Hello, Everyone!

I'm a 40-something new bride and mother of two teenage girls who's starting over with a new marriage, new South Beach Lifestyle, and (soon) a new career.

In September of '04 I started on Atkins, and lost about 40 lbs. It was hard getting support, because my (vegetarian) daughters nearly died every time they saw me eating meat, and didn't think I was doing what was best for my health. Earlier this spring I decided to switch from Atkins to South Beach -- I decided that since I already had carbs out of my system, I'd just "slide" into Phase II and skip Phase I. I kind of plateaued, until "Bride Month." That was March - DH and I eloped to Chicago on St. Patrick's Day. During "Bride Month" I ate all kinds of goodies -- the most unmentionable of them at Giardelli's the day we drove to Chicago to get our marriage license. And then came Easter, and Easter candy that fed my growing sugar addiction quite well! Since "Bride Month" I had gained back 10 lbs., and was sliding fast.

A week ago I decided to get with the program -- specifically, Phase I! I lost what I had regained, but now I'm kind of stuck. DH says he can see (and feel!) that I'm losing, but my darned scale is messing with me! I'm being very good, and haven't cheated on my Phase I rules even once.

I've visited here regularly, but never posted. Now I need to become more committed to my weight loss, and need some support. I love how all of you support each other, and want to be part of you! Can I come in and play??

"Bride Month". I love it, Sandra!
Welcome to the Beach! Yes, the support here is wonderful... we're very glad to have you join us.

Welcome Sandra!! congratz on your new marriage and wonderfully exciting lifestyle changes! Don't worry, I really slowed down towards the end of phase one in weight loss...and even gained a pound back at the beginning of phase 2, until I got things re-adjusted...took a week or two, then BAM! loosing again, at least 1 1/2-2 pounds per week and sometimes more. Just give it some more time and keep plucken along!

Scales Lie! don't judge your weight loss by your scales alone. How do your skinny clothes feel? Are your regular clothes now your big clothes? Are your fat clothes in the closet longer then usual? Did you measure yourself with a tape measure before you started phase 1? If not, go do it as soon as you can, keep a monthly log of your chest, waist, hips, thighs, biceps, calves and what ever else you want to measure each month. It feels great to see the inches coming off...even if they aren't the inches you want to come off.

Good luck and keep up your good work. Congrats on the wedding!
Sarah

Thanks for the welcome, Ellis, Tina, and Sarah! That means SO much to me!

I tried the Taco Bake from the Phase I entree recipe thread last evening for dinner. It was so good I didn't even CARE whether I'd lost weight yesterday!! Every day at work I sit at our 11:45 meeting and watch the guys eat their leftovers from the night before, and end up craving "illegal food" all afternoon. Today I ate my Taco Bake in front of THEM and did't want anything for the rest of the afternoon. I love South Beach, and I love being able to identify with a group of people who all feel the same way and go through the same things! You guys are the best! (... and if my firstborn hadn't already left the nest, I'm afraid I'd have to give her to the creator of the Taco Bake recipe!)

Welcome Sandra. This really is a supportive group.

I wandered away but...I'm back.
Lydia (52) married and mom to a 4 1/2 yr old tornado

Sandra, you sound like so much fun! : I'm glad to have you here! Congratulations on your new marriage. Being a bride is great fun, and it sounds like you are well on way to experiencing that. Your DH sounds like a doll!

The taco bake is a huge fav. in our house too! I think that though you feel like you are stalling, that your body may just be readjusting. Don't give up...a lot is probably happening that will show up on the scale before you know it. Don't be afraid of Phase 2 either. I gained about five pounds while I was figuring out Phase 2, but once I figured it out, I lost 87 pounds and I continue to lose. It works out.

Welcome, Sandra!

Welcome! Congrats on your marriage

THANKS Ly, Laurie, and AZ!! (I'm so excited about coming home and checking in now!) I VERY MUCH appreciate all your support!

Ly, I'm AMAZED by your ability to keep up with a 4-1/2 year old! I was feeling good about taking on school in addition to my job until I read your post! I am prepping for my mid-life career change -- I'm taking night classes to become a medical transcriptionist (I currently work in a nuclear plant), and just found out I have a 4.0 GPA for the Spring Semester. But that feels small compared with zipping around after a toddler! You're amazing!

Thanks for the encouragement, Laurie -- I can tell you're a guardian angel! DH spends LOTS of time telling me not to get discouraged and to think of where I was a year ago, but I WANT IT ALL AND I WANT IT NOW!! Even though I know he's right, I have come a long way, it's SO HARD walking past Coldstone Creamery, Home of Ice Cream That Should Be A Classified Narcotic, and not eating any and still not seeing the scale move! One would think that just giving up white sugar, flour, and potatoes would be enough to cause a 10 lb. a week drop in weight!! (... right? ...)

Thanks again for all the support when I'm REALLY needing it! You guys are the best!

Trust me, we do a lot of "I'll watch you from the mommy bench". 4.0 GPA and working...that's terrific. If you can do that you can do the south beach thing. It's all about being prepared/organized.