South Beach

murphb

I started the south beach diet today.I have such issues with sugar/carb cravings that I feel like this is the best thing for me. Any thoughts on it? 

brideinbluemi

No thoughts, but started today too!

ksaunders1204

I've been thinking about starting it soon too! I have a hard time cutting out fruit, so I'm going to try it, but eat maybe 1 or 2 fruits a day. I'm hoping that won't be too big of a deal.. any thoughts?

MyWedding13

That would be so difficult to cut out fruit!!! 

snseams23

It works I promise! You will have withdraws...I even got headaches but I lost 13 lbs in 2 weeks!

tropicalamy02

Hi gals! I lost 55 pounds and counting! It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle change. If you can commit to that you'll be fine! Message me for advice or if you need motivation! And I have killer recipes! It's worth it stick with it!

lmark7786

Tried it. Hated it. Worst 2 months ever. I can't feel bad about myself every time I want to eat a potato or a slice of bread....

Natrasha

I had great success for a while, but I fell off the wagon. The first couple days are REALLY hard, but once I got to day 4 or 5 my cravings disappeared. I could sit next to someone eating a brownie and be like "Eh, whatever." It felt amazing. I would try to follow it exactly for at least a week- no fruit. That first jumpstart is important for your motivation. Once you get to phase two, things get much easier.

The only thing that I found difficult is that most everything needs time and preparation. Snacks are easy (like nuts or string cheese) but even the fastest dinner still took me 15 minutes (like chopping up things for a salad).

I'm not on it anymore, but it taught me a lot of important habits that I still follow- I really limit refined carbs and that good, healthy foods take time to prepare. My mom has a saying that's something like this: food can be three things: cheap, fast, and healthy- but only two at any one time.

Good luck, and sorry for the novel!

emyinpink

I don't do southbeach, but I eat primal/paleo and follow a low carb diet. It is the only thing that's really worked for me for weight loss. I can eat all of the fat I want, but add in sugar/starches, and my weight balloons and I have horrible cravings. 

katiemac101

Question:  I did SB several years ago and during Phase One you couldn't even have dairy or beans because of the carbs.  Has that changed?  I think I heard that you can have low fat or Greek yogurt, skim milk  and black beans now.  Is that correct? I'm just curious and might try to integrate some of Phase One into my WW plan for two weeks to kind of get a jumpstart on weight loss.  Obviously, I'll buy the book or check out the website in depth if I decide to go low carb for a short time.

Thanks and I apologize for responding to original poster's question with a question of my own. 

arf3420

If you're going to do the South Beach diet, you really have to follow it exactly to get the results you want... so you can't have the fruit.  My FI is a bodybuilder and works in nutritional science, so I'm all too familiar with the low carb diet! :-)   The south beach diet is definitely the best way to lose weight because you lose mostly body fat, whereas with a calorie counting diet like WW, you lose fat but lose a lot of muscle too.  I've been sticking to it really tight the last two months and have had amazing results!  I just have some carbs one day per week (and they have to be "good carbs" like sweet potato or sugar-free oatmeal, not bread or regular potatoes).  That helps give your metabolism an extra boost, so the day after you eat the carbs, you're in super fat burning mode!  Once you're on a diet like this though, you get higher insulin sensitivity, so having one piece of fruit can spike your insulin so much that it will immediately be stored as body fat.  I know, it's depressing to think that you can't even eat fruit, but it's so high in sugar that it's not worth ruining your diet for it.  Sorry this post is so long, but hopefully it helps!!

anna.oskar

I think any diet that makes fruit bad for you, is dumb.  I also think that restricting things is a sure way to crave them and then binge later.  iI did without bread for 2 weeks.  Not because I was restricted from it, just because it wasn't in the meal plans i made up.  OMG  i could have eaten a whole baguette myself after that.

 It just seems to me that when making lifestyle changes, it should be something that really is sustainable for most.

That's just my 2 cents.

arf3420

It definitely is a lifestyle change.  But it's not really that hard to cut out fruit.  I used to eat a ton of fruit because I thought it was healthy for you.  Once I found out how bad for you it actually is, I cut it out of my diet.  I haven't had a piece of fruit in over a year, and I don't miss it at all.  But once you reach your goal weight, you could add it back in in moderation, just like you would any other dessert.  I just don't eat it because if I'm going to cheat and eat a sugary dessert, it's going to be cake or a brownie, not fruit, but that's just my preference!  But while you're still trying to lose weight, you're better off to just not have it at all.  The first week or two is tough, but once you make it past that, the cravings pretty much disappear!

Allycat11

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_south-beach-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:56de31f3-20af-4394-b266-e6da93148af4Post:a532120f-2e0d-436a-b73b-d3269f522500">Re: South Beach</a>:
[QUOTE]It definitely is a lifestyle change.  But it's not really that hard to cut out fruit.  <strong>I used to eat a ton of fruit because I thought it was healthy for you</strong>.  Once I found out how bad for you it actually is, I cut it out of my diet.  I haven't had a piece of fruit in over a year, and I don't miss it at all.  But once you reach your goal weight, you could add it back in in moderation, just like you would any other dessert.  I just don't eat it because if I'm going to cheat and eat a sugary dessert, it's going to be cake or a brownie, not fruit, but that's just my preference!  But while you're still trying to lose weight, you're better off to just not have it at all.  The first week or two is tough, but once you make it past that, the cravings pretty much disappear!
Posted by arf3420[/QUOTE]

Fruit is healthy for you.  It can be high in sugar.  Any diet that tells you not to eat fruit is probably not a great idea. 

anna.oskar

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_south-beach-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:56de31f3-20af-4394-b266-e6da93148af4Post:a1faadde-0d99-46fe-83bd-f9b0536aa7a9">Re: South Beach</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: South Beach : Fruit is healthy for you.  It can be high in sugar.  Any diet that tells you not to eat fruit is probably not a great idea. 
Posted by Allycat11[/QUOTE]

That's my opinion too.  Everything in moderation.

desertsun

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_south-beach-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:56de31f3-20af-4394-b266-e6da93148af4Post:a532120f-2e0d-436a-b73b-d3269f522500">Re: South Beach</a>:
[QUOTE]It definitely is a lifestyle change.  But it's not really that hard to cut out fruit.  I used to eat a ton of fruit because I thought it was healthy for you.  <strong>Once I found out how bad for you it actually is, I cut it out of my diet.  I haven't had a piece of fruit in over a year,</strong> and I don't miss it at all.  But once you reach your goal weight, you could add it back in in moderation, just like you would any other dessert.  I just don't eat it because if I'm going to cheat and eat a sugary dessert, it's going to be cake or a brownie, not fruit, but that's just my preference!  But while you're still trying to lose weight, you're better off to just not have it at all.  The first week or two is tough, but once you make it past that, the cravings pretty much disappear!
Posted by arf3420[/QUOTE]

Bullshiit.

Fruit is NOT bad for you.

It is a great source for all kinds of phytonutrients that are incredibly healthy.

I have yet to see a single well-researched, peer-reviewed study that demonstrates that fruit is unhealthy or bad for you in any way.

You are denying yourself delicious, healthy foods and there is simply no good reason to do so.

arf3420

If you google it, you'll see tons of articles about why you shouldn't have a lot of fruit in your diet.  I'm not making it up, I studied nutrition and exercise physiology in college, and every professor agreed that it is not as healthy as most people believe.  It's not necessarily UNHEALTHY, and if you are just maintaining your weight, then fruit in moderation is totally fine.  But if you're trying to lose weight, which is the topic here, then all of that sugar is not good.  Check the nutrition facts, one small banana has 28g of sugar!!!  That's ridiculous.  They have good nutrients, but if you're eating a high sugar diet it's very difficult to lose weight.  If you are going to eat fruits, blueberries and grapefruit are your best bet.  Definitely avoid really high sugar fruits like bananas and pineapples. 

murphb

Fruit is only restricted for the first two weeks because it's so sugary. Phase 1 is basically about kicking the carb/sugar addiction and fruit is part of that. After two weeks fruit is added back into your diet. No where does the book say that fruit is bad for you. I'm on day 2 now and am actually doing ok as far as cravings go. I also have a buddy doing it with me, so that helps .  We just made ricotta muffins and they were pretty good!

Allycat11

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_south-beach-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:56de31f3-20af-4394-b266-e6da93148af4Post:6a22067a-c5a7-4746-a5a1-69143840f455">Re: South Beach</a>:
[QUOTE]If <strong>you google it</strong>, you'll see tons of articles about why you shouldn't have a lot of fruit in your diet.  I'm not making it up, I studied nutrition and exercise physiology in college, and every professor agreed that it is not as healthy as most people believe.  It's not necessarily UNHEALTHY, and if you are just maintaining your weight, then fruit in moderation is totally fine.  But if you're trying to lose weight, which is the topic here, then all of that sugar is not good.  Check the nutrition facts, one small banana has 28g of sugar!!!  That's ridiculous.  They have good nutrients, but if you're eating a high sugar diet it's very difficult to lose weight.  If you are going to eat fruits, blueberries and grapefruit are your best bet.  Definitely avoid really high sugar fruits like bananas and pineapples. 
Posted by arf3420[/QUOTE]

What a good suggestion, google is the first place I go for reliable information!!!  Maybe they'll tell me to stop eating my veggies too!

emyinpink

Honestly, fruit is NOT necessary. Especially fruit like bananas. Things like berries are fine in moderation. And maybe even half a banana every once in awhile. Or some pineapple every once in awhile. But for those of us who are sensitive to carbs, it really hinders (and can completely halt) weight loss.

desertsun

Ridiculous.

Fruit is good for you.

Again, NONE of you have provided a single piece of solid research proving you should not eat fruit, whereas countless studies have shown that eating a balanced diet that includes fruit is healthy.

Of COURSE variety in your diet is important, which is why you should not eat just bananas. Eat a variety of vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins in addition to 1-3 servings of fruit a day.

Yes, fruits have naturally occuring carbohydrates.

Your body NEEDS carbs to function at its best, and the absolute best sources are fresh, whole fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

So there is absolutely NO REASON to stop eating bananas or pineapple or any other specific fruit, as long as you stay within an appropriate calorie range and are eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of variety, combined with a couple hours a week of moderate to intense exercise.

arf3420

Everyone's body is different, so you just need to figure out what works for you.  I'm carb sensitive, so I gain weight if I eat any carbs, which is why I don't have fruit.  I eat sugar free oatmeal occasionally, but that's about all I can have without putting on weight.  (I have terrible genetics :-(  )  You may get nutrients from fruit, but there are other ways to get them without all of that sugar, like multivitamins.
If you're one of the lucky few who can eat a high carb/high suger diet and still maintain a healthy weight, then you're blessed with an awesome metabolism and should enjoy it! 
But if you're hitting a plateau or aren't getting results with your diet, it wouldn't hurt to cut back on fruit for a couple of weeks and see if that helps.  You might be carb-sensitive and not realize it.

firsttimersluck

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_south-beach-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:56de31f3-20af-4394-b266-e6da93148af4Post:8a11dd12-ed8a-43f3-aad7-acb61cbf88b7">Re: South Beach</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi gals! I lost 55 pounds and counting! It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle change. If you can commit to that you'll be fine! Message me for advice or if you need motivation! And I have killer recipes! It's worth it stick with it!
Posted by tropicalamy02[/QUOTE]

I totally agree with this! be aware that when you start a "diet" you need to make it your diet. ie your long term lifestyle. If you can do that, youll be very successful

desertsun

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_south-beach-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:56de31f3-20af-4394-b266-e6da93148af4Post:fc0b6704-dd3b-4172-a360-4e3227a5f5b5">Re: South Beach</a>:
[QUOTE]Everyone's body is different, so you just need to figure out what works for you.  I'm carb sensitive, so <strong>I gain weight if I eat any carbs,</strong> which is why I don't have fruit.  I eat sugar free oatmeal occasionally, but that's about all I can have without putting on weight.  (I have terrible genetics :-(  )  You may get nutrients from fruit, but there are other ways to get them without all of that sugar, like multivitamins. If you're one of the lucky few who can eat a high carb/high suger diet and still maintain a healthy weight, then you're blessed with an awesome metabolism and should enjoy it!  But if you're hitting a plateau or aren't getting results with your diet, it wouldn't hurt to cut back on fruit for a couple of weeks and see if that helps.  You might be carb-sensitive and not realize it.
Posted by arf3420[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>This is probably a serious medical condition, as the human body NEEDS carbs to function.</div><div>
</div><div>You need to see a doctor and a registered dietician to make sure you are okay and that you're eating an appropriate diet.</div><div>
</div><div>Also, the vitamins and minerals in supplements are often not as bioavailable as those found in food.</div><div>
</div><div>But I feel like I'm just banging my head against a wall.</div><div>
</div><div>Don't eat fruit if you don't want to. Deny yourself some of the yummiest, healthful foods on the planet, based on absolutely NO scientific fact that you should. Yup. That is a smart decision.</div><div>
</div><div>I give up.</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>

arf3420

Lol, I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to frustrate you, it's just that there really are a ton of people out there who are very sensitive to high sugar diets.  My FI is a personal trainer, so I've seen it a thousand times before where he's had clients who just can't get weight off no matter what they do.  Then as soon as they cut out fruit, the fat practically falls off of them.  It always works. 
And I don't have a medical condition, it's called a slow metabolism.  I work in nutrition, as does my FI.  He competes in bodybuilding shows, and is a personal trainer.  I work as a nutrition consultant (yes, people PAY me a lot of money to create diets for them, and their diets NEVER include fruit other than berries and grapefruit).  We obviously both know a lot about nutrition and dieting, and I probably read a dozen different nutritional journals and magazines on a regular basis.  I know a TON (literally hundreds between my clients and my FIs clients, and our friends and family) of people who live low-carb lifestyles, and they're perfectly happy healthy people.  They just like to have low body fat, so they make a personal choice to eat a low carb diet.  It's definitely not for everyone, but it works very well for most people.
But if you have a high metabolism and like to eat fruit, then you should.  I'm not saying that you CAN'T eat it.  I'm just throwing it out there as a suggestion for people on this board struggling to lose weight.   You obviously don't have to listen to me, you can think what you want.  But I've seen it proven over and over again where people hit a plataeu in their weight loss, and dropping out fruit is what finally helps them succeed in reaching their goals.  

firsttimersluck

arf3420 I just PM'ed you.

Davesgrl2011

I did South Beach and lost 75 pounds.  It is a lifestyle change, like people say.  I fell off the wagon and gained a lot back- not because of the diet, but because I went back to my old ways of eating mostly carbs and crap.  So I am back on South Beach but I have made some modifications because I had to have my gallbladder out and I can't handle the fat in things like nuts and peanut butter. 

1.  I count calories and keep a food journal.
 2.  I work out 3-4 times a week
3.  I have not elimated all carbs- I have kept yogurt (as long as it is under 120 calories) and greek yogurt, and all berries and most citrus (oranges and grapefruit).  I will occasionally have a few grapes or cherries.  Blueberries especially are so so good for you, and mixed into unflavored greek yogurt with a packet of slenda- it is so good and a great way to fill up and satisify a sweet tooth!

I am losing about 4-5 pounds a week doing this, and I feel great.  No shakiness or cravings at all.  Last night I sat next to my FI while he was snacking on chips and dip and I ate blueberries and a spoonful of organic peanutbutter and felt like I was snacking too!

I don't believe that fruit is bad for you.  Banana's may be high in sugar, but they are also high in potassium. The problem is that we (as a society) have become carbs and sugar addicts, so we need more and more to satisfy us.  Everyone can eat one banana.  No one should eat three banana's.  Everyone can eat a hershey kiss.  No one should eat the whole bag.  The problem is knowing when to say enough. 

I am the type of person that it is easier for me to have none that to have some. 

Good luck everyone!

emyinpink

I'm on the same page as arf here.

And while banana's do have potassium, so do tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, avocado, yogurt, flounder, sardines, liver, pisatchios, and much much more (http://www.umassmed.edu/uploadedFiles/SourcesDietaryPotassium.pdf).

I'm in no means recommending forgoing vitamins and minerals from food sources and going to supplements. Just that we can get those vitamins and minerals from vegetables and meats.

Many registered dieticians don't truly understand what works for everyone to lose weight, unfortunately, as many still perscribe a low fat (and often high carb) low calorie diet.