Hi! I've been here off and on since, I think, August of 2009. I love South Beach as a theory. I love the cookbooks. Most important, I love this forum and the people here. My main problem in the past has been breaking 20 years of lazy cooking, grab and go meals, snacks from a vending machine. I have a week off starting tomorrow, and am stocked up, armed with a plan, and ready to go. I'm glad so many of the people I met on prior attempts are still here!

Welcome back, Xan, and good luck!

Hi there Xan and back. Don't think we have met before but I extend my hand in friendship and hope this is the time that SB works for you. Spread your blanket on our beach and soak up the warmth of friends. Hope to see you around a lot and Good luck.

Hi Xan! I think of you often. I'm glad you're back!

Hiya! I don't particularly like to cook all the time either so I try to make sure when I do cook to have leftovers to top a salad or whatever...Hard boiled eggs, peel cheese, single serve nuts...they get me buy when I need a grab and go...Oh, and yogurt, too! I feel your pain with the prep/cooking aspect!

Hey Xan,
I joined last year and then relapsed and came back this year. Over and over again I am learning that the biggest hurdle is learning how to get back on track after falling off. Looking forward to seeing you here!

I'd like to repeat what everyone else is saying! Starting a diet with the intention of never cheating is nice, but will never work. The most important thing is realising that it does you more good to stay vaguely on track than to wander off, which is exactly what you've done by coming back. So, battle half won, welcome back (although I wasn't here first time around, so welcome!)

"serial rejoiner" - funny!

Hi Xan! Welcome back. I've lapsed too, a couple of times. But I comfort myself by looking at the permanent changes I've made. Even when I'm not being completely on-plan, there are some things I've learned from South Beach that have become permanent. So, even if I'm not where I wish I were, I'm still better off than I was! I bet you are too.

Thank you all very; very much for the warm welcomes back!!! I absolutely agree that the road to perdition, dietwise, is to try to be perfect. THAT I figured out a long time ago. I think the most simple thing one can do is make a total commitment. I think I have done that this time.

I'm right there with you Xan. A little bit chubbier than I was a few months ago, but ready to set myself straight again. Monday is kick off day for me. Good luck, I know we'll both be back on plan and loving it soon.