Hey SBD chickies,
So, I've noticed that there seems to be a lot of chat about calories, something I thought we got to forget about on this diet. I can see the point to keeping an eye on the numbers, though. I'd love to know what you experienced SBDers think about calorie counting, if you do it, or if you don't...
Thanks as always,
Sonja

I have been doing South Beach for awhile now on my own but I do not do it as strictly anymore which is why I calorie count. It really has helped me to lose and just reprogram my taste buds. I recently got down under 200 for the first time in a year and I really think the calorie counting is what did it since I only started that recently.

Slisette, Good question! You're right, on South Beach we concentrate mostly on eating healthy veggies, whole grains, and fruit, but calories do make a big difference. If you eat more than 3500 calories a day, you'll gain weight, so if you want to lose, you have to keep your calories below that. Most of us try to keep our calories in the 1500 - 2000 range, depending on how much we weigh.

slisette, calorie counting is not required. But I didn't lose a lot on Phase I, and when I started Phase II, things were going pretty slow. I was eating lots of avocados, too many nuts, etc, not enough veggies. Some of the chicks recommended I start using Fitday to track calories, and that's what got me started. I've found it really helpful in learning portion sizes. I don't plan to track calories forever, just until I feel like I've got a grip on things, then I'll stop and only use it when I think I'm going off-track or my loss stalls.

I hit a plateau and started also tracking calories and percentages of fats etc just to see what foods I was eating were kind of "pushing it" using fitday. I was suprised to see how many calories per day I was getting from fats and cut back on them a little. I seem to be still stuck according to my scale, but my clothes and mirror tell a different story, so I just keep chugging along.

My thought are that calories are calories,the less you eat the more you lose on any kind of diet, but I want to make sure I get the bulk of those calories from vegs and not as many from fats as I was.

Yes, as you might have seen in the TGIF chat, I've plateau-ed/gained a pound, and I'm sure it's from the nuts, cheeses, basically from the fats. I logged my food yesterday into FitDay and was shocked at the amount of my diet that is fat.
I'm just so leary of calorie counting. It just doesn't take everything into account. I'm thinking of starting Weight Watchers -- I feel like the points system is much more accurate, since it factors in fiber, and whatever else it considers! I just don't want to have to pay for it!!
--Sonja

I wouldn't say that WW necessarily "factors in" fiber, fat, and calories, just because points are based on that. If the guidelines are followed regarding vegetables, milk, fats, water.... you will eat a fairly balanced diet, however if you ignore those, you could eat all of your points in peanut butter.

If you make choices that are highest in fat, and lowest in fiber you will eat the fewest calories under the point system. You will lose weight, because you're calories will be very low.

If you make choices that are lowest in fat, and highest in fiber, you will eat the most calories. You may actually lose weight slower than if you ate all of your points in peanut butter. Most people gravitate for the lowest fat and highest fiber because it allows you to feel the most satisfied (because you're eating more calories). So it rewards good choices by letting you eat more (though as a result, you may lose more slowly).

Core on WW has many similarities with Southbeach, but since it allows you to eat 35pts weekly worth of anything, you may not get the appetite controlling effects of Southbeach. For me, "bad" carbs by Southbeach definition make me very hungry, so I really need to avoid them completely.
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There's certainly nothing wrong with the point system, but it isn't anymore foolproof than calorie counting when it comes to ensuring a balanced diet. Most of the same strengths and weaknesses apply to both programs. If you want to try the point system, you can certainly find much of the information online, or buy WW program books on ebay. You could also join, buy the books on grocery and restaurant point counts and not go back.

If you want a support group, you'll spend less at TOPS in a year, than on WW for a month. Each group is run differently, but there are usually fun games and contests (think low pressure Biggest Loser - the biggest loser for the week often gets some sort of prize). TOPS official diet is an exchange based diet (one of the best plans for both controlling calories and ensuring a balanced diet), but you can use any diet plan you would like. They give a charm for every 10 lbs lost, and have national conferences you can attend with awards as well.

Great advice about WW, thanks. I'll try calorie counting for a few weeks and see how it works out for me.

One question about FitDay -- what do we WANT our 'pies' to look like? Should it be a third protein, a third fats, a third carbs? What is the ideal breakdown?

Thanks!

Hey Sonja! I love your name!!!

I count calories because I have a problem with portion control, and also because since I don't have as much to lose, the calories really make a difference for me. It's been good for me to keep an eye on them because I can eat in a South Beach way but tailor the foods for me and my needs.

I don't really know what the pie chart breakdown should be. Mine is usually pretty evenly split. I do try to make sure I get at least 90 g of protein a day. I'm a vegetarian so I keep an eye on that one. Other than that I don't really check the numbers of fats or carbs much. I know I'm getting my fats from good sources like olive oil and nuts. My carbs are all vegetables, fruits, or whole grains. I do try to get at least 25 g of fiber a day, though.

I don't know if that helps you at all. Good luck!

Kara

I count calories.

I also count carbs and try to stick to about 5o ECC per day - it means I eat a lot less beans etc but it works in the short term while I do Phase 1 and then my Phase 1.5. I don't eat beans daily etc.