South Beach diet

[Tastey]

http://images.overstock.com/f/102/3117/8h/www.overstock.com/images/products/muze/books/1579546463.jpg

Anyone ever tried this?

I've been on it since mid March and have lost apprx 25-30 lbs.

I could have lost more but I cheat alot. :D

lol :p

[zuriyahe]

Isn't this diet an offshoot of the Atkins diet?

[Tastey]

No, it's an alternative to Atkins and much healthier for you than Atkins.

[gammite]

congrats tastey. i am glad that you have taken your health seriously and are reaching your goals. are you working out as well???


z, i wouldn't say that it is an offshoot of the atkins diet. imo, they are damn near identical. some folks like to say that south beach is healthier than atkins. but to me it is all about what you choose to eat if someone decides to do atkins vs. south beach.

to make a long story short:

-with atkins you can eat any meat and focus on limiting your carb intake to 20g for the first two weeks by eating only green vegetables. NO SUGAR, NO BREAD! that means no juices or spices that may contain sugar. then you go on to the ongoing weight loss program where you introduce other foods slowly to see where your carb threshold is at so that you can continue to lose weight by staying under your own personal carb limit. everyone has a different limit.

-south beach claims that it is healthier because it primarily limits your meat chocies to fish and foul allows you to eat certain vegetables that raise red flags with atkins and also allows you to drinks certain juices.

the big misconception is that people think that with atkins all you can eat is meat. this is because that is all you hear in the news. i have read both books and the programs are pretty much the same with one key difference. the difference is that in atkins the initial two week period called the induction period you must limit your carb intake to 20 grams and only eat meat and green veggies. south beach has many more choices when you first start.

both programs are effective. but if i had to choose one it would be atkins because it allows one to reach ketosis (the point where your body burns fat for energy instead of carbs and glucose)quicker. at which point i would ramp up my cardio and burn as much fat as possible.

i use an 'atkins like' program to cut fat after i do a bulking period. during my last cutting session. i cut 20lbs OF FAT in two weeks. these are not typical results and require alot of discipline and ALOT OF CARDIO!!! then i went back to lifting heavy to bulk again. in a couple of weeks i am going to do another cutting session and then i will be done bulking/curtting for the summer and in my maintenance program. then come fall i will start the bulking/cutting sessions again.

[gammite]

Originally posted by Tastey
No, it's an alternative to Atkins and much healthier for you than Atkins.

tastey,

just curious why you think that???

[HulaSista]

heard of it. i read about it in my Consumer Report On Health (figured what a non profit company has to benefit from critique our products right? lol )... I thought they said in spite of the process, it has the same success rate as any other diet you put equal effort into. After I read that, I just moved on. I'd have to go back and read. All I know is after reading it, I came back to ground one: keep researching!

[zuriyahe]

Originally posted by gammite
congrats tastey. i am glad that you have taken your health seriously and are reaching your goals. are you working out as well???


z, i wouldn't say that it is an offshoot of the atkins diet. imo, they are damn near identical. some folks like to say that south beach is healthier than atkins. but to me it is all about what you choose to eat if someone decides to do atkins vs. south beach.

to make a long story short:...

You did your research! Very good! I read about 90% of the Atkins book. But I am limiting (not very well as of late) my carbs for health reasons. Many people get into trouble because they continue to do the "induction"-two week portion of the Atkins diet for a LOOONG time...and get into trouble...

But i figured that the South Beach and The Atkins were darn near identical.

[zuriyahe]

Originally posted by HulaSista
heard of it. i read about it in my Consumer Report On Health (figured what a non profit company has to benefit from critique our products right? lol )... I thought they said in spite of the process, it has the same success rate as any other diet you put equal effort into. After I read that, I just moved on. I'd have to go back and read. All I know is after reading it, I came back to ground one: keep researching!

Given your findings...before you "move on"...Ya may want to simply TRY one of the Atkins or "Atkins Variants". What do you have to lose? Researching is only gonna take ya sooo far. Just cut your carbs and see what happens.

Or simply try reducing your carbs...which may provide some really good and sometimes fast results anyway...

The science behind the Atkins theory is pretty good. We are, as a society, are taking in waaay too many carbs...which seems to have other health consequences...like Diabetes.

I have my own theories on why diabetes is affecting soo many minorities...but I think that we can start by reducing the ammount of carbs.

And reducing carbs/fat and increase exercising...will do even better.'

Sheesh...I need to walk more...lol

[Pamalicious]

Originally posted by zuriyahe


Given your findings...before you "move on"...Ya may want to simply TRY one of the Atkins or "Atkins Variants". What do you have to lose? Researching is only gonna take ya sooo far. Just cut your carbs and see what happens.

Or simply try reducing your carbs...which may provide some really good and sometimes fast results anyway...

The science behind the Atkins theory is pretty good. We are, as a society, are taking in waaay too many carbs...which seems to have other health consequences...like Diabetes.

I have my own theories on why diabetes is affecting soo many minorities...but I think that we can start by reducing the ammount of carbs.

And reducing carbs/fat and increase exercising...will do even better.'

Sheesh...I need to walk more...lol

Zuri my mom was determined to stay on phase one FOREVER. I had to lay down the law when they sent her home from the gym because she was faint. She's been obsessed with the pre-diabetes and I'm like no need to die based on PRE. Just cut back and keep up the exercise. The pre is a warning bell - I had the whole calvary come out, lol

I lost my weight on Atkins and even then I didn't follow every rule in the book except for that very beginning.

I maintained not eating so much carbs for a year or so and then they started to creep back in once I hit the comfort zone and I've put back on 10 pounds (which I really need to stop bullshitting around and get off between reunion and some other stuff this is an important visual summer, lol).

The first thing I am doing is cutting out the stone cold carbs rice and potatoes (I didn't eat alot of those anyway) and now I've started the 1/2 carb pasta when I must have some.

It's always a struggle and a battle but for me it's much more mentally. I switched the old eat when you sad to eat when you happy, lol and dammit I'm happy and started eating, lol lol So I was trying to stress myself out but that's another psychosis so I'll just go and walk, lol

[misha]

The only seafood I can really tolerate is tuna and crab, so....I think it is best for me to stick to Atkins. Supplementing protein is the most important component of my diet. So I get as much as I can handle and drink shakes to get the rest. Add a few salads here and there, and that's about what I eat right there.

Although lately.....*sigh*

I have gotten into the habit of "eating a little of what everybody else is eating," and it has gotten me into trouble. So it is time to tighten back up on my new habits within my new lifestyle.

[Tastey]

Originally posted by gammite


tastey,

just curious why you think that???

I almost died on Atkins about 5 years ago. Being that I am borderline diabetic my body needs carbs.

My blood sugar level dropped and lost conciousness. My ex fiance found me about 20 minutes after I fainted otherwise I may have died. I spent 7 days in the hospital.

With South Beach as you stated the initial phase is not as restrictive and allows vegetables with carbs. Atkins does not.

Also in Phase 2 which I'm now I'm South Beach allows additional carbs that they refer to as good carbs. Brown rice, wheat bread etc.

I'm not counting carbs per se, I'm choosing specific meals that include meat, vegetables, bread, pasta, and as such is more balanced.

Also South Beach goes into teaching you what food have a high glycemic index and which ones don't. It allows you an easier way to introduce foods into your diet.

It's not just about the number of carbs you eat but WHAT carbs you eat, how they break down in your body, and the effects of that.

I was successful on Atkins but my doctor advised it was unhealthy for me. I can't cut my carb intake to below 20 even for a week.

Also I looked into the controversy that Dr. Atkins himself was overweight when he died. He had heart issues.
One of the reason's sited for that is that Atkins does not emphasize low fat as well as low carb just low carb.

They allow fatty meats, cheeses, dairy, etc.

On South beach I only eat lean cuts of meat (not just fish and poultry) I eat steaks and ribs. But they are lean cuts.

I also only eat low fat cheeses, and dairy.

That's healthier for my heart regardless of my weight.

I have to admit I have been ultra lazy and have not worked out even once.

I know...I know...I need to. My weight loss would be significantly greater if I had. I just need to find the motivation to get out there and do something.

[MsMeelah]

IMO, the South Beach is healthier because it allows for more fruit, whole grains and vegetables with carbs. Correct me if I am wrong, but from what I have read Atkins relys on alot of pre packaged, processed foods for variety, this can also be expensive. On The South Beach, you can eat food the way nature intended it. I also like the fact that S. B. gives you ample recipes (that are very good by the way ) and shopping lists. I think it's easier to stay on SB without falling off. I chose the SB for that reason. I can strictly adhere to phase one without eating any red meat and still feel like I have a little variety.
Congrats on your weight loss, Tastey

[HulaSista]

Originally posted by zuriyahe
Given your findings...before you "move on"...Ya may want to simply TRY one of the Atkins or "Atkins Variants". What do you have to lose? Researching is only gonna take ya sooo far. Just cut your carbs and see what happens.

Or simply try reducing your carbs...which may provide some really good and sometimes fast results anyway...

when i'm READY... i'll do what i want to do :D i'm enjoying my research period because i am not willing to make false commitments to myself that i know i can't keep. thanks.

[Tastey]

Originally posted by HulaSista


when i'm READY... i'll do what i want to do :D i'm enjoying my research period because i am not willing to make false commitments to myself that i know i can't keep. thanks.

I feel ya on that Hula. I had been researching a long time before I decided to just take the plunge.

However I feel that individual weight loss depends on the person.

I know someone who's been on as long as me who's lost 50lbs. I'm looking at him like DAG!! lol :p

As long as you find something that you can do.

A lady here at work is on Dr Phil's program, another is doing Joyce Meyers.

You are correct...they all have some level of success.

[HulaSista]

a ex co worker was a size 5 or 6 or something and STARTED the atkins diet. that boggled me for obvious reasons!

but i seen her just last week and she said she had to stop because other life stressers were making her loose weight. she's a 1 or 2 now? :( *shruggs* now she's trying to pick up weight but says she can't gain a thing.

that all sounds more mental to me than that she actually has something physically dibilitating about weight control to begin with, but i don't know, really. i'm still trying to understand the psychology of weight loss effects and desires and stimulus.

[misha]

The initial getting the weight off is never very hard. It's keeping it off, and keeping the momentum going after the first plauteau, that's the hard part!

[Tastey]

Originally posted by misha
The initial getting the weight off is never very hard. It's keeping it off, and keeping the momentum going after the first plauteau, that's the hard part!

I definately agree.

[SoftNwet]

Weight Watchers

All these fad diets are killing people or causing adverse reations in some. If we would all learn how to eat properly and stop looking for a quick fix that would be the end of most weight problems. If you are not eating right to start with any of these with loss plans are going to shock your system but as soon as you get tired of not having bread or fruit then what.......your gain the weight back.

I did Weight Watchers and it works. You are not going to lose 20-25 pounds in the first week but you will learn how to eat all foods in moderation. Stop punishing yourself by not eating what you like. Eat what you like in moderation. Get off the couch and walk, drink water, and cut back on fried foods. Other than that leave those diets alone.

Learning to eat right, moderate exercise, and water is the key!! Stop killing yourselves for a quick fix!!!!

[ice-c]

Originally posted by misha
The initial getting the weight off is never very hard. It's keeping it off, and keeping the momentum going after the first plauteau, that's the hard part!

WORD!

Every diet i've every tried...i always lose good weight...but as soon as i get off the diet....

i DOUBLE my weight gain back.

i.e. lose 10lbs....gain 20.

[Tastey]

Originally posted by SoftNwet
Weight Watchers

All these fad diets are killing people or causing adverse reations in some. If we would all learn how to eat properly and stop looking for a quick fix that would be the end of most weight problems. If you are not eating right to start with any of these with loss plans are going to shock your system but as soon as you get tired of not having bread or fruit then what.......your gain the weight back.

I did Weight Watchers and it works. You are not going to lose 20-25 pounds in the first week but you will learn how to eat all foods in moderation. Stop punishing yourself by not eating what you like. Eat what you like in moderation. Get off the couch and walk, drink water, and cut back on fried foods. Other than that leave those diets alone.

Learning to eat right, moderate exercise, and water is the key!! Stop killing yourselves for a quick fix!!!!

South Beach is not a fad or quick fix diet.

It teaches you how to eat properly and maintain weight loss for the rest of your life.

I have nothing against Weight Watchers and I agree that SlimFast, the Cabbage juice, Hydroxy cut, all of those fad things are not the way.

But South Beach is not in that category.

It's about adopting a healthier way to eat. For a lifetime, not for a few weeks of quick fix.

It allows you to eat foods that are good food you, and the foods it doesn't allow (white bread, white sugar, etc) are not good for you anyway.

I can still eat all of the things a HEALTHY person should eat.

Southbeach is not something you go on and then when you lose the weight you go off of it.

It's a lifestyle change.

[ice-c]

weight watchers is great...

but EXPENSIVE.

I mean from a practical perspective the individual meals aren't that expensive...but when u r caring for more than just yourself...you heating up your meal doesnt put food in anybody elses mouth.

i think i might try it when i get some mo money

[SoftNwet]

Originally posted by Tastey


South Beach is not a fad or quick fix diet.

It teaches you how to eat properly and maintain weight loss for the rest of your life.

I have nothing against Weight Watchers and I agree that SlimFast, the Cabbage juice, Hydroxy cut, all of those fad things are not the way.

But South Beach is not in that category.

It's about adopting a healthier way to eat. For a lifetime, not for a few weeks of quick fix.

It allows you to eat foods that are good food you, and the foods it doesn't allow (white bread, white sugar, etc) are not good for you anyway.

I can still eat alot of the things a HEALTHY person should eat.

Southbeach is not something you go on and then when you lose the weight you go off of it.

It's a lifestyle change.

Why limit yourself!?!?!? If you like white bread then why not eat it. If you like white sugar then why not cook with it. Any thing that restricts what you eat is a diet and eventually you will resent not being able to enjoy what you really like.

IMO - They are Fads because the pop up on the scene and tell you "do not eat this - eat that" or "cut this out and try this" . Weight Watcher has been around for damn near 30 years and it is tried and true. You never hear of folks falling out on weight watchers or having other health problems because they have learned to eat right. And especially with the health problems that you sited I would be more inclined to work with what I can eat rather than limit myself and risk getting sick from the limitations.

[HulaSista]

this is all good information. i'm looking for a much larger weight loss than 20 lbs and over a longer period of time to loose it. and something that is for a lifetime. so expense is being factured (sp?) into my research about what i want to do for the rest of my life.

[SoftNwet]

Originally posted by ice-c
weight watchers is great...

but EXPENSIVE.

I mean from a practical perspective the individual meals aren't that expensive...but when u r caring for more than just yourself...you heating up your meal doesnt put food in anybody elses mouth.

i think i might try it when i get some mo money

Yeah it can be expensive but hell, going to the meetings is not required to lose the weight. You can do a meeting or two and once you get the hang of it and you have the books then you should be cool. That is what I did, bought the books when to like 2-3 meeting and then I went on my own. When ever they have the great weigh ins I go and then go back home to my books. Again moderation in eating and spending.

Weight watcher do not have individual meals. What are you referring to?

[Tastey]

Originally posted by SoftNwet


Why limit yourself!?!?!? If you like white bread then why not eat it. If you like white sugar then why not cook with it. Any thing that restricts what you eat is a diet and eventually you will resent not being able to enjoy what you really like.

IMO - They are Fads because the pop up on the scene and tell you "do not eat this - eat that" or "cut this out and try this" . Weight Watcher has been around for damn near 30 years and it is tried and true. You never hear of folks falling out on weight watchers or having other health problems because they have learned to eat right. And especially with the health problems that you sited I would be more inclined to work with what I can eat rather than limit myself and risk getting sick from the limitations.

Because it's not good for me.

One day after years and years of consuming it I would have to stop eating it anyway but then it would be MEDICALLY ordered.

Just because a food is there and edible doesn't mean that a body needs to consume it. White sugar, white bread are VERY unhealthy foods.

My mother had to stop eating them years ago but she also has to take insulin shots.

I don't intend to get to that point in my life simply because I like sugar.

I can eat it. In moderation. But it doesn't need to be a part of my daily diet. Or even weekly diet.

It should be something reserved for a special occasion or special treat.

Which is how Weight Watcher's limits it as well.

Ice also makes a point in that whatever I eat, my son eats. I don't prepare seperate meals.

There is nothing so restrictive about South Beach that my son can't eat it and be healthy.

The only thing he consumes that I don't is sodas and Kool-aid. I drink mine sugar free.

And I've heard of people falling out and failing on every diet out there. People are individuals. What works for Soft doesn't work for everybody.

I would never have the weight loss surgery, but I can't condemn someone who needs it to get healthier.

The bottomline is eating better and healthier.

I'm doing that.

If that means not eating some foods...so be it. It is what is BEST for me and my overall health and I won't resent it. I feel better, I look better...that's a plus that makes me not care about white sugar or white bread.

Eating what I LIKE is what got me into this shape in the first place.

[SoftNwet]

Originally posted by Tastey

It should be something reserved for a special occasion or special treat.

Which is how Weight Watcher's limits it as well.

Ice also makes a point in that whatever I eat, my son eats. I don't prepare seperate meals.

There is nothing so restrictive about South Beach that my son can't eat it and be healthy.

The only thing he consumes that I don't is sodas and Kool-aid. I drink mine sugar free.

And I've heard of people falling out and failing on every diet out there. People are individuals. What works for Soft doesn't work for everybody.

I would never have the weight loss surgery, but I can't condemn someone who needs it to get healthier.

The bottomline is eating better and healthier.

I'm doing that.

If that means not eating some foods...so be it. It is what is BEST for me and my overall health and I won't resent it. I feel better, I look better...that's a plus that makes me not care about white sugar or white bread.

Eating what I LIKE is what got me into this shape in the first place.

When was the last time you looked into weight watchers!?!? They do not have individual meals and the recipies that I used we all ate it and liked it.

Now I do not know where you got the surgery thing from. I am all for eating right.....please note these words and we will all get healthier......IN MODERATION!!!! That is where we all should be. If you know you can not eat certain thing because of a health condition then do not eat it but the way some of the diets forbid natural fruits and veggies is crazy.

[Tastey]

Originally posted by SoftNwet


When was the last time you looked into weight watchers!?!? They do not have individual meals and the recipies that I used we all ate it and liked it.

Now I do not know where you got the surgery thing from. I am all for eating right.....please note these words and we will all get healthier......IN MODERATION!!!! That is where we all should be. If you know you can not eat certain thing because of a health condition then do not eat it but the way some of the diets forbid natural fruits and veggies is crazy.

South Beach doesn't forbid any natural fruits or veggies.

I agree fad diets are crazy but this isn't one of them.

There really is no need for an argument.

Different things work for different people.

I am eating healthier and eating some things in moderation but I don't need Weight Watchers to teach me that.

I looked into Weight Watchers before starting Southbeach. I wasn't please with it.

But if it works for you that's fine.

What I don't understand is why you feel it's the end all, be all for everybody.

Because it's NOT.

I mentioned surgery to illustrate that different things work for different people. Some people needed surgery Weight Watcher's didn't do it for them.

The same as some people use South Beach or Dr Phil or Joyce Meyers or whatever weight program that works for them.

It's not about FAD eating and cutting out HEALTHY foods. That is misinformation.

It's about eating right, eating healthier, for the rest of your life.

[SoftNwet]

Originally posted by Tastey

What I don't understand is why you feel it's the end all, be all for everybody.

Because it's NOT.

I have not said Weight Watchers is the end all be all and neither is South Beach. The point that I was trying to make that you seem to be missing is that Weight Watchers is here for the duration....many diets have come and gone, does any one remember the Beverly Hills Diet that had every one eating pineapple with every meal?!?!!? Well, Weight Watchers was around then and it is around now. I try to stick with what I know and stop jumping on every band wagon that comes down the road.

[Melotic]

Basically, if you eat right, exercise and drink alot of water{no sodas}... You can lose weight with carbs... There is danger of leaving carbs completely out of your diet...

[SoftNwet]

Originally posted by Melotic
Basically, if you eat right, exercise and drink alot of water{no sodas}... You can lose weight with carbs... There is danger of leaving carbs completely out of your diet...

THANK YOU!!

[ice-c]

*learning*

i didnt know weight watchers had family meals.

but i suppose if i go down that road i wouldnt subject my family to a meal thats as TASTEY as a weight watchers.

do MEN go to those meetings?

and...i always get funny looks when i tell folks that i am watchin my weight....

i suppose because being overweight is always relative to what you WERE.....

[SoftNwet]

Originally posted by ice-c
*learning*

i didnt know weight watchers had family meals.

but i suppose if i go down that road i wouldnt subject my family to a meal thats as TASTEY as a weight watchers.

do MEN go to those meetings?

and...i always get funny looks when i tell folks that i am watchin my weight....

i suppose because being overweight is always relative to what you WERE.....

Weight watchers do not have meals that you are required to buy. Where are you getting that from!?!!??! And yes, there are men at the meetings, but like I said after a meeting or two you get the hang of the points and if you want you can join online and do it that way. Before I broke my ankle I was doing Weight Watchers and runinng about 15-20 miles a week and was getting great results but I was doing it on my own - not going to meetings, that is not a requirement.

Why worry what people think or how they look at you if you are trying to stay in shape or watch your weight. Those looks probably come from those that do not realize that watching your weight should be a life time observation and on that you want to either stay the same or go down.

[ice-c]

soft...i get that from the commercials...

they always say...

"it costs [such and such] PLUS the cost of meals"

the such and such is always SO LOW....that i figure the meals must cost a penny or two

[SoftNwet]

Originally posted by ice-c
soft...i get that from the commercials...

they always say...

"it costs [such and such] PLUS the cost of meals"

the such and such is always SO LOW....that i figure the meals must cost a penny or two


Sweetie...you are talking about Jenny Craig!!!!!

[gammite]

folks,

the lifestyle that you lead and the fuel that you put in it is what dictates how your body changes. i know that sounds really general but that is really how it works.

in order to get the results that you want you have to pick something and stick with it. i am very familiar with weight watchers and unfortunately many participants look down on the low carb way of eating. so the views expressed here do not surprise me. when the folks are told that low carb does not mean eat less than 20 or 50 or 80 carbs for the rest of your life they then begin to understand the program better.

all of the following programs are lifestyle changes:

-atkins
-south beach
-weight watchers

anyone that uses these programs to change their lifestyle and stick to them through the long haul will improve their health and lose body fat.

as stated previously atkins and south beach are damn near identical. i challenge anyone to read both books and tell me any significant differences. the only big difference is the induction period for atkins. after induction the programs are pretty much the same.

the reason people like to say south beach is healthier is because, as someone stated, they give you grocery lists and many recipes/menus. it also states that you can eat certain foods that atkins avoids up front. atkins, in my experience, really does not provide that much direction but does state that you can include all of the foods that are available in south beach. however, you can only include these in moderation and as soon as you stall or put on more weight you need to figure out what you ate and limit your intake of that food.

all of the atkins pre-packaged nonsense is new and has only hit the scene in the past 18 months. atkins has been available since the late 1960's. the food is not required to do the program. you can cook your own low carb meals. i would never recommend that anyone buy that processed garbage.

white bread, white rice and high fructose corn syrup are bad for you no matter what the amount. the consumption of this trash just catches up with some folks before others.

bottom line, if you pick a program and stick to it as well as workout 3-5 times a week for an hour you will improve your health, lose body fat and increase your stamina. if you do a couple of other things you will build muscle and develop a sculptured body.

[Tastey]

It never ceases to amaze me that EVERYTHING on this board has to be an argument.

The only purpose of this thread was to offer alternatives to people who are interested.

I'm not gonna get into my diet is better than yours because there's no such thing.

Some people do better on a structured program such as Weight Watchers, some prefer the recipes of South Beach, some prefer the pre prepared meals of Atkins or whatever. Some can control their portions on their own.


The bottomline that was mentioned IN MY FIRST POST was that people need to eat better, eat healthier, and find what works for THEM as individuals for a lifestyle change.

How they do that is irrelevant.

[ice-c]

lol@ME!!!

[gammite]

Originally posted by Tastey


I'm not gonna get into my diet is better than yours because there's no such thing.

Some people do better on a structured program such as Weight Watchers, some prefer the recipes of South Beach, some prefer the pre prepared meals of Atkins or whatever. Some can control their portions on their own.


The bottomline is that ..... people need to eat better, eat healthier, and find what works for THEM as individuals for a lifestyle change.

How they do that is irrelevant.

this is exactly the point!!!

[SoftNwet]

Originally posted by Tastey
I'm not gonna get into my diet is better than yours

But you did!!!:fu ROFLMBAO!!!!!

[zuriyahe]

when i'm READY... i'll do what i want to do :D i'm enjoying my research period because i am not willing to make false commitments to myself that i know i can't keep. thanks.

You go gurrrrrrrrrrrrl! lol!

[Tastey]

But you did!!!:fu ROFLMBAO!!!!!

No Soft. That was you. I never said South Beach was better than ANYTHING. I was simply clearing up the misconceptions you had about it.

RIF!

[SoftNwet]

No Soft. That was you. I never said South Beach was better than ANYTHING.

I never stated that Weight Watchers was better than anything....but you jumped up on your soapbox to defend South Beach with the quick. It was never an argument with me just Clearing up the misconceptions you had about it. :rolleyes:

[MsMeelah]

Geez does everythang have to be an agruement...lol
I have not read the atkins fully because I got lots of red flags in the beginning, but I have the SB. It does limit your carbs in the first two weeks so that your body will get used to not craving the refined sugars. The problem with moderation is that many people can't control it thier intake of carbs because once you eat something that has already been digested for you ( the refining process) Your body naturally craves more of it. when you eat those high glycemic foods they go straight to your bloodstream, this causes you to CRAVE more and more. This is why people gain weight. What the initation phase of the SB does is teach your body not to have those cravings. So that when you get ready to have a piece of cake or something, you won't continue to want more. This helps you to be able to eat those kinds of things in moderation.

Some people are able to do this without having to train thier bodies to not be addicted to refined sugars.
Now I think if you use the SB as a tool to help you change your LIFESTYLE, it can be very effective. Now the people who stay on Phase 1 longer than they are supposed to ( limted carbs) and loose tons of weight rapidly are the ones I am concerned about. When you are on no carbs, eventually you will begin to burn lean muscle instead of fat and although you loose weight, it's going to come back and then some.
Anyway, not everything works for everyone, the same goes for exersize plans. I think it's important not to blindly follow (or not follow) any plan unless you do your research and go through the trial and error process.

[ice-c]

hmmm

so do i have to buy the book?

[Tastey]

hmmm

so do i have to buy the book?

You can have my book if you want it.

I've made photocopies of most of the recipes.

Or you can join online but it costs 5 bucks a week.

[zuriyahe]

Zuri my mom was determined to stay on phase one FOREVER. I had to lay down the law when they sent her home from the gym because she was faint. She's been obsessed with the pre-diabetes and I'm like no need to die based on PRE. Just cut back and keep up the exercise. The pre is a warning bell - I had the whole calvary come out, lol

I lost my weight on Atkins and even then I didn't follow every rule in the book except for that very beginning.

I maintained not eating so much carbs for a year or so and then they started to creep back in once I hit the comfort zone and I've put back on 10 pounds (which I really need to stop bullshitting around and get off between reunion and some other stuff this is an important visual summer, lol).

The first thing I am doing is cutting out the stone cold carbs rice and potatoes (I didn't eat alot of those anyway) and now I've started the 1/2 carb pasta when I must have some.

It's always a struggle and a battle but for me it's much more mentally. I switched the old eat when you sad to eat when you happy, lol and dammit I'm happy and started eating, lol lol So I was trying to stress myself out but that's another psychosis so I'll just go and walk, lol


That is very good, Pam. I found that simply cutting down on the carbs...nothing spectacular...can give you some positive results. And being diabetic, I noticed that cutting down on the processed, high carb foods had other benefits too. Sometimes..."It's nothing to it...but to do it" :D

[Pamalicious]

That is very good, Pam. I found that simply cutting down on the carbs...nothing spectacular...can give you some positive results. And being diabetic, I noticed that cutting down on the processed, high carb foods had other benefits too. Sometimes..."It's nothing to it...but to do it" :D

Well as we know each person can digest things differently and each persons 'level' of pancreas activity can vary. When I say I eat potatoes I know the staunch are turning up thier noses, but I didn't say I eat a vat of potatoes. If I really get an inkling which is usually around that time of the month. I get my measuring cup out and get me 1/3 cup from those single packs of potatoes and that's that. Otherwise my weakness is bread as you can tell by the bread machine, lol The rest I can live without but I also know thru testing that I can eat icecream - alot and it doesn't raise my sugars up but about 10 points, so then the decision becomes do I want the fat. It's all a learning process. You should be on the diabetes group on yahoo - it's one big argument - because the disease is so individual, lol

I find that keeping light hearted about it allows me to continue to enjoy life; I call my testing supplies my 'works' and when I eat too much or something I might get to nodding and my daughter will say "you sugar high"

As well as my Father told us that Disease means Dis-Ease in your body and spirit so to me it's a pronged maintenance I know that when I'm stressed my sugars rise - so the FIRST thing I had to do was eliminate my desire to always be stressed the hell out about stuff.

Then I had to tackle what emotionally and mentally was causing me to destroy my body. Then I tackled what I was eating.

Then I got me a good team of Doctors the ole HMO could afford, lol Even with all of this vast knowlege I have or have acquired thru research - it's still something that is a journey like everything else. I think the biggest thing is that I have confirmation that I'm gonna die, don't know when or from what side issue that diabetes presents itself with, but dang the whole live forever thing I gotta toss out the window so now the goal is to beat this old body into believing again that it can be around for a good long time.

[ice-c]

perhaps i could borrow it from u?

[Tastey]

perhaps i could borrow it from u?

PM me where to send it. When you are done, send it back.

[zuriyahe]

Well as we know each person can digest things differently and each persons 'level' of pancreas activity can vary. When I say I eat potatoes I know the staunch are turning up thier noses, but I didn't say I eat a vat of potatoes. If I really get an inkling which is usually around that time of the month. I get my measuring cup out and get me 1/3 cup from those single packs of potatoes and that's that. Otherwise my weakness is bread as you can tell by the bread machine, lol The rest I can live without but I also know thru testing that I can eat icecream - alot and it doesn't raise my sugars up but about 10 points, so then the decision becomes do I want the fat. It's all a learning process. You should be on the diabetes group on yahoo - it's one big argument - because the disease is so individual, lol

I find that keeping light hearted about it allows me to continue to enjoy life; I call my testing supplies my 'works' and when I eat too much or something I might get to nodding and my daughter will say "you sugar high"

As well as my Father told us that Disease means Dis-Ease in your body and spirit so to me it's a pronged maintenance I know that when I'm stressed my sugars rise - so the FIRST thing I had to do was eliminate my desire to always be stressed the hell out about stuff.

Then I had to tackle what emotionally and mentally was causing me to destroy my body. Then I tackled what I was eating.

Then I got me a good team of Doctors the ole HMO could afford, lol Even with all of this vast knowlege I have or have acquired thru research - it's still something that is a journey like everything else. I think the biggest thing is that I have confirmation that I'm gonna die, don't know when or from what side issue that diabetes presents itself with, but dang the whole live forever thing I gotta toss out the window so now the goal is to beat this old body into believing again that it can be around for a good long time.

That is true....our bodies vary soo much that one needs to pay attention to how their own body responds to certian foods.

As for me. Right now...I have somewhat fallen off of the wagon..lof sorts. But I still will try to limit my carbs....(except for the french fries...lol)

Can you please forward that Diabetes Yahoo group to me...and I will join in on the fighting! Yeah!

[Melotic]

It's all about money, now everybody and their uncle is selling anything low carb from food to candy... The hype is going too far, if you cook the basic food groups and work~out, you will do just fine with weight loss...

[zuriyahe]

It's all about money, now everybody and their uncle is selling anything low carb from food to candy... The hype is going too far, if you cook the basic food groups and work~out, you will do just fine with weight loss...

Yeah, but one of the big questions is...

Whether the "Basic food groups"...such as the traditional food pyramid...is what people should be eating.

[misha]

Because you basically listened to your own individual body. You figure out what you can eat to lose weight by eliminating certain foods temporarily then slowly adding in to gauge your reaction....which sounds a whole lot like atkins.

One thing I can do without is simple carbs, I would rather get mine from veggies and occasional fruit. Then perhaps every now and then having a potato. But I find that when I eat potatoes, I want more, I start craving things, like chips. *sigh*

The key is listening to your body!

[Tettsuo]

when you eat those high glycemic foods they go straight to your bloodstream, this causes you to CRAVE more and more. This is why people gain weight.
Very good point MsMeelah. Everyone is talking about how carbs are bad and such, when that's simply not true. Carbs are good for us. They give the body an easy to use energy source that is also clean burning. For the body to breakdown proteins and use it as fuel, it must create ammonia as a byproduct (which is a poison to our bodies). Too much of this in your body can work our liver and kidney too much and potentially cause damage. Carbs on the other hand, turn right into glucose, perfect for burning. The high protein diets put a strain on your system because of the difficulty our bodies have in breaking down the proteins to use as energy. The "diet" aspect of it works well. It forces your body to consume the easier to breakdown fats. Over long periods, when fat reserves are low and your body starts going after the proteins, you can damage yourself if you don't watch it.

The problem is in the over-refined carbs. They are broken down so quickly in our bodies that they spike our blood-sugar levels. After the spike, we crash and get hungry again. The entire reason of why I brought a bread-machine was so I could make bread that isn't so overly refined. These heavy breads take longer for my body to digest, and I get a steady stream of energy that lasts me a long time. Therefore, I don't eat nearly as much because I'm just not hungry.

So in the end, it's a catch-22. If you want to have carbs you have to very selective or make your own carbs without the refinement. If don't want to or can't, you're actually better off going for the low carb concept.

Here's a few quick things to remember....

Do not overcook any carb (the firmer the better)
Workout (train your body to use the energy and not store it up)
Fast foods and junk foods are evil (most are overly refined and fatty)
Water is your friend
Diets are not good for you (Change your lifestyle)
Food is for energy, not comfort
Be less concerned about your weight, and more concerned about your health

[davinci]

Carbs on the other hand, turn right into glucose, perfect for burning.

The problem is in the over-refined carbs. They are broken down so quickly in our bodies that they spike our blood-sugar levels. After the spike, we crash and get hungry again.

So in the end, it's a catch-22. If you want to have carbs you have to very selective or make your own carbs without the refinement.

Do not overcook any carb (the firmer the better)
Workout (train your body to use the energy and not store it up)
Fast foods and junk foods are evil (most are overly refined and fatty)
Water is your friend
Diets are not good for you (Change your lifestyle)
Food is for energy, not comfort
Be less concerned about your weight, and more concerned about your health
you know, i remember mrs. weber teaching me this in the sixth grade.

[davinci]

well, she basically told us that the twinkies and shyt would make us fat...cause us to dose in class...and the other stuff.

and i remember asking, 'if you burn carbs, then fat, then protein...eliminating carbs should cut fat.' atkins stole my shyt! i said this before...nevamind

[zuriyahe]

That's right! You had that "South Central L.A." diet...or something like that.

You should sue!

[dns70]

What's particularly interesting about both South Beach and Atkins is that they are popular now, but bodybuilders have been on these types of diets for almost 100 years now. The benefits of a low carbohydrate diet have been known for quite a long time.

Even our ancestors ate a low carbohydrate diet. As hunters and gatherers we ate meat and plants and did a lot of walking and running and lifting and carrying. Then we discovered agriculture and ate meat and planted vegetables (including potatoes). But then we developed highly refined sugar...and then high fructose corn syrup. Jobs moved from the fields to the plants to the desks and the rest is fat-ass history!

So, these low carbohydrate diets are not new. Just popular. But their health benefits are easy to see. If you eat a low carbohydrate diet, you will lose weight. Simple as that, no doubt about it. Will you be healthy? Well, that depends on what you choose to eat instead. I personally don't agree with the Atkins philosophy of eating all the fats you want without regard to high saturation and low saturation. But even still, you will lose weight. the South Beach diet does restrict the amount of high sat-fats. But it's still not radically different.

Most low carbohydrate diets will have an initial "cleansing" or "system shock" period before getting into the core weight loss portion of the diet. This is true even for a bodybuilding diet. Usually, you would only eat meats and vegetables for this portion of the diet and it would last from 3 days to 2 weeks. The reason for this shock period is sugar.

As mentioned many times in this thread, sugar is the absolute enemy of fat loss. Sugar creates an insulin response in the blood. The more insulin, the more the body will not reduce fat. Why? Well, the sugar in the bloodstream is the preferred source of energy for the body. Therefore, cells will not look to fat for energy. Fat is considered "famine energy". The body wants to keep all the fat it can in case a situation arises where it cannot eat for a prolonged period of time.

So, managing blood sugar is the key to weight loss. Eating highly processed carbs (flours, breads, candies, sugar, pastries, baked desserts, etc) do nothing but add a ton of simple sugars (High Glycemic Carbs) to the bloodstream that are then easily converted into fat.

Atkins, South Beach, and Bodybuilding diets all want to avoid this. The trick is to avoid High Glycemic Carbs in place of Low Glycemic Carbs. There is nothing wrong with a baked potato once a day. Just make sure it isn't too big. There isn't anything wrong with a small amount of butter and sour cream either. I've been dieting and eating a small baked potato every day and continue to lose weight at a great pace. The only time a person should consider removing these kinds of carbs completely from their diet is when they are already relatively slim and they want to lose a little more bodyfat. This is what bodybuilders do in the last 4 weeks before a show. They're already very lean (7%-9% of bodyfat) and exercising regularly, but they want to get down to 4% or 5%. So, at that point, the calories get even lower and any starch type carb is eliminated for like, 3 days at a time. This is very extreme and not healthy for the long term. But EXTREMELY effective for fat loss.

In addition to lowering carbs, you want to lower calories. The more weight you have the more calories your body wants to sustain the weight. This is biological. Fat secretes a hormone that increases appetite. Fat does this to protect itself. Remember, fat thinks it's your friend. It's saving itself up for that rainy day when you have no food around and need it to live. So, the more fat you have, the more of the hormone you secrete meaning the more you want to eat. so, reducing calories is important because it allows the cells to metabolize the fat thereby reducing the amount of your appetite. So, basically, during a diet, you're trying to "trick" your body into thinking that there's a famine.

Lowering calories is the Weight Watcher's method. WW allows a person to eat practically anything, but only in certain amounts and once you reach a particular point limit for the day, you're done eating. So, a person may eat a hot fudge ice cream sundae in the morning, but according to WW, they're DONE for the day! It kinda forces the person to make more intelligent eating decisions that will fuel them throughout the day while limiting calories. A pound weighs about 3,500 calories. If a person reduces their caloric intake by 500 calories a day and does 500 calories worth of exercise in a day, then in a week, that person would lose 1 pound of fat.

Exercise is also a much neglected part of these diets. People were not intended to be sedentary. Diet is only one part of a permanent weight management program. First of all, exercise with weights increases the amount of muscle and that increases metabolism which requires more calories. That process enables the body to eat more but not gain weight. Also, cardiovascular exercise allows the body to burn calories throughout the day and is beneficial for the heart, lungs and other vital organs.

Exercise of some kind, for 30 minutes 3 to 5 times a week is essential for health and weight management. It seems like so many of us, but particularly black people, just don't want to get out there and exercise.

-1 hour of walking at 3.5 to 4.0 miles per hour
-1/2 hour of jogging
-3, 100 yard sprints
-1/2 hour of full court basketball where you push yourself and avoid "cherrypicking"
-1/2 hour of weight training (women it won't make you bulky...i hate hearing that!)
-kickboxing classes
-aerobic classes
-1/2 hour of bicycle riding

Just do something! lol.

Seriously, Black people have such high rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive and dietary related cancers, stroke and diabetes that it's almost an epidemic in the black community. Type II diabetes is way too common in blacks and that's the one we can actually control through diet. I'm a fitness and health freak, I admit it. And I just want everyone I know to understand the benefits of healthy eating and exercise. I get kinda soap-boxish about this topic.

I just want to see you guys stick around as long as you can.

[dns70]

That I am not a fan of the Weight Watchers diet. I think it may aid in losing weight, but that's it.

I think weight watchers allows for way too much sodium, sugar and white flours.

White sugar is HORRIBLE for the human body. White flour is HORRIBLE for the human body. Too much sodium is bad for you as well.

Now, I don't have a problem with occasionally eating foods that contain this. But to eat them everyday or even more than 2 or 3 times a week is unhealthy. I have always been a proponent of the "eat right for 6 days, cheat for the seventh" philosophy. I'd rather eat to live and not live to eat. So for me, eating clean healthy low glycemic carbs, 5 servings of vegetables, low fat proteins, and ZERO sugars for 6 days and then relaxing and eating what I like on the seventh day (when I'm not dieting like I am now) works for me. But I just think weight watchers leaves too much out of the healthy eating equation.

[Tettsuo]

Even our ancestors ate a low carbohydrate diet. As hunters and gatherers we ate meat and plants and did a lot of walking and running and lifting and carrying. Then we discovered agriculture and ate meat and planted vegetables (including potatoes). But then we developed highly refined sugar...and then high fructose corn syrup. Jobs moved from the fields to the plants to the desks and the rest is fat-ass history!
I always find this analogy funny. Our ancestors had a lifespan of about 40-45 years. There's really no comparison there.

[dns70]

There very much is a comparison there. Our ancestors also had natural predators, no antibiotics, no vaccines, no treated water, dangerous waste and sewage handling methods, very few medical resources, rudimentary medicinal remedies, and very crude and ineffective ways to fight infection.

Our ancestors didn't have 1/100th of the medical resources we have today. With my asthma, back in the 1800s or earlier, I would be dead before making it to 18. Or if anyone here had the measles or chicken pox, or whooping cough. Oh, let's not forget about the flu. Many people didn't die of heart disease and cancer in those times Tett. Most died from complications caused by infection.

THESE were the causes the lower life span in earlier humans. NOT diet. Their diet was probably the only reason they lived as long as they did.

When a tooth abcess is considered deadly, you're living in tough times.

[Tettsuo]

There is no way to prove they were healthy DNS. That's all hypothetical guessing. They didnt' have the time nor the knowledge to bake some bread. My grandparents ate all types of garbage and they seemed very healthy. Right up until the day they got sick and died.

And the causes of death... how could you even know if they got sick from diet and get eaten or not? There's no way to tell.

[dns70]

Is that people from those times did not carry as much bodyfat. That's a fact. Plain and simple. Diet and the fact that they did more physical labor are directly attributable to that.

That's all I'm saying. People at different periods of time die for different reasons. I'm just talking about the diets of those earlier peoples and the fact that they didn't contain the simple sugars, high glycemic carbs, and saturated fats and sodium (salt was for the very wealthy) that are in the common American diet today.

There are plenty of people in more agrarian cultures who still eat this way and problems related to diet and obesity are not common in those cultures.

[Tettsuo]

Don't me wrong DNS, I agree that they did carry less body fat, and I do thing it was related to diet. I don't believe that less body-fat equals good health though. You say it's because they were killed before they could reach old age, I say they were killed because they were too weak or sickly to survive. Even if you look a few decades back, you can see that there were less obesity, yet the same types of eating habits are around. I say it's because technology has given us more leisure time, and so we engage in less physical activity.

If you burn the carbs, they won't turn into fat. It's really that simple. I usually tell folks that if they don't want to workout and are only concerned about losing weight, they should try the low carb, high protein diets. Those diets work very well, I certainly won't deny that. So long as they are aware of the possible side-effects, and are in good health already, I say go for it. For those that can commit to a workout regiment, I suggest they simply eat balanced meals at regular intervals. Eat only enough to satisfy your appetite (you don't have to be stuffed each and every meal) and stay away from overly refined products.

Many of the Asian countries use rice as a staple, yet they aren't overweight. If carbs = obesity, they'd all be in big trouble. So the formula doesn't necessarily work everywhere. Take a look at the Native Americans. They ate corn (a carb) in pretty much every form possible, yet they were rarely if ever overweight. All throughout the Americas, corn was eaten as a staple, and many of these were not overweight. So it's not necessarily related to high protein diets as much as it's related to their physical activity.

[dns70]

except the fact about them being too weak and sickly. I don't think this was the case at all. Today we get an illness that lasts about a week because of anti-biotics, better anti-infection measures and vaccines that wiped people out back in the day. A person today who contracts smallpox is no better equipped biologically to fight it than 300 years ago. But we have a vaccine.

Also, corn and potatoes and rice are not bad carbs at all. They're complex and lower on the glycemic scale. I don't believe that all carbohydrates are bad. I believe that the simple, refined ones are detrimental when consumed in excess.

But I definitely believe lower bodyfat means a healthier person, all other things being equal. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, stroke. All diseases related to high bodyfat.

You mention the Indians and corn, but they also had the buffalo, which is a very low-fat meat. The asians have fish. Also an excellent source of protein with low saturated fat. Also, they didn't cook them with the flours and sauces and grease that we have been doing in the last couple hundred years.

I'm in favor of a diet that has a good amount of protein, fibrous starchy carbs, low glycemic carbs and low saturated fats. I only think a person should go low carbohydrate when trying to reduce bodyfat. Not for maintenance.

But I think we're pretty much saying the same thing.

[Tettsuo]

I'm positive we are saying the same things. We just didn't agree on the validity of looking at what our ancestors ate and their health compared to today's health problems.

[gammite]

just to add to dns and tetts discussion.....

just 30 years ago:

-there were not fast food joints on every corner

-there were not many pizza delivery places

-there was not so much ready-to-eat processed garbage available at the supermarket

-many people sat down for dinner/had lunches prepared for them/and ate breakfast

-folks did accidental excercise because they were not programmed to sit home and watch tv or go on the hush. they got out and did active things. many of our people had to walk places or walk to catch the bus. how many black families do you know about 30 years ago that had two and three cars. my grandmother will still walk 2-3 miles to go somewhere as long as it is not freezing outside. remember when kids actually played outside ALL DAY!

-parents were more conscious of what their children were eating because there was not the proliferation of fast food. if a child wanted to eat they had to make some food or get their parents to make it.

now 100 years ago when folks really had to rough it and put forth effort into everyday living there is no wonder that folks were not as fat.

imagine a world were we had to be as active as our predecessors were, there were not fast food joints and processed food available everywhere and we had all of the medical benefits that are available today. we would be a very healthy society.

also as tett said, many other cultures eat diet rich in carbs. but those same cultures do not eat diets rich in the same types of carbs that people in the states are accumstomed to. for instance, rice and fish and tea isn't all that bad. but rice and fish with some sort of cream sauce accompanied with a 32 oz high fructose soda and a brownie sundae are a whole different matter.

i know my 2 cents are worth just that.....