...that is my question. I lost 25 lbs on WW with the original points system but put it all back on plus 5. I tried SB and lost about 7-8 lbs during the first induction week but had trouble keeping up with all the recipies. It was expensive too.

However I am noticing more afordable items around - particularly with Kraft. Is anyone doing this diet that has a family? I am willing to give it a go again.

Also - how to you manage coffee - sorry but I need at least 2 cups to get me going. Usually use FF creamer. Any recommendations to make it more SB friendly?

How about the new cookbook (quick and easy) is it truly quick and easy?

Many thanks - really enjoy the site.

Sue

Hi,

I've lost my first 15 ounds with WW but found that I plateau'd as I kept eating too many carbs. I've done the first week of phase 1 (and not stuck to it 100% either) and have lost 4lbs so far- so it's kicked me out of my comfort zone.

I'm not cooking for a family but we still have a budget- I've found that concentrating on veggies, beans and seeds with some eggs, low fat meat and cheese has actually kept my shopping bill down.

As for coffee, that's one area where I've not been strictly on plan, and it doesn't seem to have affected anything. I do drink it black though.

Good Luck with whatever you decide.

Coffee affects weightloss for some people but not for others. Most of us are fine with two cups of regular coffee per day. See page 47 and pp 56-57 in the South Beach Book. You do have the book? It will help you understand the theory behind this plan.

If you follow the recipes in the SBD book they will be very expensive. But overall the diet focused on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and lean meats, all of which can be very resonable. This way of eating can actually be pretty economical since you're not buying tons of sugary processed prepackaged stuff. Stay in the outer sections of the grocery with only an occasional trip to the middle for condiments and you'll find your bill is really not that high. One thing that can be expensive is boneless skinless chicken breasts. They can run $4 a lb here. I just stock up when they're on sale. Yesterday I bought some for $1.50 a lb. You'll get the hang of it. I thought the same thing when I first read the book. I think the diet initially marketed itself as some sort of elite "south beach" thing that all the cool trendy people did...and the initial recipes reflected that. Get the newest cookbook and you'll see a huge difference. Good luck.

Thanks all! I agree - its the processed stuff that will do us all in. I also bought the George Stella cookbook - recipies are not bad there - lo carb but he uses a lot of full fat cheese so I've been substituting.

Everyone has been fantastic on this board - totally appreciate all the support and good advice. I've emailed it around to a lot of folks at school.

Thanks again...Happy Halloween! Sue