Hello! I won't be starting Phase I until Saturday, but I've been reading these forums and some blogs to get revved up to start.

I'm 50, and had my annual physical last week. For the first time, my blood sugar and cholesterol numbers were... troublesome. Not dangerous yet, but the warnings signs are here. My doctor said I had to take losing weight seriously and suggested either Weight Watchers or South Beach. I've tried WW before and didn't lose much. I tried South Beach for about three days when the first book came out, but didn't stick with it. I like to say I'm not addicted to carbs, but I found it very hard to give up juices and other sweet drinks. I also found it hard to give up bread and butter. Which is probably why I've gained 50 pounds in the past ten years. I don't want to gain another 50 in this one.

I have one question. I've been reading ALL the Beach Books this past week, and was surprised to notice that now there's such an emphasis on legumes. They weren't there at the beginning. They're high in calories and carbs. How do you all handle this? Do you eat the 1/2 cup a day they recommend, and still lose weight?

Beans are my secret weight loss weapon (okay, not very secret ) They are filling, low fat and full of good things. I usually eat 2-3 servings every day and, as you can see that's worked really well for me.

BTW, I'm 47 and have found this way of life really helps me not just lose weight but feel good, get great test results, and have more energy. Welcome!

We love it here!

I think a big key to SBD is to hang out here (completely biased opinion, of course )....seriously, support really helps. Everyone is in the same boat as you, great recipes, other awesome ideas.

Welcome!

Thank you, Cyndi and TwynnB for your welcome and good advice.

I have two more questions.

The South Beach Supercharged book mentions "spreadable cheese" as a snack, with no brand name (understandably). If we're allowed to post brand names here, could you tell me which ones are OK, if you know?

Also, the first book had peanut butter and celery as a snack. I don't see them in the newer book. Is this sitll part of the plan? (I seem to have absorbed more than I thought from the original South Beach book!)

Mollie,

Welcome to the Beach. Bring your bikini.

I don't know about spreadable cheese. I tend to be a "cook from scratch" sort of person. As for peanut butter, most are sweetened. Stick with that sugar-free stuff and you should be okay.

Welcome, Mollie! I plan to re-start this Monday, so we'll be Beachin' it together. I'm not sure about this, but I think when I've seen other people mention spreadable cheese they've talked about Babybel brand. You can also get low fat string cheese that's great for snacking.

Try doing your own peanut butter or almond or cashew butter. Roast the 2 cups of nuts at 400 for about 10-12 minutes and grind until smooth in a food processor. You sometimes need to add about 1 tsp. of olive oil but not more.

I have a silly question. Why do people wait until a specific day to start a new way of life? Why don't they start it now?

It happens when they see the OLD way of life as a loss. Until you get that your new way of life is a GAIN, you'll hold on to old ways forever.

You wouldn't wait a week to pick up lottery winnings, would ya?

Thanks now I understand. Whenever I change my eating habits I always think I'm gaining something not that I'm giving up anything. When I went from 255lbs to 199 lbs I definitely did not give anything up.

Mollie! We look forward to having you on the Beach with us.
Regarding the peanut butter with celery, you can enjoy everything from the first book, plus the new additions to the food lists from the newer book. Check out the food lists in our FAQ section for the revised lists.

The spreadable cheese is the Laughing Cow Light wedges.

Hopefully you mean that jokingly, because I was kind of hurt by this, as some one who is waiting to start. I'm not stupid, nor do I not know it's a good thing. But I'm too broke to afford to stock my cupboards til Sunday. Furthermore, I am self-aware enough to know that personally I require lots of planning to make any change in my life. I'm sure other people can dive in more easily, but trust me, I can't.

There ARE good reasons to set a specific date to start.

I have also set a specific date to start for similar reasons. Most importantly, I am unable to go grocery shopping until Friday. Secondly, I am taking these few days between now and Saturday (my start day) to understand the program fully, prepare mentally and put together meal plans. Planning is very important to me.

Don't be hurt, Betsi. Remember that tone of voice doesn't come across in posts. You didn't mention your financial constraints in your post. Lots of folks never start a diet until a Monday - there's research somewhere on this.

You are wise to research and prepare to spread your towel on The Beach.

I got married on Friday, and my wife's daughter flew in for the weekend. I knew I'd be spending the weekend taking her to our favorite restaurants, so I decided to wait until Monday to start South Beach. However, there were several other factors involved:

- I have a long commute and get up early enough as it is, so it was nice having all day Sunday to plan out meals, shop and prepare breakfast for Monday morning.

- The spare time on the weekend gave me more time to re-read the book to make sure I understood everything.

- Monday in general just feels like a "starting out" day to me, since it's the beginning of the work week.

- Lastly, since we had just gotten married, it makes it easier to remember the exact day I decided to make this commitment.

Sorry if my previous post was a bit "drama queen" - I just wanted to point out that it's not always easy to start right up.

Glad to know I'm not alone in needing to plan.