Hello!

My name is Aleksandra and I am a chocoholic

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself (I've also filled out the "bio form") and tell you all that I am amazed at the wonderful support and the wealth of information one can get here.
I have 40 lbs. that I want to get rid of. Three kids and tonnes of chocolate have brought me to the point where I feel unhealthy and sluggish, and unhappy with the way I look to myself. I did SBD for a while after my second child and was able to lose over 20 lbs. Got off the wagon, then got pregnant again and now, I'm ready to do it again.

I start this Saturday. I know, weird timing given all the Halloween candy I'll have access to, but I feel that if I can say no now, I'll be OK down the road. I am a bit weary of Phase One (not a big fan of veggies, nor meat), but I'm determined to survive it as I know that it does work and even more importantly, its success makes my motivation soar.

I look forward to getting to know you all better and sharing ideas, knowledge and support!

Thanks, A.

and glad you joined us

This is a great place so stick around and we will get through it together

for wanting to change for a healthier you

, Aleksandra! We're happy to have you on board with us.
SBD can be a challenge if you're not fond of vegetables, it makes up a big part of this plan, but I know you are aware of that fact. Make sure you get at least 4 1/2 cups every day, and be sure to include your dairy and a daily serving of beans, so you can have a successful Phase 1.
Good luck, and we look forward to getting to know you!

Welcome to the South Beach forum. You'll get lots of info and support here. I think it's the best way to drop those pounds and feel better!

Welcome to SB and pls join us in the daily thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Sass, Cottage, Ann, Gonnabe, Loriann, and everyone else who took the time to read my intro.

Sass - that's a brilliant way to count your crunches and get motivated! I can't wait to be able to use the Ticker. I'll totally steal your idea.

Cottagebythesea - thanks for the tip on the veggie/legumes amount. I didn't eat that many the first time around and was miserably hungry all the time. I guess I'll have to make more of an effort and try out some new veggie recipes. Btw, I checked out the recipe sub-board and I LOVED it. Lots of great stuff.

I start tomorrow and today I am eating everything I'll have to stay away from for a long time. I feel like I'm going to prison and have 24 hours to make the most of it

Thanks again, ladies!
A.

Big Momma, instead of thinking of "What I CANT have" why not think of "What I CAN have!"

I would like to point out a favorite that I made yesterday and it's GONE (ds and friend were here, explains why) is the Taco bake you'll find in P1 recipe stickies...

Another favorite, for the SWEET tooth in you, is the No sugar added fudgecicles! Only 45 calories! (or is it 40).... and taste AWESOME, and for the days you crave reeces, take one of the NSA fudgesicles and add too two table spoons of Peanut Butter (no sugar allowed in pb, just peanuts and salt, preferrable no salt either, but I use with salt)... top with whip cream!

There's lots you CAN eat, chili, ... see, chili and taco bake h ave beans, which are considered, yes, vegies! Get creative too keep from getting bored!!!!!

Thank you, Loriann. You're absolutely right. You simply focus on eating what you can - so simple, so true. Great recipe for the taco bake, btw.
I find that if I make a menu the day before, post it on the message board I have in the kitchen and prepare as much as I can ahead of time, I am much less likely to stray off the path.

Mmmm, chili - I'll be making it this weekend! Thanks!

mama, daily planning is a must, however, I find when I plan at least one cassserole/soup dish for the week (I am one person, if I had a family would be two or more) and shop around those menus I stay on track so much better...

My shopping list looks something like this...

Taco Bake

_Pesto Sauce (I use this over the paste, improves the taste)
_95% ff grnd beef
_onion
_garlic
_grn pepper
_grn chilis
_mushrooms

pumpkin soup
_can pumpkin
_beans
_spices

_spinach
_milk
_eggs
_celery
_laughing cow lf cream cheese (to stuff into celery)

and so forth... and then I head to the fridge and check off the ingredients on hand like chili powder... I've found myself in a pickle of not having spices I could of swore I had three jars of! So now I put EVERYthing on my shopping list, head to the pantry (which includes fridge) and check off what I have, then as I shop I check things off, th is way I KNOW I have the ingredients I need for the dishes I've planned!

By doing this I find I save time in the store, and money! my list includes dinners, and I plan left overs for breakfast, plenty of salad for lunches... etc... Don't forget to plan your water, and other drinks accordingly!

And, the green bags you can purchase for the veggies and fruit, will save money!!!!!!! I found myself not eating an entire head of celery and throwing them out, now with these bags they last for two weeks or more!!!!!!! Crisp as the day I buy them!

Loriann, you`re so kind! Yeah, I try to plan a week worth of menus, but I am still far from being this organized. We are a family of 5 and the little people love their breads and potatoes and pastas - it`s going to be a challenge to make everyone happy. At least my hubby is a on board with meat and veggies.
I`ll be doing my grocery shopping today, and I`ll listen to you. Off to inspect my cupboards and fridge.
I am psyched for tomorrow. I was going to start SBD a month ago, but I guess I just wasn`t there yet mentally. I am NOW.

A.

Aleksandra! You'll find lots of support here. One of the nice things about SBD is that you can eat vegetarian on this plan, if you don't like meat much. Just make sure you're getting lots of good protein. I hated veggies before starting SBD. Look for threads in the FAQ on veggies--many of them have my story about how I learned to love veggies (and I really do, now!).