Low Carb Support 7/26/03

[kwormann]

Cravings:

Seems lots of us have been having them this weekend. I think with me it is a few things.

First, it was very easy to be in a good flow at the beginning...I was so excited about the quick weight loss!

Second, Scott was a bit more on board at first. Now he wants to low carb when it suits him....ie he doesnt want a bagel, pizza or a beer. I agreed to a pizza Monday if we ate "right" the rest of the week. I was fine with that one transgression. Well, come Wednesday, he wanted more. Normally I can just eat the toppings, but after having the crust Monday I wanted it again Wed, thus starts the rest-of-the-week pizza longing. I am still adjusting to what I can and can't eat and HOW MUCH!

Third, Im ready for school to start. Once it does, I will be in a routine again, and that always helps me.

I think starting tomorrow I will start back on Phase 1. I actually never did phase 1 because I ha done Atkins induction, so I will do it now. By the time I am finished, I will have started back to work, and I think I will be in a flow:)

WHEW! This is like when I journal....didnt know I had so much to say:)


SUSAN....jogging...I AM IMPRESSED!!!!

[newtricks]

Kim-

I'm not craving anything per se, but I am tired of what I'm eating! Dinner is always a protein and some vegetables and I normally mix things up at dinner a little bit more than that i.e pasta one night, soup another, casserole another. I have to get a little more creative with the cooking and I'm looking forward to phase 2 when I can add a few carbs in.

We ordered malaysian food last night - no rice, nothing fried. It was our Saturday night transgression.

[kwormann]

Phase 2 will come quickly. I have The Good Carb Cookbook and am looking forward to using it:) I also have 500 Low Carb Recipes, so I should be kept busy for awhile. I think the key is to shake it up so boredom isnt ever an issue:)

[newtricks]

I think the major problem was that it was Saturday night. I did have a glass of wine too. But Fitday says I still did fine.

OK, I think I could get totally sucked into Fitday as well! Is there a shortcut to entering your foods? Does it save the stuff you eat on a regular basis?

[kwormann]

It will be much easier if you enter foods you regularly eat! Just go to add custom on your food page and hit go. It will let you add serving size, calories etc. The main thing for you will be adding cal, fat, carb, (I like to add fiber) and protein. I add recipes and packaged food (ie lunch meat, string cheese) so I have thise things handy!

You can also go to the window just above it and it has foods you recenly entered:)

[Melman]

I'm almost made it entirely through week #1 of Phase 1!! I've done very well as far as what I've been eating. I've had company since Thursday night and even did really well with them here. The toughest thing was lunch today. My mom and dad had everyone over so my company could visit with my family. She was planning to do lasagna, but when I told her that wasn't on my diet, she switched the menu for me!! :D She made baked chicken, squash, green beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a rice/broccoli casserole. I had one biteful of the rice stuff...I knew I couldn't eat the rice or half the other ingredients in that dish.

I won't be able to check the scale until probably Thursday though. My next challenge is that I'm in training from 8-12, 1-5, 6-8 on Monday-Wednesday (plus time out to take my own class Tuesday night.) This trainer is here for MY project!!! I have to stick with her, get her pointed toward restaurants (or go out to eat with her.) I'm not totally sure how I'm going to do this. I'm going to have to be very creative! I know a couple of restaurants that are close enough and that have food that fits the SBD...but I don't think I can come up with enough for all those meals. I'm going to figure out how to bring my own lunch/dinners at least the majority of these meals.

Good luck to everyone who did well over the past week! Everyone hang in there!! :D :D :D

[tbb113]

CRAVINGS boy can I relate. I've been doing this so long now that is almost second nature...but I STILL want to satisfy my sweet tooth. I've been getting around this a few ways: drinking sweet herbal tea like orange spice or vanilla, low carb chocolate candy (but in my opinion, they taste fake), piece of fruit which sometimes helps, or most amazing to me is that I can stop after one or two chocolate chips or M&Ms have individually melted in my mouth.

Melanie: most restaurants are fairly easy. If you order a salad and a protein entree you should be okay. Remember even a sandwich if you throw the bread away works! Think creatively but given your schedule, I would think ANY diet takes work.

Newtricks: I know what you mean about getting bored with what you are eating. My older son will eat most things, but youngest is picky. Neither eats fish/seafood (or is willing to try) so I make the same meat choices over and over. Spices do help change them around, I finally got some vegetable cookbooks from the library. My problem is that I still need to stay relatively low carb (around 25 - 30 a day) to lose weight, so I don't have as much play with carbs as I would like...

Tyra

[TamiKnight]

As we come across recipes that seem to "scratch the itch" of foods we're missing, I'd like us to share them. Would it be better to start a "Low-Carb Friendly Recipes" thread in Great Food, or post them here on this thread? Today, we had fried zucchini rounds and lime mousse. I'm going to be trying a grilled cheese "sandwich" with roasted eggplant as the bread, dipped in egg & Parmesan, then pan-fried--from Suzanne Sommers' book. I know all of you, as creative cooks, are finding things, too. I'd like to get them all in one place. What are your thoughts?

[tbb113]

Originally posted by TamiKnight
As we come across recipes that seem to "scratch the itch" of foods we're missing, I'd like us to share them. Would it be better to start a "Low-Carb Friendly Recipes" thread in Great Food, or post them here on this thread?

Tami:

I think a separate thread on Great Food is a great idea. First, not everybody comes over to the other threads so there are probably people that are low-carbing that don't know that this thread exists. Second, it would make it easier to find/print the recipes out. Third, some people have houseguests/company that are low carbing and are looking for recipes.

Tyra

[Mamasue]

I was baaaaad today! :p After church a group of us go for bagels and I had one today. Boy was it good and I gobbled it down instead of just eating slowly to enjoy every morsel. :D I really hate myself for doing it because its the day before my doctor's appointment. It doesn't take long for me to bloat when I eat something high in carbs.

Tami...good idea to share recipes. I will start a "Low Carb Recipe" thread at Good Food. I have a good summer squash vegetable saute that I threw together today. ;)

[TamiKnight]

Originally posted by Mamasue
I was baaaaad today! :p After church a group of us go for bagels and I had one today.

Of all people, you'd think our church friends wouldn't lead us into temptation! :D :) :D

[CindyF]

Okay I have been stuck at the same weight for the past 3 days. I have lost 7 pounds so far and am in week 2 of phase one. I can see how going to phase two is depressing. Boy am I spoiled from the first week!
The only thing I can think of is maybe my salt consumption has gone up or I have been eating out a bit more.....maybe some hidden sugars in the sauces? My only "whoops" was I drank a half of a rum and diet coke on Friday. Those of you who are in phase two, do the cravings become bad when you add back in some complex carbs?
I am going to try to eat at home more this week so I know what is going into my food and add some exercise to my day. These things take time, I need to be patient. It took years to get this heavy it's gonna take some time to lose it.
I think a recipe thread is a great idea. I need some new ideas.

[CindyF]

I poked around on the Prevention SBD boards today and tried a recipe from there tonight. Yum! It's called Cheese-Stuffed Beef Rolls. I'll post the recipe on the food board. It sure was a welcome change from my usual chicken on the george foreman grill, and a salad. The only iffy thing I can see about it is that you bake in no sugar added spaghetti sauce and tomtatos are limited in phase one. The sauce was thin so most of it stayed in the pan, so I think I am okay. Te he he I used to eat half a bag of corn chips and salsa for dinner and now I am worried about if no sugar added spaghetti sauce is "bad." Who knew? :D

[tbb113]

I just typed in this nice long response to Cindy about cravings and weight loss...and its lost in cyberspace!

Here is the shorter version! I can't comment on cravings since I really never craved carbs...sweets yes, carbs no. I do know that some foods are trigger foods for some people and will have to be avoided.

Weight Loss - remember the first week some of that weight is water retention weight. While it gives you a great boost, its unrealistic as well as unhealthy to maintain that size of weight loss over time. I lost 8 pounds the first two weeks on Atkins, then went to 2 pounds for awhile and now as I'm getting closer to my goal weight, I have slowed down to about a pound a week.

I know that it is a healthy way to lose weight, I'm learning how many carbs I can have and still lose (or unfortunately on some weeks maintain). I also know that if I exercised, I would lose more weight but I'm not ready to commit to exercise :o

Hope that helps


Tyra

[SusanL]

Sounds like it was a busy day yesterday!! Tami and Cindy thanks for the recipes!! I survived the party Friday night, we missed the picnic on Saturday, and the Pampered Chef party served pasta and a fruit salad:eek: ! I ordered and left just as the food was being served, whew!

We made the SBD "Mashed Potatoes" using cauliflower. DH actually loved it, p. 171! Tonight we are having the rest of it but he wants to add wasabi to give it some zing!

I will try to post some new recipes, also! Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and recipes. Good planning today to make the best choices!!

[TamiKnight]

Today is the first day of SBD induction week 2. The scale is NOT moving! :mad: The tape measure is, though. :p But for some reason, I want to see pounds go away, too. I haven't eaten ANYTHING not on the last (except a single 1 1/2" long sweet baby gherkin), and most of my meals have NOT consisted of fried zucchini. :D The week before I started, I dropped about 4 pounds (water weight, of course) just cutting back on my carbs. In this past week, I've dropped 4 1/2 pounds, but I've been at that spot for 3 days. (Do I want instant gratification, or what?)

When I started induction, I also started doing 20 minutes on my elliptical every other day. I know it's not much, but I am SO out of shape even that is really wiping me out. I know that I always put on a few pounds when I first start any kind of workout program. Could that every-other-day 20 minutes be doing it? I also wonder if I'm somewhere in the middle of my cycle that is causing me to hold some water weight. I only have one ovary left from all my original parts, so I still cycle, but really don't have a way to know where I am in that cycle. The good news is, though, that I am continuing to lose inches--in small, but sure, increments.

Somebody make me feel better about the stupid scale!!!! (insert severe angst here)

[TamiKnight]

Originally posted by SusanL
We made the SBD "Mashed Potatoes" using cauliflower. DH actually loved it, p. 171! Tonight we are having the rest of it but he wants to add wasabi to give it some zing!

Susan does your DH like cauliflower prepared other ways? My DH won't even TRY cauliflower, and I've wondered if this might be something a cauliflower hater would be able to eat.

[linsleyd]

Hello all! Today is my first real day on the SBD. I toyed with it this weekend but there were too many whoops to actually say I started!

So far, things are going pretty good, course it is only 9:15 am!:D

Dh has already started asking when I can start eating carbs! I keep telling him he can eat all he wants, I just won't be eating them with him! Otherwise he is really good about helping me. Yesterday we went to a picnic and we split a bratwurst and he took my bun off for me! Too cute!

I have a salmon recipe from the Low Carb cookbook that I will post this week when I get a chance.

[kwormann]

Tami, 8 lbs is AMAZING! Your body is bound to slow down now. PLUS< as long as the measurements show a change, that means your clothes will too and thats ALL that matters!!! You culd have gained muscle or water which also shows on the scale, so its NOT a true measure!

YOU ARE DOING GREAT!!!

[JennieL]

Tami! Thanks for pointing me to the current post.

Today is day 3 for me on the South Beach diet. I've decided not to get on the scale during the first phase. I'm not trying to lose weight, but to kick my sugar addiction. I'm one year out from breast cancer and sugar feeds cancer. The headaches were paralyzing the first two days, but today, no headache! :)

It will be hard to cook pasta, rice and potatoes for DD and not have any :( I don't think she will like the ricotta desserts either.

[tmsl]

Today is my husband and mine first day on SBD. So far so good as I am not craving much. We seem to eat more of our carbs at night, so we'll see how things go this evening. Question for the exercisers, do you try to eat more the days you workout to fuel the workouts? I plan to do my normal workout this evening which is cardio and weights. I usually eat an energy bar in the afternoon before that but today will be hummus and zuchini. I figured this would last longer than just a cheese stick. Any thoughts?

Laura

[Mamasue]

Tami...you are doing great! Don't let that scale make you think anything different. ! ;)

SusanL.....I have a hard time wondering if the cauliflower mimics potatoe but the only way to find out is to try. I will try this soon but not tell the fam! :D

lindseyd and tsml....good luck

JennieL....good luck with you too. How old is your daughter? She might not miss the potato and pasta. I have been making dinners with meat and two veggies plus salad and DH and DD haven't complained. Yesterday I made some mashed potatoes for them to go with roasted chicken because I felt they would miss it. They ate a little and didn't say that they missed having them. I also didn't mind watching them eat the potato either.

[kwormann]

Here are some foods I have found to be of help:

Pickles:
Mt Olive makes a bread and butter pickle with SPLENDA!!

Sweet:
Sugar Free Coffee Syrups...Torani is one of the brands. There are 2 or 3. I used them to flavor cokes. Ive tried chocolate, dulce de leche, raspberry and coconut. They are great! They can also be added to cottage cheese, cream cheese, cheesecake etc for flavor. There are TONS of flavors!

Tyson Ground Chicken Burgers
I found these at Sams. They are individually frozen and not too bad. The best part is you cook them frozen, so they are good for a last minute thing. They can be baked, grilled or cooked in a skillet:)

Thats all Ihave for now...

[SusanL]

the cauliflower recipe DOES NOT taste like potatoes! Nor does the consistancy cut it. But, that being said, we both like cauliflower so I would make it again. Actually I have to because I have the rest of the cauliflower in the fridge. DH doesn't care for it just steamed or fresh. He likes a sauce on it:( (cheese!] I love it with coctail sauce on a crudite platter.

Continued success to everyone!

I posted a Snow Pea Soup but don't have it MC but we can have snow peas on SBD. I may just try it tonight and let you know.

Tami...inches babe! Clothing feels good and loose? That is the deal maker for me!

[kwormann]

Originally posted by SusanL
the cauliflower recipe DOES NOT taste like potatoes! Nor does the consistancy cut it. But, that being said, we both like cauliflower so I would make it again. Actually I have to because I have the rest of the cauliflower in the fridge. DH doesn't care for it just steamed or fresh. He likes a sauce on it:( (cheese!] I love it with coctail sauce on a crudite platter.


That is interesting, because Ive heard others say the opposite. Where did you get the recipe? Ive got one that I hear is good Id be happy to post for you...

[JennieL]

Is sugar free ice cream allowed in phase 2? Can anyone recommend a good one? I couldn't find any info in the book on using FF may in phase I. I do see lite mayo being used in small quantities.

I can't believe it's after noon and I'm not starving. Usually I am starving by 11am! I splurged on a big tray of cocktail shrimp to toss into green salads.:)

[kwormann]

I havent tried any of them, but I think I will end up making my own...subbing Splenda for the sugar:)

[tbb113]

Atkins makes a single serving ice cream in both chocolate and vanilla (they come 4 to a package). I have tried the chocolate and it reminds me of the 'chocolate malt' things in the cardboard containers that you buy at 7-11 or at the ballgames. Since I LOVE those, the Atkins aren't to bad...but ice cream it isn't!

Tyra

[SusanL]

here it is from the website, I'll post the amounts
Mashed potato taste-alike

Here's a terrific substitute for mashed potatoes, which everyone loves and, of course, are absolute diet-busters. Instead of potatoes, steam some cauliflower, either fresh or frozen-it makes no difference. Once it's soft, mash it with a little liquid butter substitute. (I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! tastes terrific and has no bad trans-fatty acids.) Mix in a little Land O'Lake nonfat half-and-half substitute, which also tastes good and is healthy. Salt and pepper to taste, and you've got something that quite honestly can compete any day with the real thing.

This is from p 171 in the book:

4 c cauliflower florets
1 oz I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray
1 oz Land O'Lakes Gourmet fat free half and half
pinch salt
pinch freshly ground pepper

Steam cauliflower
Puree in processor
Add butter spray and half and half to taste
Season with salt and pepper

Now I need to look for recipes with half and half because I had to buy a whole quart! I hate when that happens! They get me every time!!

Would love to see yours!!

[SusanL]

here it is from the website, I'll post the amounts
Mashed potato taste-alike

Here's a terrific substitute for mashed potatoes, which everyone loves and, of course, are absolute diet-busters. Instead of potatoes, steam some cauliflower, either fresh or frozen-it makes no difference. Once it's soft, mash it with a little liquid butter substitute. (I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! tastes terrific and has no bad trans-fatty acids.) Mix in a little Land O'Lake nonfat half-and-half substitute, which also tastes good and is healthy. Salt and pepper to taste, and you've got something that quite honestly can compete any day with the real thing.

This is from p 171 in the book:

4 c cauliflower florets
1 oz I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray
1 oz Land O'Lakes Gourmet fat free half and half
pinch salt
pinch freshly ground pepper

Steam cauliflower
Puree in processor
Add butter spray and half and half to taste
Season with salt and pepper

Mow I need to look for recipes with half and half because I had to buy a whole quart! I hate when that happens! They get me every time!!

[newtricks]

Hi all-

I have a big ol' cauliflower in my fridge right now. Someone mentioned using cream cheese in a mashed cauliflower recipe which sounds good to me.

So week one is behind me. I did well except for the red wine this weekend. I lost 5.5 pounds last week! I find Fitday extremely motivating, if time consuming, and I'm really going to try not to weigh myself more than once a week.

I'm still feeling kind of cranky in the afternoons - I find carbs very soothing! And yet I find being a size 16 unsoothing. So that's what I need to focus on.

[kwormann]

from 500 Low Carb Recipes:

Fauxtatoes Deluxe
1 large head cauliflower
1/3 c cream
4 oz cream cheese
1 T butter
salt and pepper

Simmer the cauliflower in water with the cream added to it. (This keeps the cauliflower sweet and prevents it from turning gray). When the cauliflower is very soft, drain thoroughly.

Put the warm cauliflower in a food processor with the rest of the ingredients and process until smooth. It may have to be done in more than one batch.

6 generous servings, 4 g carb and 4 g protein each.

**To give zing, add a few cloves sliced garlic to the cooking water or some roasted garlic to the food processor. Each clove adds 1 carb to the whole recipe.

[newtricks]

mmm, that sounds good. I probably can't have all that good stuff on SBD but maybe some lowfat cream cheese in the SB recipe would be good.

Thanks Kim!

[eas11]

Originally posted by newtricks
mmm, that sounds good. I probably can't have all that good stuff on SBD but maybe some lowfat cream cheese in the SB recipe would be good.

Thanks Kim!
Yup, lf cream cheese will be fine. The cream cheese helps the consistency be more "potato like". Although these don't taste like potatoes, we love the way they do taste! And they, like mashed spuds, make a nice "base" for the other food on the plate.
On another thread I suggested flavoring with curry or nutmeg. Sometimes a good quality grated cheese- depends what I'm serving them with.

Ellyn

[Mamasue]

Just got back from the doctors and my cholestral is down to 176 from 215. I lost 11 pounds and my doctor believes and is doing the Atkins way. She gave me thumbs up and continue success. I am on cloud nine right now knowing that this is working for my cholestral. :D

A great hotdog that I love and will continue to buy....no more "a$$ and lips" hotdogs for us. They are called Protein Power Buffalo and Beef Hot dog. These are delicious and light tasting. One hot dog is 1g of carbs!! They are made my New West Foods www.newwestfoods.com

[SusanL]

Low fat mayo is allowed but fat free has too much sugar! Go figure but that is what they say! Each day I learn more and more!

Way to go Sue!!

[tbb113]

Originally posted by SusanL
Low fat mayo is allowed but fat free has too much sugar! Go figure but that is what they say! Each day I learn more and more!



Many fat-free/low fat foods increase carbs when decreasing the fat. That is part of the reason Atkins suggests Full-Fat products. Its all a trade off...but you do need to read the labels and determine for yourself if the carb/fat tradeoff is worth it or not.

YEAH MAMASUE!!!

Tyra

[kwormann]

Originally posted by Mamasue
Just got back from the doctors and my cholestral is down to 176 from 215. I lost 11 pounds and my doctor believes and is doing the Atkins way. She gave me thumbs up and continue success. I am on cloud nine right now knowing that this is working for my cholestral. :D

A great hotdog that I love and will continue to buy....no more "a$$ and lips" hotdogs for us. They are called Protein Power Buffalo and Beef Hot dog. These are delicious and light tasting. One hot dog is 1g of carbs!! They are made my New West Foods www.newwestfoods.com

Good for you! Its going to be a strugle to educate people that this way is GOOD for your cholesterol....people have heard for so long that fat is bad for you, it will take MANY success stories like yours and mine to change beliefs....:rolleyes:

[TamiKnight]

Originally posted by kwormann


Its going to be a strugle to educate people that this way is GOOD for your cholesterol....people have heard for so long that fat is bad for you, it will take MANY success stories like yours and mine to change beliefs....:rolleyes:

You're so right. I practically have a panic attack every time I put a recipe into Mastercook and look at the fat content. I just have to remind myself of why, scientifically, this works and is better for me. And success stories don't hurt, either. Now, if I can just get the d*$n scale to move!

[fci5767]

I have lots of recipes that I will post when I get back from my trip to Virginia. I have a great "fried rice" recipe that uses grated cauliflower and a cappuccino protein shake that tastes just like a milk shake. It does have a little cream in it, so it probably wouldn't be good for SBD, but would be great for Atkins or Somerizing.

I'll post a few recipes this weekend. I'm off to spend three days doing research for a workshop I'm giving this weekend (actually the research will involve videotaping my 18 month old nephew exploring art materials with his friends so I'm looking forward to it :D

Beth

[Mamasue]

Originally posted by kwormann


Good for you! Its going to be a strugle to educate people that this way is GOOD for your cholesterol....people have heard for so long that fat is bad for you, it will take MANY success stories like yours and mine to change beliefs....:rolleyes:

You are soooo right Kim! Just remember that its the good fat that is good for you and not the trans fat. Also need to repeat what Tyra said....low fat products are high in carbs and sugar so you really need to read your labels. When I read labels I don't look at the fat anymore I immediately go to carbs and fiber plus sugar.

Thanks everyone for your support! :D

[fci5767]

There's sugar in everything :confused: They even put sugar in some brands of salt (I would assume to make them free-flowing.) I started making my own ketchup and BBQ sauce so that I could avoid the sugar.

I can't believe that I make ketchup. I guess I am becoming domestic after all.

Beth

[CindyF]

Tyra-
Sorry your original post ended up in cyber space! Thanks for taking the time to retype the condensed version. I knew the weight loss would slow down I just expected it would be at the start of phase two not the second week of phase one. I think I will stay off of the scales for a few days and concentrate on how much looser my clothes are and how good I feel now that my headaches went away.

Mamasue-
Congrats on getting the cholesterol down! Wahoo!

Tami-
I feel your pain....My weight loss is "stuck" as well. (Okay maybe not stuck just slower than before.) ;)

kwormann-
The title of your recipe "Fauxtatoes Deluxe" struck my funny bone! I almost had SBD mocha ricotta creme coming out my nose when I read your post! I must be losing my mind from the lack of sugar and simple carbohydrates. LOL

I am really hoping that this way of eating (low carb or complex carb) is the answer that I have been looking for. Keep up the good work everyone, and thanks for the recipe ideas and the support.

[TamiKnight]

Have any of you noticed getting sort of, um...stupid, during the induction phase? I feel like a total space cadet. For instance (should I REALLY tell this?) I went and bought my husband 5 new dress shirts Friday. I bought all the same size, as that would only be reasonable, right? So, how is it that I ended up with three 16 1/2's, one 14 1/2, and one 18 1/2? I've been doing weird stuff like that all week. Or maybe I just want some outside source to blame my stupidity on. :p

[TamiKnight]

Here's a link to the Low Carb Ezine (http://www.holdthetoast.com/index.html) by the author of 500 Low-carb Recipes. Hard to tell just how much useful info there is--I feel like I'm missing something. Must be that low-carbo stupidity creeping in again. :D There are some links to other low-carb websites. Just thought you might find it helpful.

[CindyF]

Sure TamiKnight.....blame it on the diet! :eek:
Just kidding I am still chuckling over the Fauxtatoes Deluxe so you already know I have lost my mind during the induction phase!:D

[TamiKnight]

The scale moved! The scale moved! Wooooohoooooo! :D :p :) :D :p :)

[LauraBL]

Well, I'm on Day 2 and feeling kind of pukey and like my head and body are separated..........
DH is doing the plan with me or at least he is until it's time to drink beer with the boys! DH really enjoyed the salmon, asparagus, and salad last night.

I'm trying to cut back on coffee a bit but not going to decaf. I'm thinking that I'm not getting enough sleep and that is probably adding to the feeling of weirdness. I wanted to try this program in an attempt to get my sweet tooth under control. I'm such a sugar fiend. I don't really like the idea of eating fake sugar but it seems like a necessary evil.

Laura

[TamiKnight]

Hang in there, Laura. Most of us had at least a day or two that we felt crummy. Once you break through it, you'll be surprised how much better you feel. For me, the increase in energy has been astounding. I had been sleeping 8 or 9 hours a night, and still waking up tired. Now, I'm waking up on my own after 7 hours feeling completely refreshed. More sleep is probably a good idea. Also, you may really be feeling the effects of trying to cut back your caffeine. I tried giving up caffeine when I started, and after the third day had to go back to some. It was just more than I could handle right now. Your body will adjust, though.

[d_ferrero]

Checking in on day two of phase 2 (although I really haven't added any carbs back in YET I've brought a peach for lunch today -- YUM!).

Congratulations Tami -- scale movement is so motivating! I wish I was seeing the scale move a little more myself -- but I know my clothes are fitting better and that's got to count for something. :)

I never felt the "low carb stupidity" some of you describe, but does anyone else notice that foods TASTE different with fewer carbs? I'm not sure if the sugar that seems to be added to everything contributed or what -- but I'm picking up flavors I just never noticed before. Odd.

And Tyra -- thanks for pointing out the Atkins "ice cream" -- I picked some up last night and I'm hooked. The Skinny Cow and other "low-fat" ice creams never satisfied me but this stuff's great (I too, loved the little malt cups as a kid). No, it's not ice cream. But unlike some of it's "lowfat" bretheren, it doesn't attempt to be. It's a nice alternative on a hot evening though. :)

[TamiKnight]

Originally posted by d_ferrero
I never felt the "low carb stupidity" some of you describe, but does anyone else notice that foods TASTE different with fewer carbs? I'm not sure if the sugar that seems to be added to everything contributed or what -- but I'm picking up flavors I just never noticed before. Odd.

I'm glad you mentioned this, so I know it's not just my imagination. I've especially noticed how sweet some vegetables are, but everything tastes better. I'm not sure why it's happening, but I've definitely noticed it too.

[linsleyd]

Checking in on Day 2 of the first week and I'm a little headachey right now. I think it's because I had to eat lunch a little later than normal. I made it through yesterday with a loaf of zucchini bread staring me in the face and the strongest urge for a Dairy Queen flurry (and I'm not even a sweets person!). The only oops was a little ketchup with horseradish for my shrimp at dinner. This morning I felt great and woke up before the alarm.

Congrats to everyone on your successes, esp. Sue! My husband has slighty elevated cholestrol so this should help him a little bit because he follows my diet at night. And doesn't eat terribly throughout the day.

[tmsl]

So far so good. I haven't craved much but I ate my midmorning snack late and started to get a headache. It did go away after I had lunch. I haven't felt the stupidity yet(no more than normal, anyway)but I am feeling extremely tired. Is it ok to eat more than the daily menus as long as it is an approved food? My husband and I work out in the evenings and yesterday afternoon's snack didn't last long when we started working out. We aren't trying to lose much weight, so I thought maybe we could handle a little more food as long as it is the right kind.

Laura

[tbb113]

Laura:

Keep in mind that I'm following Atkins not SBD. Atkins philosophy is that you should not be hungry on this diet. (No wonder I like this diet :D ) If you are hungry...eat something with fat and protein to fill you up. All I can say is that it works...I'm down 28 pounds since Feb 22 and I very seldom am hungry!

Tyra

[tmsl]

Thanks, Tyra! I guess I just need reassurance. I brought a more substantial snack for this afternoon and was feeling a little guilty about needing it.

Laura

p.s. I am finding my typing skills have gone out the window, is this a side affect of no carbs? ;-)

[linsleyd]

I would think that if you are exercising more than just a walk you would definetly need something more. You're body needs fuel, like Tyra said, some protein and fat would be good.

[newtricks]

Hi everyone - I lost a whole post yesterday and then couldn't post again! And of course it was extremely witty and supportive! oh well.

Mamasue - that is incredible about your cholestrol! Very motivating. And Kim, refresh my memory? You've had a big change in your cholesterol as well?

Tami - Congrats on the scale moving. And I totally relate to the spaciness/stupididty. It's worse than pregnancy! Which is saying something. Laura put it perfectly - head and body separation.

Welcome Laura and Linsley! Week one is hard but if you stick it out you get some nice numbers. Because I'm a grizzled veteran on day 10 of Phase 1.;)

Tyra - I smiled when I read your post because my goal is... 30 pounds in 6 months! You're inspiration.

I'm really trying to weigh only myself once a week. Did I already post that I lost 5.5 pounds my first week? I lost 5.5 pounds my first week! So now I have to keep myself from checking in with the scale. I find that I either get discouraged or cocky and neither is good for my eating plan.

I'm going to post a couple of low-carb recipes that I made up - spicy shrimp and spinach stuffed portobellos. Both very easy to throw together.

Good luck today everyone.:)

[linsleyd]

Good Morning! Starting Day 3 and yesterday went very well except for a very small glass of red wine with dinner.
I am starting to get bored with my lunch salads so I'm going to need to start looking for something else for next week. Otherwise, I really do notice tiny changes with my body! And the coolest thing, when DH makes his carb for dinner, I have no desire to even try it!
Rock ON!
:D

[tbb113]

Originally posted by linsleyd

I am starting to get bored with my lunch salads so I'm going to need to start looking for something else for next week. Otherwise, I really do notice tiny changes with my body! And the coolest thing, when DH makes his carb for dinner, I have no desire to even try it!


Oh I agree...its amazing how little the rice, potato, whatever side I've made for my kids appeals to me now. Certain things of course still look good ... but that is due to my sweet tooth more than a carb tooth :D

Lunch ideas that aren't salads:
Burrito made fajita style over a bed of lettuce
Hamburger without the bun (you can wrap it in lettuce)
Scoop of chicken salad
Scoop of egg salad
Scoop of tuna salad (all three of the above could be put into a tomato or green pepper)
Leftover dinner

Tyra

[linsleyd]

Thanks, Tyra! I'll have to start doing more of that next week for work lunches!

[JennieL]

Day 5 - I'm not hungry but REALLY craving a real dessert! Jello and the ricotta desserts just aren't doing it. I'm afraid that if I cheat a little, I'll go hog wild! I even made DD graham crackers spread with Nutella and didn't have a single taste! :(

[LauraBL]

Hi Chicks-

Have you all been able to stick with eggs every morning of Phase I? I love eggs but I'm actually getting a little bit tired of them. I know I need the protein. I wonder if I could have cottage cheese and some sandwich meat for a change? Any thoughts on this?????

Laura

[LauraBL]

Originally posted by JennieL
Day 5 - I'm not hungry but REALLY craving a real dessert! Jello and the ricotta desserts just aren't doing it. I'm afraid that if I cheat a little, I'll go hog wild! I even made DD graham crackers spread with Nutella and didn't have a single taste! :(

Jennie-

I know what you mean. I made some raspberry jello last night and that really didn't do it for me. The texture of ricotta is kind of weird to me. I'm eating it but just from desperation.

Laura

[tbb113]

I posted a chocolate orange mousse on the Low Carb Recipe thread on Great Foods for those of you craving something sweet. I don't know if it fits in phase one though ....

Breakfast ideas have been discussed at length on previous threads. Please remember to think outside of 'traditional breakfast foods'. Anything you have for lunch or dinner CAN be eaten at breakfast (I promise I won't tell your mother :D ).

Tyra

[kwormann]

Originally posted by LauraBL
Hi Chicks-

Have you all been able to stick with eggs every morning of Phase I? I love eggs but I'm actually getting a little bit tired of them. I know I need the protein. I wonder if I could have cottage cheese and some sandwich meat for a change? Any thoughts on this?????

Laura

PLEASE have what you want for breakfast!!! I had leftover chicken breast this am. I also LOVE tuna/chicken salad and roll ups (lunch meat with cream cheese). I rarely have eggs for breakfast....

[LauraBL]

Originally posted by tbb113

Please remember to think outside of 'traditional breakfast foods'. Anything you have for lunch or dinner CAN be eaten at breakfast (I promise I won't tell your mother :D ).

Tyra

Okay, as long as you don't tell my Mom on me.....haha
I can hardly wait to break away from eggs for tomorrow! Yippee!

[TamiKnight]

Originally posted by JennieL
Day 5 - I'm not hungry but REALLY craving a real dessert! Jello and the ricotta desserts just aren't doing it. I'm afraid that if I cheat a little, I'll go hog wild! I even made DD graham crackers spread with Nutella and didn't have a single taste! :(

This probably won't give you EXACTLY what you're craving, but it's working for me. I just couldn't do the ricotta and the jello either. But (and I posted this on the Low Carb Recipes thread) if you dissolve a small package of Jello in 1 cup boiling water, cool for a few minutes, then spin it in the blender with 1 cup of ricotta cheese and chill, it's not too bad. Much better than ricotta or jello on their own.

[kscm23]

I've been lurking on this site for quite a while now. I am on day 10 of SB. I have found a way that I like the ricotta cream that I thought I would share. I mix it with a little splenda, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. It really almost tastes like pumpkin pie. A little cool whip on top and you're all set. Good luck everyone, and thanks for all of the hints while I've been lurking.:)

[kwormann]

Welcome kscm

I havent tried the ricotta cream, but I suggest also trying sugar free coffee syrups for flavoring.

I LOVE them in coke and have tried many different flavors!

[kscm23]

Thanks! I'll be sure to check them out when I go grocery shopping this weekend.

[Mamasue]

Another lunch idea that I had today....took a slice of roasted turkey breast (deli) and a piece of tomato/basil cheddar cheese rolled in up like a rollup without bread. I love lettuce rollups with either turkey, egg salad, grilled shrimp (leftover), tuna salad, tomato and cheese with bacon or slice of ham. Tonight I am going to make Suzanne Sommer's Eggplant Parm and plan to have some for breakfast. I am really getting sick of eggs too and just grab something else thats not breakfast food.

Kim...I need to find the flavorings that you are talking about. Thanks. ;)

Good luck to everyone and Yahoo to those who are seeing results!! :D

[eas11]

Originally posted by Mamasue
Another lunch idea that I had today....took a slice of roasted turkey breast (deli) and a piece of tomato/basil cheddar cheese rolled in up like a rollup without bread. I love lettuce rollups with either turkey, egg salad, grilled shrimp (leftover), tuna salad, tomato and cheese with bacon or slice of ham. Tonight I am going to make Suzanne Sommer's Eggplant Parm and plan to have some for breakfast. I am really getting sick of eggs too and just grab something else thats not breakfast food.

Kim...I need to find the flavorings that you are talking about. Thanks. ;)

Good luck to everyone and Yahoo to those who are seeing results!! :D

Sue, any chance you can post the recipe?
BTW, I use a combo of ground flax, bran, italian spices and parm for a "breadcrumb" type coating on eggplant and chicken.

I also use flavorings, especially in plain yogurt which is very low carb. Of course flavored yogurt is very high sugar/carb.
I generally use Davinci brand syryp which has TONS of sugar free flavors. I think they have a web page, but I usually buy mine where I buy many other LC products, Netrition (http://netrition.com). You can see some of the flavors there. They are often in the gourmet food shelves at Marshalls. A couple of weeks ago I picked up a 4-pack of flavors there- (6.3 oz size) containing vanilla, raspberry, hazelnut and almond. I would check both marshalls and TJMaxx and see if you luck out.
Ellyn

[JennieL]

Originally posted by eas11


Sue, any chance you can post the recipe?
BTW, I use a combo of ground flax, bran, italian spices and parm for a "breadcrumb" type coating on eggplant and chicken.

Ellyn

Ellyn - great idea! I'm always trying to use flax seed.

[kwormann]

Originally posted by eas11


I generally use Davinci brand syryp which has TONS of sugar free flavors. I think they have a web page, but I usually buy mine where I buy many other LC products, Netrition (http://netrition.com). You can see some of the flavors there. They are often in the gourmet food shelves at Marshalls. A couple of weeks ago I picked up a 4-pack of flavors there- (6.3 oz size) containing vanilla, raspberry, hazelnut and almond. I would check both marshalls and TJMaxx and see if you luck out.
Ellyn

I find Torani at Cost Plus World Market

[Mamasue]

Ellyn.....you bet! I will post at the Sharing Recipes thread. It was fantab and s much better than the way I use to make it with breaded eggplant slices. This recipe is not heavy and "bloating" feeling. Yum!

[Melman]

I wanted to check in after my three whole days of training. I'm very much looking forward to being back into my own routine starting tomorrow! I think I did pretty well considering I had the trainer with me for the past 3 days. I've done really well sticking with the diet other than I really had the munchies last night. I ate more than I should have (according to SBD), but the stuff I was eating was at least on the lists. :D

Today seems to be better. I'm almost finished with my 2 weeks! I'm trying to decide if I want to stay on it a little longer or not.

OH!! My biggest challenge was today at lunch!! I ordered the chicken salad plate...what I got was the chicken salad deli plate. The difference? A gorgeous helping of the most beautiful fruit salad I've ever seen. What did I do with it? Begrudgingly offered it to one of the guys with us. <sigh> Man, oh man, that really hurt. I watched every bite of it go onto someone else's plate. Next week will be here soon!! Thank heavens!! :D

[tbb113]

Originally posted by Melman
A gorgeous helping of the most beautiful fruit salad I've ever seen. What did I do with it? Begrudgingly offered it to one of the guys with us. <sigh> Man, oh man, that really hurt. I watched every bite of it go onto someone else's plate. Next week will be here soon!! Thank heavens!! :D

I'm impressed that you could give away the fruit! I think that was the hardest part of the first two weeks...and even now when I see fruit I REALLY like to limit my portion size. Its hard to believe that fruit would get you fat...but it can raise your sugar level.

Tyra

ps...good for you to stay on program with the training and all :D

[SusanL]

Today is my Day 7, down 6 pounds! I haven't been around lately but will try to post. Thanks everyone for the recipes, I am getting into a rut and not cooking much lately :( . But will try the Eggplant Parm, have a nice looking eggplant in the fridge. Tonight is Burger night out, the restaurant kindly substitutes a green vegetable for the wonderful french fries! Toss that wonderful sesame bun aside!Hope everyone is on plan today, good luck!!

[linsleyd]

Well today is Day 4 and I survived a baby shower with lots of yummy looking stuff. Unfortunatly the tuna and chicken salad had fruit in them so I ate before the party and I was fine!

I'm glad I'm done with work for the week today because if I had to eat another egg or egg substitute this week I think I would throw up! I barely shoved it down my throat this morning! Tomorrow I'll have more time to plan and make something a little more yummy!

I definetly feel thinner, I'm able to stay awake longer at night (which is a miracle!) and wake up without problems in the morning! YAY!
Good Luck to everyone else!

[kwormann]

Originally posted by linsleyd


I definetly feel thinner,

To me, this is the BEST oart:) Great for you!!!

[JennieL]

Headaches have returned :( Tomorrow is DD's birthday party. I'm making CL's Chocolate Walnut Cake (my fav too) and pizza. How am I supposed to make a cake without tasting the frosting?!?

[TamiKnight]

I completed day 10 of induction yesterday. As of this morning, I've lost 7 1/2 pounds. The best part, though, is what the tape measure says. I've lost 1 1/2 inches off my waist, 2 1/4 inches off the fattest part of my belly, and 2" off my hips. I've also lost a full inch off each thigh and arm, as well as 2 1/2 inches off my chest measurement (that's a GOOD thing). I feel good, I'm not hungry, my energy level is up. We've even eaten out several times and found it possible to make diet-friendly choices.

So, YEAH!!!! :D

(And thanks to all of you who encouraged me through the "frozen scale" thing!)

[linsleyd]

A friend of mine was at the party last night and she is on Atkins and has been for 3 months. She mentioned she was getting tired of not having ANY carbs. So of course I told her all about South Beach and I have her interested enought to borrow my book! Cool. I think this is a really good diet and a chance to educate yourself about your body and what it really needs.

After dinner, I have the energy to do the dishes and clean up whereas before I would sit on my but and have another glass of wine. There is really a huge difference in my attitude!

[kwormann]

Originally posted by linsleyd
A friend of mine was at the party last night and she is on Atkins and has been for 3 months. She mentioned she was getting tired of not having ANY carbs. So of course I told her all about South Beach and I have her interested enought to borrow my book! Cool. I think this is a really good diet and a chance to educate yourself about your body and what it really needs.

After dinner, I have the energy to do the dishes and clean up whereas before I would sit on my but and have another glass of wine. There is really a huge difference in my attitude!

You might mention to your friend that if she was doing Atkins wo ANY carbs, she wasnt doing it correctly! This is whay the diet has a bad name, people dont follow it corectly and the media reports onit wo first reading the book!!!

[Melman]

I'm on Day #9. I stood on the scale earlier today. I've lost between 2.5 and 3 pounds. That's it. I wanted to see more like 4 or 5 pounds. Oh well...I've had that trainer here all week and didn't get to eat the things that I would normally bring for lunch (though, I really didn't blow it at all). I'm seriously considering continuing with Phase 1 for one more week and just try really really hard.

Yep...definitely a little discouraged though.

<sigh>

[kwormann]

The scientific evidence for the effectiveness of higher protein controlled carbohydrate dieting has been building steadily over the past few years. One recent study by Donald Layman, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is a good example. The comparative study looked at two different weight-loss approaches.

Twenty-four overweight women aged 45 to 46 participated in the study. Half followed the standard carbohydrate-based diet recommended by the USDA: 60 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent dietary fat and 10 percent protein. The other half followed a reduced carb, higher-protein diet: 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent fat and 30 percent protein. (This translates into about 170 grams of carbohydrates a day, considerably more than is recommended on the Atkins Nutritional ApproachTM even for someone in Lifetime Maintenance.) The diets were matched for calories; the women in both groups ate 1,700 calories a day.

After 10 weeks, the researchers found that women in both groups had lost an average of 16 pounds each. There were some crucial differences between the two groups, however. On average, the standard-diet group lost 10.4 pounds of that weight in body fat and 3 pounds in muscle mass. The reduced carb higher protein group on average, though, lost much more body fat—12.3 pounds—and lost much less muscle mass—only 1.7 pounds. When analyzed as ratios, these numbers are even more telling. The reduced carb higher protein dieters had a very favorable 7 to 1 ratio of body fat loss to muscle mass loss; in the high carb group, the ratio was a much less desirable 3.5 to 1.

[Mamasue]

Melman...please don't feel discouraged! Everyone's motabolism(sp) is different. It takes me longer to loose versus Tami who is loosing amazingly well.

Good Job to Tami, Melman, linsleyd, SusanL!

JennieL....think postive and don't give up! ;)

[luckylori]

Hi All!

May I join you? I found SBD because of this website. One of you posted a link, and I followed it and joined immediately. I'm on Day 9, and can't believe that I'm on a diet that I can actually stick with. I usually am full of cravings, and can't believe this diet really works to take those away. I read through this thread, and it's great to see others with the same experience. I've only lost 4 pounds so far (22 to go), but am confident (for once) that I can do it this time. Keep the great tips & recipe ideas coming! And thanks!

[tbb113]

Originally posted by luckylori
Hi All!

May I join you? I found SBD because of this website. One of you posted a link, and I followed it and joined immediately. I'm on Day 9, and can't believe that I'm on a diet that I can actually stick with. I usually am full of cravings, and can't believe this diet really works to take those away. I read through this thread, and it's great to see others with the same experience. I've only lost 4 pounds so far (22 to go), but am confident (for once) that I can do it this time. Keep the great tips & recipe ideas coming! And thanks!

Welcome to the group. Don't forget to check out the thread on Great Food called Sharing July/August Low Carb recipes (or something like that) for more recipes.

Congratulations on the weight loss

[kwormann]

OF COURSE you can join:)

Please dont ANYBODY be discouraged with their particular loss. Everybody is different and those with more weight to lose will probably lose more initially. Ive been up and down between 138 and 143 for WEEKS, but Im so thrilled with the 22 Ive lost and the fact I can FIT INTO CLOTHES I COULDNT WEAR AT ALL LAST YEAR, that Im focusing on that right now.:)

[CindyF]

So has anyone been asked "the question" yet? You know the one...."Have you lost weight?" :) I have not gotten the question yet, darn, but I am wearing a pair of pants today that I have not fit into in forever, so I am excitied!

I am on Day 13'ish and have lost 8 pounds. Like Tammi my wt.loss stopped for a few days and now has started again.
This weekend I am going to start phase two with a nice berry smoothie for breakfast. I can't wait.

I am so glad that everyone is doing so well!

[tbb113]

Originally posted by CindyF
So has anyone been asked "the question" yet? You know the one...."Have you lost weight?" :) I have not gotten the question yet, darn, but I am wearing a pair of pants today that I have not fit into in forever, so I am excitied!



It took a while for most people to notice (about a month or so). Now that I'm down over 25 lbs...EVERYONE is noticing ... and yes its a GREAT FEELING :D And fitting into old clothes is even better ... what I don't understand is why I can wear most of the 'fat' clothes as well. I think I was in denial and didn't want to admit that they were skin-tight and I really should have been in the next size up :rolleyes:

[kwormann]

NO, not yet and IVe lost 22 LBS!!!

[d_ferrero]

It's actually one of the more annoying parts of dieting IMHO, but I've found that when John and I diet together, he can lose 2 pounds and people notice... I can lose 10-20 and no one says anything. He says it's because people are less likely to mention weight loss to women as many women have "image issues". Crap. I want recognition too. :)

And no... no one's 'noticed' yet, but I'm only midway through week 3.

[tbb113]

I think a large part of the noticing is how/where you put on and lose weight. I gain (and lose) pretty evenly all over. Therefore its not as noticeable as if all 10 pounds (or whatever) came off of one body area. I think that might be why its more noticeable on men...in general they seem to put weight on in one area....

[luckylori]

Well, you could think of it as, we sure don't want them to notice when we're putting weight ON. (not that I intend to ever do that again, if I can just get down this time).
Although kwormann, losing 22 pounds...can't believe someone wouldn't notice that. That's GREAT. They better notice when I lose 22 pounds!

[SusanL]

sometimes people don't say anything because they are... jealous...? Sometimes I feel that way. Some friends right away tell me they think I am losing weight while others say nothing. Is this possible or am I on the wrong wave length? Be honest with me here.
Kim I can't imagine that your friends wouldn't compliment you or continue to encourage you. Tom asks me every day if I lost weight because he thinks I look thinner... the shorts look loser, the top hangs a bit! (More reasons why I love him so much!)

[helios7]

So I've been lurking for several days. I'm on day 4 of SBD in a vain attempt to take of the "last 10". My dear boyfriend is game to take off some too and is joining me on this quest.

So far I feel leaner and more muscular - haven't dropped more than water weight on the scale but am happier with how I feel.

I do have to say - with regards to challenges I don't recommend being a preschool teacher. I'm teaching summer camp with two year olds right now. Yesterday's challenge - Going to the diner for French fries (trip day). Today's? Pizza lunch day. Tomorrow? A mom is bringing in cupcakes.

I've withstood all but because they're 2 I had to touch the fries as I served them, I had my hands touching the pizza as I hacked it into bite sized pieces for them... oh the agony! But I survived.

And yep, that's it for now.

[TamiKnight]

I have to lose a lot of weight before anyone notices. About a year and a half ago, I started watching what I ate and working out, and dropped 35 pounds. No one said anything until 30 pounds--and I had dropped a couple of sizes by then. I'm 5'10", and it sometimes takes a lot of losing before it really shows. I think part of the problem, too, (at least for me) is that the clothes I wear now tend to be really loose--they're fat clothes. That's why I can't gauge what I'm losing by what I wear, and people really don't notice what I've lost.

And I want to say, I'm really, really sorry if I sounded like I was bragging about what I lost. I meant it as encouragement, not discouragement. My scale was stuck for a few days, then I started dropping quickly again. During that time, I did look at what I might have been doing differently since the scale quit moving. I realized that the scale stopped when I admitted that I was unable to fight my Diet Pepsi addiction and started drinking it again. And I was drinking a lot. I immediately cut way back on that, allowing myself to have it only once a day. I don't know if that's related to my sudden drop of a couple more pounds or not. That may not apply to anyone else, but it does seem to matter to my body.

Anyway, I think all of us should pay ourselves on the back for the steps we're taking. I hope all of you took measurements when you started, because sometimes the tape measure shows what the scale does not. I'm going to resume lifting weights tomorrow. When I do that, I know that I'll put some pounds back on and my weight loss will only show in inches, not the scale. Also, celebrate the cravings you've overcome, the control you've taken when you don't reach for those french fries or pizza, and the little bit of extra energy you have. Whether we're "losers" or not, we're all winners when we choose to take control of our bodies and our lives. Everyone hang in there!

[tbb113]

Tami:

I know on Atkins they mention that aspartme can cause weight loss stalls. He STRONGLY suggests only using Splenda for that reason. So, it is entirely possible that the Diet Pepsi was causing you to stay at the same weight.

Please BRAG all you want about your weight loss. You worked hard for it and you should enjoy telling people. I think everyone realizes that weight loss is a very individual process and sometimes the scale moves more for one person than it does for others :) You also make a great point about measurements...I keep trying to convince myself that the scale is just a number and how I look and feel is the really important thing :D

Tyra

[kwormann]

Originally posted by SusanL
sometimes people don't say anything because they are... jealous...? Sometimes I feel that way. Some friends right away tell me they think I am losing weight while others say nothing. Is this possible or am I on the wrong wave length? Be honest with me here.
Kim I can't imagine that your friends wouldn't compliment you or continue to encourage you. Tom asks me every day if I lost weight because he thinks I look thinner... the shorts look loser, the top hangs a bit! (More reasons why I love him so much!)

I think I gain and lose all over like Tyra, so it isnt as easy to see...altho Id like more compliments from Scott....

I have had a few people who I told I had lost said they could see it a bit in my face and butt, but no one has seen me and said HAVE YOU LOST WEIGHT????

Helios, I SOOOOO want to teach preschool!!!!!

Tami, Im 5'1", so you would think even 5 lbs would really show up on me:) I really think the next 10 lbs will make more of a difference....

[newtricks]

Hi everyone

No one has spontaneously said anything to me but my lovely friends say they can see it in my face. And dh is quite complimentary but this is a family website ;) . In my experience, everyone notices when I buy new clothes. They're so used to seeing you in your usual stuff they don't really look.

Tami - There's no such thing as "bragging" here - it's celebrating. And there's no such thing as "whining" here - it's venting, or getting support. That's what we're all here for.



:eek: Aspartame stalls weight loss??! I've just recently (a few days ago when I bought some at Target) become addicted to Crystal Light lemonade! And actually, I have sort of stalled at 5 1/2 pounds.

I survived the carb section of Costco (actually that would be the whole place practically). I ventured into the bakery to look for Miltons but ended up with Eli's health bread which looks realy really dense adn has 5 grams of fiber. It's in the freezer anxiously awaiting Monday - Phase 2! I also survived a church potluck!! Ate my chicken salad and green salad and just walked away when the desserts came out.

Melman - My dh is experiencing the same thing. We've been quite diligent on the plan (except he had some beers on the weekend) and the weight loss is really slow for him. On the plus side - He had a physical on Monday and his lipids are improving incredibly. Which is great. And he *looks* like he's losing weight. So he must be. Hang in there - weight loss is wierd and frustrating!

I took my first spinning class yesterday - yea me! (see Tami?)

[kwormann]

YEA BARBARA!!!!!

Aspartame CAN cause weight loss, but youn will have to see if it does in you :)

[Melman]

I didn't know that about aspartame either. It looks like I'll buy a box of Splenda on my next grocery store trip. I've used Equal for years. I don't mind changing!!

Thanks for that info! And thanks for the encouraging comments from everyone. That helps. :D

[kwormann]

Here is a SBD message board on IVillage
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-fbsouthbeach

and this has TONS of recipes
http://pub46.ezboard.com/brecipeexchange11667

[LauraBL]

Tami-

Thank you so much for posting those general instructions for making toasted nuts (over on the Low Carb Support thread). I made some in the toaster oven last night w/ olive oil, kosher salt, and dried rosemary. Today I tried it w/ olive oil, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper. These are great!

Doing pretty good today although I haven't quite caught up with getting enough water. I've been rather parched for a few days. I guess carbs help you retain water?

Laura

[tbb113]

Yes, carbs do make you retain water. Thats part of why there is such a big weight loss the first few days on the diet and why if you have a day where you eat alot of carbs (floury ones for me) you gain weight.

[kwormann]

Have you guys taken Benefiber>??? I just bought some...I put it in Diet Coke. I couldnt even tell it was there!!! It disolves completely!

[d_ferrero]

Benefiber is great stuff... although I'm surprised that I'm not having any problem getting enough fiber in my diet. That was certainly a concern when I started on this venture. But I've discovered that the Atkins bars are high in fiber, I'm eating a TON of green veggies, and I add flax seed to my "ricotta creme" desserts on the nights I indulge. I'm actually taking in MORE fiber than I was pre low-carb.

[kwormann]

Hello healthy friends:)

I decided to try the South Beach online support...6 weeks for 29.95. Ill let you know how it is:)

[gabbyh]

Kim,
I'm thinking of joining also...as I said before...I just need to get up the guts to start...as I sit here with my very LARGE glass of cab sauv:D :D :D

~Gail~

[TamiKnight]

Made it to the gym for the first time in 10 months. It feels so good to remind my body that it belongs to a strong woman! :D Actually, right now it HURTS so good, but that'll pass. Gotta hang on to all that muscle mass!!!!

[tbb113]

Originally posted by gabbyh
Kim,
I'm thinking of joining also...as I said before...I just need to get up the guts to start...as I sit here with my very LARGE glass of cab sauv:D :D :D

~Gail~

4 oz of red wine only has 2 carbs. Hard liquor in general has 0 carbs. But your body will use the alcohol instead of your fat for energy. ;)

Tami: Good for you. I KNOW I should exercise...but I just can't seem to commit to it. I KNOW I would look better and feel better but I DON'T want to do it :o

Tyra

[kwormann]

Here is a link to a Q n A session about SBD

http://forums.prevention.com/thread.jsp?forum=40&thread=7181

[gabbyh]

Kim,

Thanks for the link....

~Gail~

[newtricks]

Hi everyone -

Kim, I love the Dr. Agatson Q and A. He's so "just the facts ma'am". But patient about answering the same questions again and again. You're not leaving us are you? We need your voice of experience.

Tami and Tyra - I struggle with getting to the gym - no time. But I do feel good when I do. Dh exercises a lot so that is motivating.

I think I'm turning evangelical about this plan. I have to stop myself from telling everyone to go on it. And I's still talking about it a lot! But really feel like it's such a healthy way to eat.

Gail - hey there! OK, aren't you the cranberry slush lady?? How are we going to work that in to plan come Christmas?;)

[TamiKnight]

Barbara, I sympathize with you on the time issue when it comes to exercizing. That's why I gained back the 35 pounds I lost last year--I quit working out once school started. For me, I find that working out also helps me make better food choices. I think it's the feeling of not wanting to waste that hard work! :D With SBD, I think I can actually "trade out" my time that I used to spend cooking for working out now. I am cooking every night, plus preparing breakfast and lunch, and find that I still spend less time in the kitchen. At any rate, I'm committed to forcing myself to the gym--whatever it takes. I've put everyone else's needs (including my students') ahead of my own for too many years, and it has led to me living in a body I don't like. No more. Somehow, I'm going to have to cut my work schedule down to less than 70-80 hours during the school year so I can make healthy choices for myself. I will probably falter at times. That's when I'll be hear, begging for words of encouragement. :p

[gabbyh]

Barbara,

I AM the cranberry slush lady! I do think a bit of slush will be OK,,,don't you?

:D

[tbb113]

I just got back from Trader Joes with a brand new box of LOW CARB PASTA :D It is penne shaped, only has 10 grams of net carbs....I can't wait to try it with dinner tomorrow or Monday night ... I hope it lives up to my expectations (edible and not cardboard tasting :) )

Also...I just got back from shopping at the Nordstrom sale. I FIT into size 8 pants and size SMALL. I can't remember the last time I had a size 8 ANYTHING or size SMALL :D :D

Tyra

[TamiKnight]

Yeah for you, Tyra! It's gotta feel good to get back in sizes you'd already waved goodbye to. :D Let us know about the pasta. Ladies (and any gentlemen who may be lurking), shall we start another thread tomorrow or Monday? Which day should be the SBD Support New Thread Day?

I survived a baby shower and a car full of Whataburger tonight. I couldn't believe that out of a whole dinner at the shower, there wasn't one single thing I could eat. They had sloppy joes, fruit and dip (no veggies), chips and dip, pretzels, goldfish, etc. And let's now forget the cake! And guess who won the jar full of Hershey's kisses? (I handed it straight to my daughter to take home!) Then, youngest DD wanted to stop at Whataburger on the way home, and I had to smell it for 15 minutes between the time we got it and the time I dropped her off at her apartment.

Weekends are proving to be my difficult time. I don't know if it is because I'm not on the same schedule, or just more "temptation" around me. I don't miss anything on the other days, but Saturday and Sunday I really want the carbs. I'm planning to do two more weeks of induction, because I don't feel like I have the carb cravings completely under control--I haven't given in, but there are times that I'm absolutely JONESING for a piece of bread or candy.

Today, I'm patting myself on the back for staying true to the course, no matter how difficult. Even if the scale didn't move for a week, it's a positive step for me to control my hunger instead of letting my hunger control me.

[SusanL]

Yeah Tyra Woohoo for the dress size!! What a great feeling!
You go Tami I have been encountering the same situations that you go to a party and can't eat anything! You faired better than I, I had to eat something, sloppy joe's were my choice.
Gail The first step, proud of you!
Newtricks Me, too! DH is even trying it with the weight I have lost!
Kim Let us know how it works for you, I am considering trying it!
:o Last night I fell off the wagon and had 3 sushi rolls, brought the other three home. Tonight we are having babyback ribs because DH requested them before he leaves for China tomorrow. But with him gone for 2 weeks, I am not worried! :)

[newtricks]

Originally posted by TamiKnight
Today, I'm patting myself on the back for staying true to the course, no matter how difficult. Even if the scale didn't move for a week, it's a positive step for me to control my hunger instead of letting my hunger control me.

Amen sister! We ordered pizza for the kids last night. Dh and I both ate some cheese and I so wanted to dive into that crust. But I didn't. That's almost 2 weeks now that I've been able to keep it together cheating-wise (ok ok except for some red wine here and there but if you knew my kids you'd understand!) It's encouraging to feel like this is a program that we can live with.

On the down side I did have some blood sugar issues yesterday. I worked out hard on the ellipse (yea me! hee hee) and even though I ate a snack I started feeling really crummy. So I broke out my Eli's health bread and had a slice with avocado. Which, starting tomorrow, won't really be cheating and it did make me feel better.

Tyra- A shopping trip like that kind of makes you feel better than eating a bag of chips doesn't it? Congratulations!

Gail - well if I don't serve slush at our x-mas party I'll have to answer to some disappointed people so I'll work it in somehow! Bourbon has no carbs anyway.

[newtricks]

New thread has been started!