Hi everyone!

Well, I am back to starting Phase one again - today. I was so good for about 2 1/2 weeks -and, well, then I sort of lost my "edge". One thing led to another, and, then I found myself saying: "Oh, I'll just start fresh tomorrow" Well, those tomorrows never seemed to happen. This time, my DH is doing it with me (though, he wasn't the reason I blew it). I did some major grocery shopping earlier today and am feeling extremely motivated.

My question: Is sugar-free pudding allowed on Phase one? I can only take so much jello!

Also- a BIG THANK YOU to whoever created the "green-goo" treat w/ sf pistachio pudding, ricotta cheese, milk.. etc I had some oral surgery last week - and, it was a great thing to eat!

Thanks for all of your support and encouragement!
Here's to a GREAT Phase ONE!

BethAnn

Welcome back BethAnn!
SF Pudding is a no-no until phase 2. But what is this green-goo recipe? I love sugar free pistachio pudding.

BethAnn, congratulations on getting back on track!

Welcome back, BethAnn. As ff milk is now allowed on Phase I, I should think that SF pudding would be allowed too!

Oh, I never thought of that Ruth!

Welcome back, BethAnn. Your story sounded a lot like mine. I've made it thru Phase 1 a number of times, but then I seem to blow it. I'm determined this time, although I have a vacation at the beach in Florida (what better place for a South Beacher!) in less than a week. Anyway, I weighed myself on Saturday. That was day 10 of phase 1. I had lost ten pounds. That is just what I needed to motivate myself. So here is to new beginnings!

Looks like I am going to be joining those of you that are 'starting' again as well. I did great the first two weeks - lost 13 pounds and then went to a wedding reception and had a little bit of this, little of that and continued downhill from there. I am doing this with my husband (who only wanted to lose like 10 pounds and is more so doing it for his health) - he is now up to eating some things that I still can't eat. I don't know if that had an impact on me or what. It just seemed so much easier when we both couldn't do it because we were on the same phase, you know? Anyway - I have managed to gain back about 7 of what I lost so I am bummed out. I feel like crap again - tired, achy, grouchy, etc. I would have to say one of my biggest challenges is work. It is very stressful and people are at you non-stop all day long - so my girlfriends and I just run from the office at lunchtime. Only problem is, I am trying to watch what I eat, they are not - so it is a real challenge. I do admit - sometimes I have such solid willpower and other times I cave so bad. Something I wish I could overcome.

I am going to try just eating at my desk and then maybe taking a half hour to walk around outside, and stop going out to lunch everyday. Not to mention the money it costs me. EEK!

Exercise - still haven't started yet. I am going to do some today though. I am sitting here eating a SF jello cup as I type and drinking some decaf iced tea. I am going to do whatever it takes to get back on track and start working out. For those of you that exercise - when do you normally do so? Sometimes after work I am so wiped out - and then come home and deal with homework for three kids, dinner, laundry, etc. I was thinking of trying it in the morning before I leave for work - but I'd have to get up at 4:30 AM or so...LOL

Anyway - thanks for letting me ramble. I have read that some of you have stumbled but have gotten back on track - so I feel a little better knowing that I am not the only one. As of this point, I am starting anew and will stick to this. My husband, is still going - down about 9 pounds or so now and feeling like a million bucks. Me - I would like to lose at least 60-70 so I have a long, long way to go. But, I know that I will get there with the support from all of you here.

I too feel like I am getting off track. I am on Phase II for the first week and I am starting to gravitate back to bad habits. What's the deal w/ starting Phase II? I did great when I was limited to just a few things in Phase I but when ya' got more freedom, you run with it! LOL

Here's to a new week!

I am back on Phase 1 today as well having eaten my way through the weekend. Too many meals with friends - remind me to 'take a plate' next time then I will have things to eat that are OP. My downfall was pizza hut for dinner last night. I gave the salad bar a good go but then circumed to pizza and icecream - yummy! I felt 'yuk' afterwards though and have no craving for junkfood today. In fact I am looking forward to my lunchtime salad and craving water so that is a good sign.

I think s/f pudding is okay with low fat milk but check the fat and carbo count. Sometimes low fat = high sugar and sugar free is really high in fat. Processed foods can be high in salt (look for sodium) and this makes you retain water and put on 'weight'. I have been eating low fat artifically sweetened (splenda) fruit yogurts because they are actually lower in carbo and fat than regular yogurt or ricotta and still lost weight no problem.