So, went to the doc today to get my bloodwork done. I'm 31 and have never had anything like that done, so I thought I better get it. I don't think I have anything going on (besides all the extra lard on my body), I mostly just want to know what my body is doing. Also, to establish some sort of baseline for any future visits.

Anyhow, I had lost 11 lbs since the last time I was in (around October'ish), he asked what I was doing to lose weight and I told him South Beach. He got a big grin on his face and said that is great! South Beach is the only diet we advocate in our office. He said they refer to is as the Meditterranean diet/lifestyle, but that it's a lot of the same concepts as SBD. It just feels good to have your doctors approval!! Plus, he referred me to a nutrionist...never been to one of those before, so we'll see how that goes.

I just thought of something....should I have put this under the daily thread thing??? Sorry...someone can move it if that's where this post belongs.

My mother's cardiologist always tells her to eat a Mediterranean diet. They just don't explain to her what they mean by that. She knows about SB from me though! Good luck on your blood work. When I started SB in January 2007 my cholesterol was 214. Had it checked a couple months later and it was close to the same, but 6 months or so after I started, it had dropped 30 points to 184. So, if your labs come back a little high, stick with SB and everything will improve if you give it time.

My doc said to come back in 2 or 3 years for another physical. But, in case there are some bad numbers or whatever...then I plan on going back after a year of SB and doing the tests again...might as well use my insurance! lol

I googled meditteraen diet and this is what I found....Look familar? South Beach and this diet have some distinct simularities. A few things are different though.

Do not forget that the original Mediterranean Diet characteristics were:

1. High consumption of virgin olive oil.
2. High intake of vegetables and fruits and legumes.
3. Use of non refined carbohydrates (portions to be adjusted to physical activity).
4. Consumption of fish, specially oily (or “bluish” one) three o for times a week
5. Consumption of milk and derivates, cheese and yogurt (the original cheese was fresh goat cheese). Keep an eye on the saturated fats of the dairy products. Not too much!
6. Three or four eggs per week.
7. Moderate consumption of meat and saturated fats.
8. One or two small glasses of wine a day, preferably red and at the main meals. White wine and beer are alternatives.
9. Nuts as snacks

Of course, if you want to reduce your weight, you will have to choose the less caloric nutrients. Or the opposite, if you want to increase it.