I'm joining this thread because I just started the South Beach diet. I've struggled with weight my entire life, but about 9 years ago, I lost 90 pounds and kept it off for about 4 years. Then I went through a bunch of stressful experiences, life changes, great times, etc., tried some diet drugs to lose more which had the opposite effect, had a couple of kids, etc., and I've gained back 70. Ah well. I've been trying for the last 3 years (in between having kids) to lose. I've discovered that I actually gain weight breastfeeding (but I'm lucky to not gain too much while pregnant, so I can't complain much.) My youngest is almost 10 months old and I've decided that I can't wait any longer, and I'm not going to use breastfeeding as an excuse anymore.
So I started the Beach yesterday. It was easier than I expected, and I've stuck with it today too.
I was wondering if those of you who are pros, who are having success, can give me some tips about how you stay motivated to stay on the diet? How do you make it a success?
I have felt so good, it's easy to stay motivated. And I just kept thinking "little black dress, little black dress". And I also promised my Dad I would lose it and wanted to keep that promise more than anything.
I had pictures of me in a bikini taken from the front and from the side, and placed one on my fridge and one in the pantry where all the junk food was. That sight was enough for me.
Make sure you get your veggies, water, and beans! Lots of people get constipated on SBD. Stay regular! Not only will you feel better, but it moves (hahaha) the weight-loss along. I call them "Bathroom Celebrations" because I wanted to throw a party every time I went.
And definitely check in here. These girls are TREMENDOUS support. I could not have lost any weight without them, and every time I'm "too busy" to pop in on the daily and catch up with everyone, that's when I gain weight back because I'm falling off plan.
congrats on the decision to take the weight back off. Are you done nursing? If not, be sure you do not go into ketosis. 1. it will make your milk funky and your child won't want it. 2. My doc told me ( though I never verified it myself) that there is some evidence that the ketones that end up on your milk could be dangerous to your baby.
I think I read somewhere that Dr. Agatston recommends only ph2 for nursing moms. ( the idea being to skip ph1.)
Definitely Phase II if you're still nursing. You may want to track calories too, since you need at least 1800 to maintain a good milk supply. To me, the best tip is to try a lot of the recipes from this website. My family likes them, they taste great and the variety keeps the SB plan from getting old. Also just coming here daily helps keep me motivated and on plan. I read several of Dr. A's books but I got a lot more info on the FAQ sticky on this forum.
Amberly! I hope you have the book and have read it thoroughly to understand what this plan is all about. It's a sensible, healthy lifestyle to follow the rest of your life, with the added benefit of losing weight, too!
What keeps me motivated is just the difference in how good I feel, and knowing that I'm eating things will prolong my life and are good for my body. Every time one of our Beachers shares their success and NSV's with us, it motivates me even more. I wish you great success in this new way of eating, and hope to get to know you better.
the results alone kept me motivated....plus when people start noticing and commenting it keeps the motivation going! Good luck, you'll find tons of great stuff on here!
I had forgotten about ketones, so I got some ketostix last night so that I can keep an eye on them.
I am still breastfeeding, but sort of weaning, which is why I started on Phase I. My milk supply drops off anywhere below 2600 calories (I've been to doctors, lactation consultants, etc.), but I also gain at that level. (I've gained 25 pounds since he was born.) I've been working full time since he was born, and pumping, and he was getting fed from a bottle. But he has a very short attention span, and when I quit my full-time job, the milk didn't come fast enough and he would get bored and quit. So he actually lost a few ounces in the first couple of weeks that I was home. So, I decided to formula feed during the day to make sure he's getting the nutrition, and just nurse for comfort. After I decided to wean for the bulk of the nutrition, I realized that I could diet without worrying about whether he was getting enough/I was pumping enough, and decided to do South Beach. I really feel that I need PI to get rid of the cravings.
Cottage--I have read the book, but just checked it out from the library so I can do a refresher course. I know that this should be a lifestyle change, but can't imagine living without the carby, sugary, junk. I did something like this when I originally lost weight, though, and remember getting to the point where I **did not WANT** the junk! It was amazing. I had forgotten about that. So maybe I just need to get back there.
This is day 3 of PI and I do really feel great. Today, I managed an information fair at the university where I work. Every year, I buy tons of candy so that the people working at the tables can give it away, and end up eating candy all day. Today, I didn't have a piece!!! Yay! That was a major accomplishment.
The basic concept revolves around the 'Phased' approach to success.
A good intro and to get started would of course be hitting up 'Phase 1'
For a good overview check out: South Beach Diet Phase 1 articles online. Once you get moving and comfortable on this phase it simply a matter of working through each of the remaining phases in succession. Good Luck!
I was just talking about this with my mom. I think if you find away to PLAN to make it work for your lifestyle it will be sucessfull. There are tons of recipes on here and support. It's nice to be able to jump on and ask any q's and somebody will answer you back soon! Goodluck! I have just made it through P1 and I am a HUGE sugar junkie. There has been tons of sugary deserts that have been brought in and it doesn't bother me a bit!
Menzy
Can you give me some tips?
Amberly! I hope you have the book and have read it thoroughly to understand what this plan is all about. 
It's a sensible, healthy lifestyle to follow the rest of your life, with the added benefit of losing weight, too! 
