Any Spring Starters/Restarters?
 

Hi! I'm Xan. This is about my 7th try at South Beach. Like many of us, I have an extremely busy schedule -- a double job at school, then freelance work on the side. That's been my Waterloo. I have gotten out of the habit of cooking, and SB has been an adjustment. I haven't had big weight loss success because I've never stuck with it, but I have picked up some good habits and lost some bad ones.

There are several others who have signed in over the past few weeks -- Syckgirlsfv, urockmom, Mama2twins and jlight22; apologies if I've missed anyone. I've often noticed that we often have people sign in and say hello, and then disappear. I hope you will stick around. Let's help each other stay on track.

As they say, starting tomorrow :)

This time I've planned to do something I haven't tried before. I've planned out a menu: all simple recipes I've done before, know I like and can do. I want to cook each day and freeze the leftovers. That way I'll have at least 20 dinners in the freezer (small freezer) so I should have no excuses for not having anything appropriate to eat!

I'm off to do grocery shopping.

Does it count as restarting if I got totally off track and regained 25 lbs :eek: ? I am really struggling to get back to clean eating and regular exercise (and to fit into my warm weather clothes when I get them out of storage)

Absolutely! You've made my day, Cyndi. We will be good luck for each other!

You've been so successful on SB, I'm sure you will be able to get back on track very easily. And I hope you'll post your menus, because I remember how interesting they were.

Thanks Xan, for the welcome and the vote of confidence :) I'll try to remember to post menus. I've become one of those crazy facebook food posters, sharing all my new recipe finds :) I'm in a new recipe phase, haven't made the same thing twice in months.

You're a very good cook, Cyndi, so I'll bet you're having fun!

Re the menus, we have the On Plan thread, but not too many veterans post there, and when you all did, it was an excellent School By Example. (I learned about white beans and chard from you and cottage.)

here I am! Thanks to Xan for starting this thread, I think it's just what we need!!! :D

I am starting officially (restart from being off for about 6 years, sadly) on Monday. I've got a corned beef brisket I'm cooking with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots tonight and a hot date with the hubs tomorrow for green beer and shots of Jameson, so Monday it is! :o

Long story short on me: lost 17 pounds in 2006 for my Vegas wedding to my hubby (drive thru wedding, so awesome but that's another thread!) by doing SBD. I got to that point where I didn't even want the bad stuff any more. I kept up phase 2 and then phase 3 for a year or so and stayed around 150 which is fine for me. Then slowly I started drinking liquor again instead of just wine, eating whatever, and now I weigh 164 at 5'8. Almost right back to where I started from. :mad:

Actually, a few months back I was up to a high of 174! I've lost 8 pounds counting calories but now it's stalled and it isn't enough...I know I've got to get back to the beach! I am really looking forward to everyone sharing there menus as well, because I work full time and I've gone back to school to get by BS in accounting. I just got my AA from Glendale Community College, and I'm taking Calculus for Business there currently while I wait for the fall quarter at Cal State L.A...I want to lose at least 15 pounds by the time I go to Vegas this summer for our 7th wedding anniversary on the 4th of July. We are staying at Aria, already got a strip view room all booked and ready...you know that in the summer Vegas is all about the pools during the day! :p

Also, do any of you know where I can get good yoga type exercise pants that will pull the chub in and not make my butt look so big??? TMI, I know, but I'm tired of the track pants I've been wearing the last 4 years...not too comfortable to do step and sculpt type stuff in!

I'm glad you're in, Syckgirlsfv. I can't help with yoga, I'm afraid, but I'm sure others can.

You've got a very good start on your goal. Good luck!

Im Starting Hard This Time!
 

Hi mmaldonado, welcome! You might want to read one of the South Beach Diet books for guidance. The SBD is certainly healthy eating, but it's about eating healthily, eating certain foods, rather than just counting calories.

Hi Xan! New member here! but SBD restarter.

I lost 30 pounds last spring on SBD - was really on my way. I got a promotion at work (YAY) but the position was long, stressful, sedentary hours!! I've gained some of it back and I am really motivated to start over.

Over the last few months I've tried Adkins induction and some other ketogenic plans that did nothing for me.

This plan works and you actually EAT.

So I'm restarting on Monday for two weeks of Phase 1 and I'm very jazzed :)

I do have one hiccup coming - I'm going to the UK for a week on April 1. I plan to have a special meal or two but most days stick to the plan. I may have to continue on Phase 1 for a while upon my return.

If anyone is wanting to start kicking this fat out the door starting on Monday, I'm ready to GOOOOO.:carrot:

Restarter here. I'm on Day 7 of Phase 1 and so far, so good.

Eight years ago, I lost 11 lbs doing a clean Phase 1 and daily workouts on the elliptical. But I didn't transition to Phase 2 properly and between that and slacking off on the workouts and mounting stress from juggling work, family and school, I soon gained it all back plus 10 lbs more.

Fast forward to today: I initially considered doing WW again since fourteen years ago I lost 52 lbs (all since regained +) following the plan religiously. But I counted points for two years and I just couldn't bear the thought of doing it again. I remembered how much I enjoyed doing South Beach and thought that I ought to give it another chance, this time putting more effort into doing Phase 2 properly.

South Beach looks like a plan that is designed more realistically for maintenance. I mean, who really wants to count points for the rest of her life? amiright??

Besides, I have multiple food allergies/sensitivities, most of which coincide quite conveniently with the South Beach Avoid List - these include wheat, all other gluten-containing grains, processed corn products (cornmeal, corn syrup, corn starch), soy, potatoes, and yams.

To keep myself accountable I've been making an effort to post regularly in the On Plan thread. I missed posting the last couple of days but I stayed on plan and recorded my daily food choices in my journal.

Thanks for starting this thread, Xan. It's encouraging to see so many others stepping up and starting/restarting this journey.

I'm contemplating giving SB another go. I tried it about 4.5 years ago, and I failed miserably. I was so weak and tired- and I was afraid to eat. I had that "diet" mindset where if you are full, you're overeating. I was 17. I was young. I was stupid.

On day 2, I ate a fluffernutter and danced around my room.

I survived about a week on a paleo diet and lost 6.2 pounds. I would have gone longer if I wasn't put on cotton-candy duty at work. That shouldn't be an issue with SB though as I'm not working for that company any more. Of course, I DID have fruit with that, so I'm a little unsure about how I'll cope without fruit for 2 weeks.

I do know that I will be doing a slightly modified version of phase 1. I'm going to stick to the foods listed (with some minor adjustments- like eating dark meat and full-fat cheese), but I'm not following the guidelines for portions. I might have a 5 oz steak. So be it.

Xan - me too! It looks like there's a lot of ladies in the boat with us. South Beach works so well, if you stick too it. And really, it's just healthy eating. It's so hard to resist all the goodies in today's society, but SBD does make it a lot easier, since the cravings are gone.

I will use the excuse that 2012 was a tough year...my dad died, and then slightly later my dog (turning 3) got sick and died 4 months later...and being her vet that was emotionally draining (freak, I'm tearing up just typing it!). Never mind other emotionally draining things. But, things are looking up, and I can take care of myself better now instead of the back burner like I have for a while.

I started last week, and it went *fairly* well. Thanks Xan for getting us together!

(I just realized my ticker is WAY off....denial....)

Wow! We're getting quite a group! (I did start the thread, but I don't think of it as "my" thread, and I'm very happy we have some successful veterans here, because they'll be able to answer questions.)

Welcome, Minnie Skinnie -- starting tomorrow is fine. There are a lot of people who like to start Mondays. I've done that, too -- no weekend temptations, and you get five days under your belt.

Welcome, harmonybelle. I've tried WW lots :) As soon as I switch from low carb programs to WW I notice my shopping cart is loaded with carbs. If you have allergies, I would think SB would be a great program for you. If we feel better, we're more likely to keep eating healthily.

And welcome honeylissabee -- I think everyone tweaks the program. Others will correct me if I'm wrong, I hope, but I think the book says to start with a three-ounce portion and go back for more if needed.

And twynn, I'm so glad you're in -- although, looking at your ticker, I don't know why you're worried! :)

I'm starting today, and will post menus on the On Plan Thread, as several people on this thread do.

For those starting today -- GOOD LUCK!

This is my official Phase 1/Day 1. I also changed my ticker -- I've been back and forth about this for ages. Partly I want to start with the high weight (40 pounds more than now) to show how far I've come, but then I'm horribly embarrassed about it, AND at the same time, rely on it ("Well, I've already lost 40 pounds.) This is a restart, so I'm starting now. It is, I'm sad to say, about the same as I weighed when I first came here. I also changed the goal to be one pound under "not obese," which is what will please my doctor. I may adjust that as I get closer.

(note: Read the next two posts that explain why what I wrote above is irrelevant.)

I've planned the week and laid in supplies. I did forget to buy hummus for snacks, but have a lot of string cheese.

Wow, Xan...you should have down that you've lost 40! I think that's awesome, and think of where you were 40 lbs ago.

I know with my ticker... I'm grateful to have a small amount to lose (it's closer to 10), but it is a constant battle to keep it off, the emotion of it, and let me tell you how it all shows up as saddle bags on my petite body! I have to check in here daily to remind me to eat healthy, to let me feel healthy.

Okay. I'm easy. :) Thank you, Twynn. I think for people your height, it must be terribly difficult to maintain, because just a few pounds show. So good for you for stepping in before it's a problem, and working out a way you can maintain.

Thanks Xan :) A Monday start is more due to needing a grocery shopping trip - I'm depleted of anything closely resembling Phase 1 right now :o

Heading out to do that now!

Then this afternoon I will cook off a bunch of chicken breast for the week. Makes for easy lunches! I bake or grill some after adding seasoning (italian seasoning, or lemon zest and thyme, or cumin and chili power or curry... sometimes I do a couple of of each lol) and cube them up in 4-6 ounce portions.

I can toss them in a salad, heat them up to eat with veggies or eat as a cold snack with an ounce of cheese or a pickle.

I also boil a dozen eggs so i have a quick handy breakfast or snack when i'm rushed. I usually toss out part of the yolk and add a bit of mustard and pop it in my mouth for "instant deviled egg" hehe

Wow, didn't meant to ramble! haha Just a few tricks to get me through a busy work week. I ALWAYS need have something ready that I'm able to eat so I won't give in to what the office might be ordering or family might be eating that's not on plan.

:D

Hi Everybody, I'm coming back too.

Hello Xan :) The regular SB ladies know me and I'm always apologetic because I'm a SB'er in my mind though I fall off the wagon constantly and then beat myself up :rolleyes: but do keep pluggin along as best I can. I do post in the SB Exercise thread to maintain just a little cred here :devil:

I'm so glad more people are coming back! Holly, I remember you -- I love your "Cupcake" name.

My first day back was very hard, and that's unusual for me. Usually the first day is a breeze, and I spend most of it kicking myself for not doing this every day, and then the second or third day I would do anything for chocolate, but yesterday I didn't have cravings, but I did have a horrible, horrible headache and was starving an hour after lunch. I got through it, and hope today will be better!

I also had bad luck with cooking. I got a phone call about 15 minutes before the chicken was roasted, and it went on for a half-hour after the bird was done. It was business, so I couldn't rescue the chicken. Sigh.

Hope everyone has a good day! Oh! I was rewarded with a 2-pound loss this morning. I'm down to 270. All water, of course.

Here We Go!
 

Ok I have Phase 1 foods, I have ambition and I am ready to go! :carrot:

ohh but life is hilarious! Day 1:

Wake to SNOW, realize my puppy chewed up my expensive dental retainer, and to top it off my car won't start. :dizzy:

Waiting for a ride to work has afforded me some time to eat a proper breakfast but i've burnt my eggs twice now. 3rd time is a charm?

I also have a broken toe, and a toothache.

but i'm still On Plan!! :dance:

life, i refuse to give into your emotional triggers.

MinnieSkinnie, what a terrible morning! I hope the rest of the day is better, and I hope your sense of humor got you through the problems. It's true, though. If we took a poll asking how many of us let life derail us, I'd bet it would be at 99%. (Derail, meaning, Burnt the dinner, let's eat pie.)

alright, Monday here I come! I've taken today and tomorrow off of work, so that should make it a little easier since there is always something bad foodwise at the office! I haven't eaten just yet - I'm going to do eggs of some sort, of course!

yesterday we had what could be considered too many shots of Jameson, and a few green beers - now that I've gotten that out of my system I really don't think I'll have trouble staying away from alcohol. that's not usually the problem anyway. But I love my wine :( especially after school since it's so hard to get to sleep after class at night. I can handle it, though. I need to freshen up on the phase 1 food list...I gave my book to my daughter last year hoping she'd use it but she didn't, and she still has it! Luckily it's easy to find the foods on this site. ;) Good luck all!!!

This is my first day of phase 1 too!! Off to a decent start after being on a sugar binge all weekend. I am looking forward to detoxing! I hope to check in with you all frequently.

yay gutbegone, same start date - we can keep an eye on each other :D

You're so right Xan i did feel a little sorry for myself today but I did stay on track so I'm happy. I do try to keep smiling!

:)

Hi. I am new to the forums and just finished phase 1 with a couple cheats. I think I need to go back and do a more severely restrictive phase one with little or no sweets. I am over bread and pasta, but I still crave sugar constantly. This is my first time on SB.

Hi, I'd like to join you, too! I did SB 7 years ago living overseas. I kept it off for 3 years, then gained it back when we moved back to the states. So now I want to get back to my "normal" weight again. We're living overseas again so it's easier. We don't own a car so we walk everywhere and there aren't a lot of processes foods here so most things are homemade.

Minnie Skinnie, I like your ideas for having cooked chicken and eggs in the fridge! Often I make a big pot of soup to eat all week. It helps when you come home late all tired and hungry!

Miniskinny I too have my own pity party days. This week has been exhausting throw a snow storm in the mix and well I feel spent. Last night I was enjoying my veggies and hummus watching Biggest Loser when my woe is me alter ego kept telling me chocolate makes everything better. Maybe it was Biggest Loser or the fact that I was so tired, but for once the new me won. I decided sleep was the better option. Maintaining, I try to celebrate these little milestones.success is not measured by the number on the scale :)

We're really getting a good group! Welcome, gutbegone, foodismydrug and Just Dance Girl.

Yesterday (my second day) was better than the first, but I did cave at 9 p.m. (huge spoonful of peanut butter). I always feel so much better when I don't eat bread, I kick myself for not sticking with SB more steadily. It's just that sandwiches are so easy! Yesterday I made, and ate, the largest salad I've had in a good long while -- thank goodness for bagged salads!

I hope everyone has a successful day!

I had good success yesterday! Partially because I was so involved in my calculus homework (which by the way was SUPER frustrating ;() and I didn't get to eat much. I actually feel like I didn't eat enough, but I felt fine. I made a two egg omelet for breakfast with spinach and mozzarella and green salsa. It was so good! By the time I gave up on the calculus, 4 hours later, it was dinner time. I made turkey burger patties (hubby's on bread), pinto beans with mozzarella and salsa, and green beans with lots of herbs and a little I can't believe it's not butter. All turned out very good, and that was it. Any water weight from the St. Paddy's day boozin' (I was weighing 4 pounds heavier) is already gone! I am back to 164 which is a good start point. I'm feeling good so far! Now if only calculus would quit being such a *****!

today I'm making pressure cooker pinto beans - a big pot of them. I soaked them over night and it will only take 50 minutes in the pressure cooker. I'll have to stock up on hearts of romaine for salads since I go back to work tomorrow and also eggs and /or egg sub. I'll probably boil a bunch of eggs, too. I find it so much easier to stay on plan if properly prepared.

I had a good night - stayed OP and went to spin class. 22.6 miles last night - my best so far!! I think I am going to try a body pump class on Thursday.

I need to get some food cooked up for the week - it's so hard when I am not prepared. I did not plan anything for dinner so I will have to thaw some chicken out when I get home. I did take a roast out the other night and I plan on putting that in the crockpot with some celery tonight so it can cook while we sleep.

Still feel bloated - chugging water hoping that feeling goes away soon!

Well I'm still not the poster child for getting back on track. Yesterday and today were better but I've had a couple of bouts of emotional eating. Progress counts, guess I'll give myself some credit for that.

Cyndi, I think progress is the most important thing. I can't count how many times I've stopped a program because I wasn't "perfect". I've finally come to believe it's a process. If we stick to it as best we can, it will get easier AND it's better to have a pretty good, if imperfect day, than a, "Darn it! I ate 6 grapes and blew it. Let's order pizza," or whatever day. It will get easier.

Thanks for the welcome :). I had a good day but topped it off with two glasses of wine. Still is better than the M&Ms that were supposed to be for Easter baskets!

Xan, I agree. Progress is more important than perfection, especially at the beginning. It's so easy to give up after one mistake. I'm 12 hours ahead of you guys, so yesterday I had eggs, chef salad for dinner and (my mistake) a yogurt with nuts and oatmeal. But my snack was bell peppers, so that's good, right?

Today will be hard cause we have no food in the house. Need to shop after work! Maybe I'll start soup in the crockpot for dinner. Then at least we'll have something!

I've been doing fairly well, had some dark chocolate, but that's okay in moderation (um, and I was stuck at work getting shaky....). I am so glad I make those breakfast casseroles and soups for the week. I'm trying to figure out already what salads to make when the weather gets better. Did you ever have the weekend glow salad, Cyndi? (of course, that didn't fill me up long enough, if I remember...)

I think I made several variations, probably without the fruit. I think I usually had some kind of protein with it, maybe a veggie burger. Salads make me think of warmer weather, can't wait!

Good Luck with your goal...and Vegas is fantastic!! Lots of walking there so thats a plus while your out there :) We went and walked and walked didnt do much snacking which was awesome (no time)
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