South Beach Diet

I would have to agree with some of the others. Its a great diet for short term, I did it short term lost a lot. But as soon as I went off it, (I tried Atkins same thing) I would just look at a french fry and gain 5 lbs! I am on a "diet" sorta now but my "diet" more like lifestyle change came from my personal trainer! She has taught me how to eat, how much, and what to eat at what times of the day and I'm losing slowly without giving up hardly anything. I've lost like 9 lbs in the last month. I'm also only working out 3 days a week. Shoot me a message if you'd like to talk more.
H.

The South Beach Diet does work. I lost 15 pounds in 3 weeks, but I did stage 1 the entire three weeks (which was not easy). My boyfriend lost 20 pounds in three weeks, in addition to lowering his cholestrol drastically. I was also able to lower my blood pressure significantly. We achieved this without any exercise, only dieting.

Downside....it is hard to stick to taking in so little carbs. I recommend the diet if, after losing your weight, you can figure out a more sensible diet and exercise program to maintain your weight loss.

Good Luck!!!

Hi L.,

I went on the South Beach Diet after having my daughter. I stayed on it for about four months until I resumed my full-time job, but in that four months or so, it was great! The book has all the guidelines in there. It has a meal plan for each phase and includes all the recipes. It does get a bit costly to buy so many groceries, but it's worth it. The food is actually very tasty. I also bought one of the big South Beach Diet cookbooks so once I got past the first phase I could start mixing up our menu a little more. The first two weeks during the first phase will be the toughest because you'll be getting used to that new "lifestyle" of eating habits. It will most likely be smaller portions than you're used to and of course different foods than maybe you consume on a regular basis. Plus, no breads, carbs or sugars in the first phase too. But it balances out your meals for the whole day, plus you get some dessert too and some great snacks in there.

I say go for it! After I have my second baby later this year I will go back on the diet until I return back to work. I would say I lost about 25-30 pounds during the time I was on the diet - combined with exercise though. But if you stay dedicated to the program, you can do very well! Good luck!

-Char

My husband and I started the South Beach Diet last July and have been eating that way ever since. I have lost 38 pounds and he lost 30. We are really maintaining now but find the diet easy to follow as a healthy way of life. We eat carbs, mostly whole grains in moderation, enjoy fresh fruit and vegtables, eat whole grain pasta from time to time but we eat very little sugar and that has been the key for me to losing the weight and keeping it off. The biggest help to keeping on the plan is planning what you are going to eat. I pack our breakfasts, lunches and snacks every day during the week. We do eat out and we know what choices are the ones we should make to keep us on a healthy eating plan. I think is it great, I own three books and cook a lot of the foods. Spring and summer are the easiest times to be on it because you can grill almost anything and throw some vegtables with it and you have a meal.

Good Luck! You can do it if you put your mind to it!

I went on the South Beach diet 10 months go at the recommendation of my doctor. In the 10 months, I have lowered my blood pressure to 100/70 and lost about 45 pounds. I think it is a healthy way of eating -- if it is done correctly!! Now, my daily meals consist of several servings of veggies, 2 servings of fruit, 2-3 servings of whole grains, 2 servings of dairy, and protein. All that, and I'm still losing. :) I think it is a great lifestyle change for my entire family, although I do cook my son Mac & Cheese every once in a while. If you have any questions about the diet, let me know. I'd love to support you.

~M.

Yes, you'll lose weight quickly on the South Beach Diet. But there are many downsides to it, including health.

Your body needs healthy carbs from sources like vegetables, which provide vital nutrients and fiber. I'd urge you to contact a dietician, who can explain what foods are important and why, portion sizes, meal timing, etc. and design a diet plan that will meet all your nutritional AND weight loss needs. Be sure to increase your exercise, also; walking briskly for 30 minutes every day helps, get some strength training in to build muscle mass, etc.

L.,

You should read (or get the audio version) "French Women Don't Get Fat". It is a lot easier than South Beach to stick with. I listen to it when I'm in the car, and it is full of great advice. It is all about portion control, and eating good quality food.

If you want to keep the pounds off, it has to be a lifestyle change. So if you are willing to cut out what South Beach requires, then I say "go for it". It was very hard for me to stay away from carbs, and if I am restricted from something that I like, I want it even more!

Good Luck!