I have been telling my co-workers that I have started the South Beach Diet. The response that I'm getting is not too warm. There is one guy who seems fit and is always munching on something "healthy" who says it's a fad.

And, yet another guy who has lost a lot of weight exercising and watching what he eats who says that some of the things on the approved list are not good for you. (Specifically eggs). He is always butting in when I am talking to my husband about what he can and can't eat according to the SBD. (My husband was recently hospitalized with pancreatitis)

Then, there is Tammy an overweight person with high blood pressure and diabetes. She says, "My doctor says that it's not the carbs, but the amount of calories."

My opinion is that for me this is not a "fad diet". It is teaching me to eat better things. I tried to explain the "good fats, bad fats" and "good carbs, bad carbs", but I guess I didn't explain it well. I also feel that this diet will teach me to eat better things. I am a terrible eater. I love junk food, sodas and candy. I would fix dinner and eat only a few bites of meat and fill up on starchy stuff. (No wonder I like it so much if it turns right into sugar!) With this way of eating, it makes me stop and think how the food I'm putting in my mouth is working in my body.

I am not an expert. I am only on Day 4. But, I am hopeful that this is the way for me to gain control of my weight, fertility and general well being. I already feel differences in my body.

Just rambling here.

you will always get people with conflicting ideas on what works and what dosn't. I would just say that this woe works for you and your husband and thank you for your advice I will take it into consideration. Then smile and change the subject.

I was very fortunate that I didn't have anyone tell me it was a fad, I had people confuse it with Atkins and tell me how unhealthy it was to eat so much fat.

I didn't tell people I was on sbd when I first started because I got the same reaction. I said that I cut out the white sugar, white flour and processed foods, eat more high fiber vegetables, whole grains and beans with less fatty cuts of meat and low fat dairy.

People 'in the know' turn around and say "oh, you're on sbd." Others just nod their heads and say it sounded healthy.

Now that I've lost so much weight and kept it off, I say it was SBD and haven't had any problems with people's comments. I'm still really careful about how I say it though. People are really quick to judge what they don't understand.

Another thing you could say if you wanted to get into is "Oh, really, have you read the book? What part of it do you consider a fad?" As if you want to discuss it.

About the eggs, there really is outside research that says eggs aren't bad for you if you are normal. It's ok now to eat eggs because of all the good stuff in the yolks.

I don't know if you can get into this, I have access from work, if you want a copy, I'll save it and send it to you.

http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/23/suppl_6/596S
A Review of Scientific Research and Recommendations Regarding Eggs Stephen B. Kritchevsky, PhD
Journal of the American College of Nutrition [0731-5724] Kritchevsky
yr: 2004 vol: 23 iss: 6 Suppl pg: 596S

I found 3 really good articles about this. If anyone wants copies, I have them saved just send me a message with your email address and I'll send them to you...do the private message thing. It's not good to put email addresses on line if you can help it.

Sarah

I try and explain but its frustrating. I myself once thought it was just like Atkins but now that im 13 1/2 lbs down and still feeling great know this is no fad diet for me!

Just smile mysteriously and carry on. There really is no need to discuss anything as personal as what you eat with a co-worker!

Ruth - You have the 'best' remark! It's none of their da_ _ business....lol

I would just say that they are entitled to their opinion, but that I disagree. Of course it is none of their busines, though.

It's clearly a healthy long-term plan Anyone who knows about it can see that. It's just that it has a trendy sounding name.

And... um... that Tammy woman's doctor must not keep up on research in his field. I'd suggest she do some research on her own instead of taking his word for it. Most doctors actually do not know much about nutrition, but this guy sounds way off. My mum has diabetes. She has been doing SB for the last two weeks or so and her blood sugar levels have stabalized. She's AMAZED.

For those of you who have been on SBD for a while, how long did it take you to see results on the scale? I am on day 8 and feel like my tummy is down (great!), but the scale did not budge. I like how I'm eating and am glad I have had the willpower to stick with it. One more week on Phase I. Any support or advise about the scale moving time is welcomed.
Tks.
Sheree'

I hate those people who rebuff any different WOE I told some casual friends I was on SBD one was coola nd the other who is skinny but shovelling garbage into her mouth was like I don't believe in diets blah blah I didn't bother saying I'm changing the way I eat for life

Ruth I wish I could be like that. I end up stating what I think and getting into a debate lol

minirunner - I lost 2.5 pounds the first week and 1.5 the second on phase 1. But everyone is different based on how much they have to lose and how they were eating before and things like whether it is TOM. If you feel thinner then it is probably working. Just be patient.

As far as how people reacted when I first started on South Beach, I did have to explain what the diet was like. Sometimes even now I just explain the principals (avoiding the processed food, eating lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains etc). I don't get much questioning any more since they have all seen how well it has worked for me.

My doctor actually recommended SBD to me. She has worked with women that have PCOS and other similar problems, so I trust her completely.

Ruth's right--it's none of their business!

Bottom line is - if SBD works for you then why worry about it? We know it's a healthy WOE. Everyone will have something to say about the kind of diet we're on...it's just the nature of people to be nosey and and find something to nitpik about.

I don't bother making excuses for the way I eat...if someone offers me something I shouldn't eat I just say 'no thanks' and move on. As soon as you say, 'oh, i can't have that cuz I'm on a diet' you're just asking for critisism. On the other hand, when someone asks how I'm losing weight then I'll gladly discuss it with them.