THE SOUTH BEACH DIET

Many Americans struggle to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. No one seeks those extra pounds that creep on us gradually. Sometimes the weight is a result of a sedentary lifestyle, a stressful job or personal life, giving  birth to children. Regardless of how you put on the weight, you know you want to lose it. For some you will wake up one morning and catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and say, "When did I get Fat?" For others a doctor or  health crisis will bring you to a place where you HAVE to lose the weight. My struggle with weight began when I started having children. After giving birth to my 5th child and struggling with lingering health problems, I thought I would never lose the weight I'd packed on over the last 12 years. A friend loaned me The South Beach Diet by Arthur Agaston. I have to admit I was skeptical. We began the diet in January. I lost 35 pounds before April. I went from a size 16 to a size 8. I felt better and had more energy. My husband and extended family also experienced great success on the diet. The purpose of this guide is to give you some practical tips that helped us experience success on the South Beach Diet.

 

GETTNG STARTED

• Take time to read the Book The South Beach Diet by Arthur Agaston. You will need the information in that book. You need to understand the principles of the diet. It is easy to read . I am always amazed at how many people have NEVER read the book. Don't just copy the accepted food lists from a friend or co-worker. If you can't afford the book get one from your local library or buy one here on ebay.
• Realize that you are the only one that can face and conquer your weight problem. Your spouse or significant other can't do it for you. Your doctor can't do it for you. This is your personal battle to win or lose.
• Get rid of items in the house that will tempt you to cheat . Replace these items with the right items you are allowed to eat.

PHASE ONE

• Don't skip Phase One!!!! This phase is like a detox for the body. You will find out how many carbs you have in your diet. This phase is essential to the overall success of the diet.
• The first 3-4 days are the most difficult. It will get easier as the time goes on.
• If you get lightheaded or dizzy, eat more protein. It is easy to cut your calories too much. You don't have to be hungry ~ there are plenty of great things to eat on the diet.
• On the opposite end, you can't "pig out" on Phase one choices.

PHASE TWO

• As you ease into Phase Two, watch for hidden carbs in what you eat. You can sabatoge your progress by adding carbs back into your diet.
• Beware of some of the low carb foods that are high in fat. Some of the low carb ice creams and such have a lot of fat in them.
• Remember that his has to be a lifestyle change. If you approach this as a DIET, you will evenetually gain the weight you lost back. When you return to your previous lifestyle the pounds will come back.
• Don't be discouraged by plateaus in your weight loss. This is natural expecially after initial early weight loss. Remember this weight didn't appear overnight or in a week or even a month.
• Give yourself permission to fail. Say for instance you see a dozen donuts and your just can't take it anymore. You grab one and gobble it down. A little inner voice says, "YOU BLEW IT. YOU'RE OFF THE DIET!!! YOU MAY AS WELL JUST FINISH THE DOZEN SINCE YOU'RE OFF THE DIET.". Instead give yourself permission to have a donut or piece of pizza or something that you crave. Don't go off the "diet". Say to yourself, "If you need a donut to feel satisfied, take a donut. Enjoy it immensely. Savor each bite." You don't need to polish off the dozen or a whole pizza.

PHASE THREE

• This important phase must not be overlooked. GRADUALLY add carbs back into your diet.
• CAUTION is the word for this phase. If you find the pounds creeping back on, put yourself right back on Phase One for a week or two. Not only will you lose the weight that crept back on, but you will appreciate items you need to leave out of your diet.

FINAL TIPS

• Remember you have to tailor this plan to meet your needs. Make it work for you. Search for foods that you like and taste great. If you are eating food you HATE, then you won't stick with it.
• My motto was: NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS BEING THIN AND HEALTHY FEELS. I posted it on my refrigerator and reminded myself often.
• There are many great recipes out there that are simple and affordable.