Phase II Newbies Check-In
 

I was wondering how my fellow graduates from Phase I this weekend are doing. What have you added back and have you noticed any effects on your cravings or appetite? Yesterday was my first day starting Phase II and I only added a bowl of steel cut Irish oatmeal in the morning. Same for today. I ate one of the dreaded eggs with it just to be safe. I did feel hungrier yesterday, so I'm curious today to see if I was just having a hungry day, or if the oatmeal had something to do with it. In a few more days, I'll try some fruit.

Good idea, Schmoodle. Sometimes it's hard to make the transition. Everyone should check out the stickies in the FAQ Section for some hints. The main thing to remember is to take it slowly and not fret if your loss stops or even disappears as your body adjusts.

Schmoodle,

Thanks so much for starting this thread! I'm only on Day 5 and I'm already afraid of adding carbs back in because I fear the monkey is just waiting to jump back on my back. I was thinking I'd add in oatmeal first too because Im already sick of eggs for breakfast, and then maybe beans, but no bread. I'd like to see how you do on the oatmeal because I really fear the cravings and extra hunger.

L

Hi Everyone! :spin:

Today was Day 2 on Phase 2 for us (DH and I)... We've added an apple which we've eaten for an afternoon snack along with some Peanut Butter. It is sooooo good! :broc: :carrot:

We haven't had any problems with additional hunger or cravings.

If you don't care for (or are just plain tired of ;) ) eggs, you should try the flaxseed waffles.... They are our new favorite breakfast! :hun:

Checking in!

I lost 8 pds on phase 1. I added oatmeal and a piece of toast. I feel good, no cravings at all! :D

can anyone recommend a good cereal? It's incredible how much this 2-week detox helped. I am now looking at labels, when I never did before!

Is Total cereal my best bet? I had some Kashi Autumn wheat this morning.

Well Phase 1 went ok I lost 6 lbs. total. I hoped that I would lose more.

I added some oatmeal and toast as well.

Not really having any sugar cravings. But I have been having a craving for beans which I never did before. I love pinto beans!!! :)

I think I can maintain this, it doesnt seem pretty hard!!!

Day 3 of Phase II
 

Glad we are having a smooth transition to Phase II. I've had some gastric distress last night and this morning, but hopefully my system will adjust. All I've had that wasn't allowed on Phase I in the last 3 days is oatmeal and a handful of baby carrots yesterday. I hadn't planned to have those, but I had nothing else to dip in my hummus, and I really wanted it! It's amazing how much I have to load up my shopping cart with the veggies to make it through the week. Whereas before I was throwing them away half the time because they got slimy before I got around to cooking them. I think that's part of the key - making sure you are always stocked up with the good stuff and thinking ahead, because if you're hungry and there isn't something ready for you to grab, look out!

Dolphingirl, I am interested in the cold cereal too, I really like to have cereal for breakfast, especially in the summer. Here's what it says in the Phase II approved foods list - "Cereal, Cold - 30 grams/1 ounce/3/4 cup. Varieties with 3.0 - 4.9 grams are “good” sources of fiber. “High” fiber cereals have 5.0 grams of fiber or more per serving. Choose a cereal with enough fiber to be at least on the upper end of “good,” and make sure it has less than 8 grams of sugar per serving."
I'd love to know what everyone's favorites are. I tried the Uncle Sam's cereal last time around SBD, and didn't care for it much.

1oftheluvs, I will try the waffles too, they sound great. So does your apple. I've stayed away from peanut butter so far because I love it and I'm afraid I'll overindulge, but that is a snack I would love!

Still consider myself a newbie to phase II, thought I would share a couple of things. Yesterday I made the Oatmeal Pancake in the book which says it is 1 serving. Well let me tell you, that is one big honkin serving! Being from the area that believes pancakes must be ate with peanut butter, I was stuffed!!! I had to force myself to drink V-8 5 hours later to get a snack in! This morning I made it into 2 pancakes, ate one and froze the other. Probably better that way because after doing a rough calorie count it is a little on the high side to eat at one sitting!

2nd I had commented that the scales weren't moving but the rolls were going somewhere. Well I was sure I was doomed because friday evening we went to my mother-in-laws and she had cooked supper for us (which we weren't planning on) fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and noodles! Heaven Help Me!
Not wanting to be rude I ate small amounts. Stepped on the scales saturday morning, down 2 pounds! There is my whoosh, but what the heck? Think my body was in shock and said "Here, don't do that again!"

Hi everyone! Tomorrow will be day 1 of P2 for me. I still haven't decided what to add in. I'm tired of eggs for breakfast, so I was thinking of oatmeal.

:)

I know there are more of us on phase 2, right? :dizzy:

So far so good here. Yesterday I had a sandwitch with whole wheat bread. Yummy. Taking it one day at a time. No bad cravings yet. :carrot:

Originally Posted by Dolphingirl:
Checking in!

I lost 8 pds on phase 1. I added oatmeal and a piece of toast. I feel good, no cravings at all! :D

oatmeal AND a piece of toast is TWO grains/starches. you should only have one at a time and only add one thing back each week....

so one or the other but not both and have some protein with them.

two grain/starches can spike your blood sugar.

I haven't ventured too far into Phase II land yet. Only the oatmeal, and a handful of baby carrots. I cooked a big pot of oatmeal, and I've been eating it for the last four days, so I'm ready to move on to something else. I've been wanting a bowl of cereal, so I checked the cold cereals out at the store today. It's not easy to find one that fits into the guidelines. I ended up with Special K Low Carb Lifestyle protein plus. Haven't tasted it yet. I've also got a little box of Kashi Go Lean Crunch, which fits in, but the sugar is 7-8 grams per serving, so it's borderline. I also picked up a box of strawberries and a block of dark chocolate. Yum!

Thanks ladybugnessa for keeping us in line!

Originally Posted by Schmoodle:
I haven't ventured too far into Phase II land yet. Only the oatmeal, and a handful of baby carrots. I cooked a big pot of oatmeal, and I've been eating it for the last four days, so I'm ready to move on to something else. I've been wanting a bowl of cereal, so I checked the cold cereals out at the store today. It's not easy to find one that fits into the guidelines. I ended up with Special K Low Carb Lifestyle protein plus. Haven't tasted it yet. I've also got a little box of Kashi Go Lean Crunch, which fits in, but the sugar is 7-8 grams per serving, so it's borderline. I also picked up a box of strawberries and a block of dark chocolate. Yum!

Thanks ladybugnessa for keeping us in line!

Schmoodle (have i told you I love that name) I think special K is mostly rice right?
that's not a good idea

uncle sam's is good
kashi go lean (not crunch) is good
shredded wheat even is good

i don't do cold cereal they don't fill me...

best of luck....

here's a list i found


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cereal Suggestions from the SBD Website:

Cereal Suggestions

Hot Cereals (with suggested serving sizes):
Ralston 100% Wheat (1/2 cup)
Quaker Oat Bran (1/2 cup)
Quaker Old Fashioned Oats (slow-cooking type) (1/2 cup)
Old Wessex Oatbran (1/2 cup)
Kashi Breakfast Pilaf (1/2 cup)
Mother's or Quaker Multigrain (1/2 cup)
Arrowhead Mills 7 Grain (1/3 cup)
Wheatena (1/3 cup)
Arrowhead Mills Steel Cut Oats (1/4 cup)
Mother's Whole Wheat (1/2 cup)
McCann's Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal (1/4 cup)
Roman Meal Original with Oats (1/3 cup)

Cold Cereals (with suggested serving sizes):
Uncle Sam Cereal (1 cup)
Kellogg's All Bran Original (1/2 cup)
Post Shredded Wheat & Bran (1 1/4 cup)
Kellogg's All Bran Extra Fiber (1/2 cup)
Post Bran Buds (1/3 cup)
Post 100% Bran Cereal (1/3 cup)
General Mills Fiber One (1/2 cup)
Kashi Good Friends (3/4 cup)
Kashi GoLean (3/4 cup)

Originally Posted by ladybugnessa:
oatmeal AND a piece of toast is TWO grains/starches. you should only have one at a time and only add one thing back each week....

so one or the other but not both and have some protein with them.

two grain/starches can spike your blood sugar.

Oops, good thing I only had it on sunday! Thanks!

Ladybugnessa,
Thanks again for keeping an eye on us and being our Phase II fairy! I didn't even think about the rice part, duh, I was just looking at the fiber and sugar. :dizzy: Your list will be very helpful, but unfortunately I downed a bowl of the Special K with strawberries (heaven) this morning before I came online and saw your message. Tomorrow I'll switch to the Kashi.

Personally (I'm not on phase 2 yet) I have in the past had that Special K Protein Plus and it REALLY fills me up and keeps me satiated for a long time, for a cold cereal. I will probably try it in phase 2 because, honestly, I love cold cereal, but why waste my time if I can only eat something nasty like Uncle Sam's. ;)

I'm with you Heather, that Uncle Sam's is some nasty stuff!

*happy dancing over to the Phase 2 thread*

Hi gals! Day 15 on The Beach for me, which means *drum roll, please* I have officially been graduated from Phase 1 with a seven pound loss and am shimmying over to see if you all mind if I join in with your Phase 2 fun.

I am happy with my Phase 1 accomplishment. While I wish it was more, seven pounds is a lot to lose in two weeks, and I know it was real weight coming off because prior to starting on South Beach I was already drinking 80 ounces of water a day and eating pretty healthily (although not controlling my portions and indulging more than I should have). I didn't do a ton of research into different diet plans before I started this one, but I did read the South Beach book, and as I went through the two weeks of Phase 1 I realized that it was the perfect plan for me. My problem is the resisting of the cravings, and now I know that I don't have to struggle with that because I can make good food choices that are in harmony with my body. I can eat healthily without feeling (too) deprived! Without those awful gotta-have-it-now cravings, I can see how I will be able to stick with this plan. I can ask myself, "Do you want to eat that more than you want to lose the weight?" and I can answer rationally instead of being driven by the food. I still enjoy food on this plan. There are so many new recipes and tastes that I have tried and loved, and that makes me happy.

So today I'm starting off my morning with a mango smoothie. I'm going to have a string cheese for a snack and then a Greek salad with tofu for lunch. The kids and I are going to the pool this afternoon so I will bring some soy nuts for a snack, and then Tom and I are going out this evening to an Asian buffet on base. I like Asian food because I'm not tempted by rolls! I'll stay away from the rice (not a favorite of mine anyway) and load up on the steamed veggies. This will be my first eating-out experience while on The Beach, and I feel like it's falling at a good time because I'm still motivated by the recent weight loss and am ready to resist temptation.

Hope you all are having good days!

Kara

Hi Kara,
Welcome to Phase II! 7 pounds is great. I wish I could taste your mango smoothie, sounds really yummy. I hope you have a great time being a grownup at the Asian Buffet. I read a buffet diet tip a long time ago and it stuck with me because it made sense and also I guess I was tired of leaving a buffet feeling ill. The tip was to take a walk along the buffet before getting your plate and see everything that's there. Then walk away, close your eyes, and think about the thing or things you saw that would satisfy your hunger. Then just get those things and don't try to taste everything.

Oooo, good idea, Schmoodle! I usually do pretty well at buffets because most of the things have meat so I don't touch them.

Although, dessert buffets are a completely different monster!

I didn't have any ice cubes, so my mango smoothie turned into a mango yogurt, which was just as good. I pureed one mango with a cup of fat free vanilla yogurt (I was out of plain, which I would have preferred to use). I paired it with two of the soy "sausage" links for some protein and because they're one vegetable serving. I feel satisfied, and boy, did that mango taste sweet!

I have learned a new trick. BEFORE eating my portion, I take what will be leftovers and put it away. Then I'm not tempted to have seconds. The mango smoothie recipe was for two servings, so I put away half of the yogurt before I ate my bowl. Now I'm not even thinking about it! I did this with the peanut butter cookies as well and it worked like a charm! They are in the freezer instead of on my counter where I see them all day and pine over them. I am able to take just two out for a dessert and not be tempted to scarf down enough to make me feel guilty and ill!

Kara

HI Kara! Congrats on the weight loss! How did your dinner go?

Schmoodle- that is a good tip, I am going to try that (that is if I ever go into a buffet again ;) )

TGIF!! Happy Friday!

I am happy to report that I have not lost weight. I am the same I was last sunday. At least I didn't go up!

I know you are suppose to add 1 thing a week, but I have added different things, fruits mainly and I feel good about it. You have to do what works for you. :) I officially weigh in on Sundays, maybe some miracle will happen and i loose 5 pounds...hehe

Hi Kara,
How was your dinner? Your tip is a good one. It's surprising, because before, if I knew something was in the house, even if it wasn't in front of me, I would keep thinking about it until I had some. I've been known to eat frozen cake and cookies. Now, if I put something away, it doesn't torment me anymore. This morning the kids had some chocolate doughnuts that my mom brought over (a special treat because today's the last day of school, thanks mom), and they left them on the counter so I could smell them and that was a torment. Made my DD put them away, and now I'm not bothered. When oldest DD shows up later, I'll make her and the boyfriend finish them, just in case. I've got some stuff in the cabinet that I've just been able to ignore - that's what I like about this plan, you don't have to have a lot of willpower all the time.

Dolphingirl, I don't officially weigh in until tomorrow, but I peeked yesterday and I think I'm in the same boat as you, no more weight lost. But from reading the threads here, that seems to happen to a lot of people when they start Phase II, so no worries. This first week I added oatmeal or cold cereal every morning, an apple yesterday, strawberries a couple of days, and a serving of carrots a few days ago. That's more variety than I planned, but I'm paying careful attention to how I feel and I haven't had any problems. And I'm with you about the buffets - I generally avoid them because the food isn't usually too good, but sometimes when you're at an event like a wedding you don't have a choice. Also, there's a Chinese buffet near us the the kids and DH just love. They've been wanting to go, but I haven't let them. I can't think of anything on there I could eat, except the shrimp. Next week I'm out of town, so I'm going to tell them to take advantage of that opportunity!

This morning I made the Phase II oatmeal pancake - it was pretty good and very filling. I just have to figure out how to get a veggie serving in there. I might have to break down and drink a glass of the nasty no-salt V8 I've got in the fridge! Maybe I'll stir in some salt!

kara you are smart to put the leftovers away first... i rarely do that and it's a problem for me...

you are all doing great and i'm so <sniff sniff> proud of you!

That oatmeal pancake is VERY filling, the second time I made it I actually only had half and froze the other for the next day. Of course I eat mine with peanut butter and some fresh fruit.

Yes the slave I am to the scale I am up a bit today but not going to fret, I think it is 2 fold, late eating lastnight due to a softball game (OP though no cheating), and TOM approaching. Drinking lots'o water today (after my coffee of course) hoping to bounce back.

Keep going girls we are making progress!

FWIW i'm up .4 this morning.... i so wanted to be down.... I'm so dang close to breaking 230.....

It's great reading about everyone's success! I'm in the same boat - just started PII, and no loss on PII yet. But I had a significant loss on PI, and I'm hoping this is just a slower start for PII. At least there's no gain, which is a success!

Everyone have a wonderful weekend. I'll be out of town, so I'll be back Tuesday. :)

EEEK! I ate cheesecake. Shhh. No one tell the moderators.

I did eat a good dinner, though. Steamed broccoli and cauliflower and a mixed green salad.

Oh dear. Back on track tomorrow! I've got yoga in the morning, which I run to, so that should have me feeling peaceful again. I honestly don't feel bad or disappointed. I had a little treat and that was it. No more snacking after we got home, not even when Tom had ICE CREAM. The evil man.

Off to bed now. "See" you guys tomorrow!

Kara

Kara, don't feel bad. You'll be on track tomorrow.

But tell me, was it wonderful?:listen:

Last night I dreamed I was trick or treating with my kids and somebody gave me two full sized candy bars. I scarfed them down before I remembered I was on SBD. Talk about a horror movie! I've got to figure out a way to make SBD part of my life now, rather than my obsession, as it's been the last few weeks.

Originally Posted by tomandkara:
EEEK! I ate cheesecake. Shhh. No one tell the moderators.

I did eat a good dinner, though. Steamed broccoli and cauliflower and a mixed green salad.

Oh dear. Back on track tomorrow! I've got yoga in the morning, which I run to, so that should have me feeling peaceful again. I honestly don't feel bad or disappointed. I had a little treat and that was it. No more snacking after we got home, not even when Tom had ICE CREAM. The evil man.

Off to bed now. "See" you guys tomorrow!

Kara

WAS it GOOD cheesecake? if it was GOOD then i'll forgive you as cheesecake is one of my indulgences....

enjoy yoga...

Oh, Nessa and Schmoodle, it was SO good! I usually make my own cheesecake so I'm pretty picky about the stuff, but this one was definitely decent! It was creamier than the kind I make (I wonder if they used sour cream, which I do not use), and the crust was buttery and crumbly. Mmmm.

I didn't gain or lose anything after last night, so no harm done.

However, I did spend a bit of time on the throne this morning, so now I have mixed feelings about the indulgence. Ah, well. Lesson learned.

Off to yoga. I LOVE yoga! It's a recent discovery of mine.

Kara

i have some friends on the other south beach board that adore yoga....

and yes one thing i've found is indulgences do tend to upset my tummy!

It's a nice side effect, I suppose, when you really get down to the reason we're eating this way!

Kara

It sounds like everyone is doing great...

I'm hanging in there... we've had a few family crises in the past couple of days. I'm really proud of myself... I realized earlier tonight that in the past, I probably would have had a complete emotional eating binge. I haven't even been tempted, hasn't occured to be to overeat at all...

I haven't added any grains yet... had the apples w/ PB for about days and felt so good about it that I've added other fruits.... cherries, blueberries, strawberries and grapes. They taste soooo sweet and nummy! :love:

I'm planning to add a grain next week...

I've lost 2 lbs this week and am thrilled! :carrot:

I have about 100 lbs total to lose, and I'm sure that's part of the reason I lost this week... when you are as close to your goal weight as some of you girls are, it just plain comes off slower...

Hi Everybody,

I've been lurking over here to see how you all are doing, and I can't wait to join you on Wednesday! I really really really want a bowl of oatmeal! I'm not so brave as to add in any of those lovely fruits but the eggy breakfast has got to go. It's late evening and I'm sitting here thinking, "oh my god I have to eat eggs again for my next meal". I know there's other options but I do believe I've eaten enough eggs to start clucking. :)

L

Did you know you can make a nice muesli-type cold cereal out of uncooked oatmeal? Put some uncooked old-fashioned oats in the bowl, add a little cinnamon and splenda, and some chopped walnuts and chopped green apple. Add a little skim milk... yummy! I didn't know you could eat oatmeal uncooked, but it's very good!

Glad you had fun, Mess! Take it slow and you'll be fine. Your body needs the vitamins and minerals and fiber and protein from the fruit and grains, and as long as you add them back in slowly and pay attention to how your body is reacting to them, you will not have a problem. I've had mango yogurt for the past two mornings for breakfast and I haven't had any problems at all! I think I might get some strawberries to have for dessert tomorrow.

So...the dresses...what did the girls pick?

Kara

Good Morning 3FCers.
Oneoftheluvs, I am in the same boat as you, 100 lbs to lose. It actually seems possible now. Way to hang in there!
Missmess, hope you had a great time in Mouseland. I haven't been for a couple of years, and have been thinking it's time to plan another trip. I'd like to go again before my youngest turns 10, she's my last child-priced ticket at this point, and that makes a big difference!
Liannie, I know how you feel about the eggs. I used to like them okay before Phase I, but by the end of Phase I, I was gagging them down and dreaming of oatmeal. I found a kind of huevos rancheros recipe that helped me get through those last few days. I haven't had them in a week now, and I've started to kind of miss them, so yesterday I made some ham and egg cups, and I'll have a couple of those for breakfast today.

Today ends my first week of Phase II, and I've got some mixed feelings. I'm happy because I lost a pound. I wasn't at all convinced that scale was going to move this week. I finally broke 240, and that number had started to feel like a brick wall. I'll feel even better when I put some more distance between me and that number - it still feels awfully close. I rewarded myself with a ticker - I didn't want to put one in until it could show some progress! I'm very happy I found this forum, because I really think I'd be off the plan by now if I hadn't. This website has so much information and tips not found in the book. I was a slow loser in Phase I, only 5 pounds. After the first week, I started paying more attention to portions and things like - avocados are a FAT, not a vegetable. I started using fitday and my calories are usually around 1300 for the day - I think that's a good number, I'm not going hungry, and at that rate should lose around 2 lbs a week. I still need to work on some things - getting in enough servings of veggies, adding exercise.

I'm also bummed out because I kind of cracked last night. I had dinner at my Mom's - I took my own baked stuffed eggplant, and had a spinach salad. She had a fruit platter, so I had about half a cup of cantaloupe and 3 strawberries after dinner. When I got home, I was hungry all evening. It was really bothering me, so I finally decided to have some pistachios around 10pm (BAD IDEA). Once I got started, I couldn't stop, so I had about 3X what I should have. Then, still hungry, I ate a hard boiled egg. I could have kept going, but I made myself go to bed then. I've been trying to figure out what could have set me off, and the only think non-Phase II had all day was a half cup of oatmeal in the oatmeal pancake for breakfast, an apple for an afternoon snack, and the fruit after dinner.

I think some days we're just hungrier than other days. And then you got thinking about it and couldn't get it out of your head, and the more you tried not to think about it, the more you did think about it...vicious cycle. Maybe try a glass of water next time? Or a piece of gum? I got the munchies tonight and a piece of cinnamon gum totally did the trick.

Hope tomorrow is better for you!

Kara