Help? :(
 

I just have a few questions actually... I started the South Beach Diet three weeks ago. I was really excited that after the two weeks I had lost 6 pounds :) But then, I decided to do an extra third week since my cravings weren't gone and I had cheated twice during that week (had a bit if pasta and a cookie when I went to the cottage). Then, the third week, I was pretty strict- except once I had maize baked in olive oil- didnt know it was maize until I ate quite a bit -_-' But anyways, I was pretty good yet I gained two pounds after the third week! Why is that? Any suggestions would be really appreciated! :)
Also, should I do another week of phase 1 or move on to phase 2? And is 100% pure maple syrup is allowed in phase 2? Like, I was thinking of using it when I make the phase 1 pancakes but only like 1 tbsp each time and only a few times a week? I just am not a fan of artificial sweeteners and occasionally use Stevia. Thanks :)

Hello and welcome!
A lot of people here advocate doing a full clean phase 1. However, have you started yet thinking about your phase 1.5/transition to Phase 2? Also, now that you've done the third week, are you still having cravings?

Any time I eat grains, I hold a bunch of water weight. That could be what's going on and often happens in phase 2 when you start adding a grain back. I can eat one fruit a day without a problem, but grains cause the water retention.

:welcome:

Do searches of your questions on the thread - there is a wealth of information on the boards. But in short:

But anyways, I was pretty good yet I gained two pounds after the third week! Why is that? Any suggestions would be really appreciated!
I am one of the ones who advocates a clean Ph1 for just that reason: to knock out cravings. I'd do another full week of Ph1 to knock out the cravings and NO CHEATS!

And is 100% pure maple syrup is allowed in phase 2?
I don't believe it is - It's high on the glycemic index and since you are already having cravings, I wouldn't use it. Go with SF maple syrup or agave nectar instead.

Well, my cravings have dramatically reduced- the only time I find myself wanting to eat something sweet is if I see it being eaten right in front of my face- like, I see my mom eating ice cream and I'll be like that looks so yummy! But aside from that- I hadn't really noticed- they have decreased substantially. I kind of just started a 1.5 phase right now. I allowed myself one serving of fruit a day like cherries from yesterday. I think I'll keep notice of my cravings since lately I've just been focused on my weight and if they increase again/I realise I'm craving, I should revert back to phase 1. And agave nectar sounds like a good alternative :) Just interesting because maple syrup has a GI of 54 so I guess it could be an occasional maintenance treat?
Thanks everyone! :)

And the water retention could sound plausible but I did weigh myself the last day before my 3 weeks were up and I had not had any grains yet. Could it I retained that much water from that one time I had maize approximately 3 days before I weighed myself? :o

I really am not sure if that was your cause, its so hard to tell sometimes what our bodies are reacting to. After a few months on SBD and near my goal weight I had 1/2 beer and a hot dog on a white roll while out on a harbor cruise and my belly was huge for days. I couldn't get over the reaction I had! This way of eating really does work, don't get discouraged!

Maize is a grain.