beach a try though..Low fat/no fat, sugar free, right??
I am new to the boards again.. Thanks, Lanee..

Hi Laneebm and welcome!!

That's the basic idea, although there are nuances, just like with Atkins. Biggest difference is watching your meat/cheese fats, being allowed low fat dairy, and being allowed beans (ph I) and single servings of whole grains in ph II.

I'll let the other posters remind you to read the book