South Beach Diet

Today we are starting the South Beach Diet. Mom decided that she wants to give it a try, and I am following along for support. Nathan is doing it to support me. Dad is doing it when it is convenient for him and when he’s around Mom.

I was reading the book on a break at work one day and a co-worker stopped and asking why I was reading it, kindly indicating that I didn’t need to be on such a dramatic diet. After explaining that I was doing it to help support my Mom, she said that she had done the South Beach diet before, and if I go through Phase 1 with my mom – I am a REALLY good daughter!

Today is the day 1 of the 14 day Phase.

Phase 1, the shortest Phase, lasts for just two weeks and is designed to eliminate cravings for sugar and refined starches – and to jump-start your weight loss. The purpose of Phase 1 is to stabilize blood sugar (which minimizes cravings), making it ideal for people who are prediabetic or diabetic, as well as for those who need to lose a lot of weight.

The focus of this two-week period is on eating plenty of nutrient-dense, fiber-rich (and guaranteed delicious!) foods that satisfy your appetite. Your meals include lean protein, such as fish and other seafood; skinless white-meat poultry, and lean cuts of beef (vegetarians can enjoy meat substitutes, tofu, and beans); high-fiber veggies; reduced-fat cheeses; eggs; low-fat dairy; and healthy, unsaturated fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts and seeds, and extra-virgin olive and canola oils.

Basically we can’t have sugar or carbohydrates. That includes fruit or any type bread. It’s going to be a rough couple of weeks, but hopefully it will work.

south beach book