Hello everyone.I have a question and i hope someone has some advice..I have been working out and eating right for the last 2 months and have lost 15 pounds.I do not eat alot of processed foods anyway and wanted to start the South beach diet.Should i start in phase 1 or just go ahead to phase 2?I drink tons of water and work out 5 days a week and eat rather healthy anyway.So i feel i may not see to much of a loss in phasre one and do not know if i should torture myself?Oh ya i am 5' 8 and weigh 160 and want to lose 20 pounds.I wear a size 10 and would like to be a size 6..Do not know if it is phisable.I am a medium frame with a pretty atletic build with broad shoulders.Please help!

I see your question but don't have an answer for you. Most postings seem to be in the morning. Some one will come along soon.

Hi, Newbee!

I think that if you do not eat a lot of sugar, you might be able to get by with a week of Phase 1. You can always go back to Phase 1 if you notice your weight has stalled. But I'm basically a newbie myself, having been on SBD just over three weeks, so maybe Ellis or Little Chick or someone else could give you a decent idea?

Personally, though Phase 1 was tough, I found the encouragement of those pounds melting off has really helped me make it through right now, when I am going no where. JMHO...

Thank you so much for your response and i appreciate your honesty.Ya because i did the induction phase of the Atkins a couple months ago and did it solid with no cheats and did not lose a pound.So mabey some carbs work better for me..

Newbee--

I had the same experience with Atkins last year, net loss was zilch the first week....I also lost very slowly in P1, 2 lbs total, and have actually lost as much or more quickly in P2. I also want to lose only a modest amount, 10-15 total. Since you already have been dieting and eat fairly healthily, you may not see a huge weight loss on p1.

BUT--even though I was disappointed I didn't lose gobs of weight on P1, I wasn't surprised, AND, for me the big benefit is reduction of cravings. I figure that will help me for the long term. So you might want to consider it for that reason--you may be surprised how your body responds!

Jojo

Thanks Jojo..Glad someone can relate.How long have you been on phase 2?And what has been your total loss so far?

my advice to you if you want to see accurate results i would do the phase 1 because it is a cleasing phase. rememder that it is a bit different then atkins as far as veggies consumption and all so get your body ready for the south beach way verses the atkins way. Good luck!!

I'm with the other girls... I'd try Phase I for at least a week, Newbee. And even though you're eating well now, you may notice some detoxing from the sugar. Good luck!

Phase 1. It isn't going to hurt anything and you may be surprised. If nothing else it gets rid of the sugar cravings! (unless Ellis keeps posting about bridge mix )

Get the Atkins thinking out of your head. This is so different from that. This is so livable for the rest of your life.

Phase 1 made me appreciate the foods in Phase 2 more I don't ever recall craving a simple strawberry so much in my life, lol. I recommend doing Phase 1, even if it's just for one week, like ellis suggested.

Newbee--

In answer to your question: I'm in my 3rd week of Phase 2, and, I haven't weighed for a few days but think I've lost about 5 total pounds. Today is not a good day to ask me, truth be known, as I'm in the middle of my period, AND still detoxing a bit from the s/f ice cream I thought I could have, but now realize I can't, and shouldn't have (see my other recent post).

Anyway, about a pound a week, on average.

Have a great weekend!

Jojo

Thank you all for your responses...Ya i went to the gym today and weighed in and i am down 2 pounds so this is a total of 17 pounds in 2 months..I am excited.Ya i have been doing phase one for about 4 days.But cheated a bit.Last night had a few beers and a bagel after my workout this morning.Woops! But i feel i may not want to get to strict for i may feel deprived and binge.I used to emotionally eat and i have been much better with that lately..But thanks for the insight....

I agree with everyone else you said you think having some carbs helps you out well in phase one you do get to have lots of complex carbs which are good, all from veggies Mompen another member here plugged in the food from the recommended menu in the book to see how many carbs in a day and it came out to like 97! So just remember you aren't counting carbs on this diet hun! Just eating the right ones!
I wish you Good Luck and keep us posted!!
Michelle

Thank you Michelle i sure will keep you updated....158 now...Yippee.