South Beach Diet
 ) This year my brother-in-law and sister-in-law will be coming with us. My sister-in-law is a beautiful, 26 year old blonde, who weighs about 105 pounds.I am "just the other side" of 55, and age and gravity are no longer my friends. I am feeling very self-concious about all of the beach/pool/water activities we will be doing. I've decided I better take off some weight before the trip. I thought about Nurtisystems, but I enjoy cooking way too much to eat prepared foods. So, I'm thinking of the South Beach diet. Have any of you had experience with it? Did you follow the menus exactly? Have you ever tried their frozen dinners? Any tips, hints or war stories to share? I plan on started this Monday - March 6th. Thanks!!!!!! Fluffy Deborah  |
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| Hey Deb...The South beach diet works pretty well...I think that the Adkins diet is quicker and is easier..but im not a carb person anyway...you must for the first 3-4 weeks follow it religiously....it takes that long for it to kick in.....havent tried the frozen food....but i have the south beach book and there are lots of options to choose from....you go girl!!!!! |
| Hi Deb,
My mom--just on the other side of 55 herself!--has done the South Beach diet and she liked it pretty well. I think she followed it pretty closely, or at least at first. I don't think she tried any of their packaged meals, though...just the stuff she made herself...Go for it! Although, it seems to me, it is a 'diet' and not a lifestyle change, so that means that it would work for the time being, but may be difficult to maintain in the long run... |
(GIGGLE) I just have to get to Key West and back slimmer...then I'll worry about lifestyle!!!!  |
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(rustling sound as Sue pulls copies of both Atkins For Life and South Beach Diet off bookshelf  )
I did very, very well on Atkins about 5 years ago. I lost about 40 pounds. Slowly but surely, they've crept back on and I'm back at my high point. Now I'm following South Beach. In my opinion, they are very similar plans and based on the same concept - eliminate simple carbohydrates from your diet. South Beach has an emphasis on lower fat choices like non fat dairy and lean meats. Atkins doesn't restrict fat, in fact prefers whole milk to skim, etc. For me South Beach is better as the lower fat aspect is supposed to help reduce inches around the middle, which is where I've put it all on lately. (If we had a Pillsbury Dough Boy icon, I would insert it here!) I don't follow the meal plans, I just try to stick to the concept. Some of the recipes are pretty good. I don't eat any of the processed foods or frozen dinners. I'd rather cook if I'm home. Good Luck Deb! Let me know how it goes. I LOVE Key West, you will have a blast there no matter what. And just remember, it's all about attitude. People want to party with the woman who's out there having a great time, even if she's a little fluffy (or in my case, really fluffy!). |
| I have done both. you have to be very carefull.
My son lose 50 lbs in one month doing atkins but the danger is___________ please read!!!! Ketosis Dr Robert Atkins views ketosis as a "metabolic advantage" to weight loss, which it is. I'm of normal weight with a Body Mass Index just under 25 (over 25 is a worry), and the advantage of ketosis for me is the stability and ease of control it confers on my blood sugar, the protection from hypoglycemia it affords (because almost all tissues can burn ketones as well as glucose), and the fact it improves my "hypoglycemic awareness" - I know when I'm "low." Briefly, the body naturally turns to fat for fuel when carbohydrate isn't available. When a lot of fat is burned, some of the fat fragments - ketones - get excreted to preserve the body's acid-base balance (because ketones are acid), and this called "ketosis." The excreted ketones have about 5 calories per gram, and since you can excrete quite a lot of ketones, this confers Atkins' "metabolic advantage." Let's look at ketosis in more detail: When my blood sugar drops after a low-carbohydrate meal, the hormone glucagon is released which causes triglycerides to be released from my body's store of fat. Glucagon also causes the liver to break the triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids ... The glycerol part of the triglyceride provides about 7% of the fat calories as glucose, but this is not enough to maintain my blood sugar level. The balance comes from the breakdown of protein from the food I've eaten. Meanwhile, the free fatty acids are cut into two- and four-carbon fragments called ketones or ketone bodies. Ketones are normally present in the bloodstream, but when their concentration exceeds 70 mg/dl, they start to appear in the urine - this is "ketosis." Ketone bodies are the preferred fuel of the heart, adrenal cortex, skeletal musculature and parts of the brain; these tissues actually prefer to burn ketones, which conserves blood sugar (from refs in Eades & Eades, Protein Power, Bantam, 1998, p. 149) Excess ketones are excreted in the breath, stool and urine, mostly in the urine. Test strips passed through the urine stream reveal their concentration. I use Ketodiastix which also show the level of sugar in the urine because I want to distinguish between normal ketosis and diabetic ketoacidosis - this happens when a diabetic takes too little insulin and the resulting combination of very high blood sugar plus very high ketones can cause coma and death. Trace to moderate ketones a few hours after a meal means I'm burning my fat reserves and/or recently-eaten fat for energy between meals in a normal process of metabolism. I'm excreting the ketones which are in excess of my energy requirements to maintain a psysiological acid/base balance (ketones are acidic). Since I'm getting rid of unburned fragments of fat during this ketosis, I'm only getting maybe 5 calories per gram from the fat I eat. I can therefore eat more fat without putting on weight, or I can lose weight without having to burn it off through muscular exertion. Fat provides 3500 calories per pound, so losing a pound means a lot of exercise. If I want to lose weight, I cut back on carbos; and if I wanted to gain weight - fat chance! - the experience of a lifetime suggests that all I have to do eat more carbs. "Large ketones" means fatigue, headaches and sometimes nausea for me. If my blood sugar is normal, I take this to mean that I've eaten too little carbohydrate. Acetone is a ketone, so my breath has that "hungry person" smell when the test strips show large ketones. Ketosis on liquid protein diets - low-fat, high-protein diets - caused deaths from heart failure because protein from the heart muscle was used for blood sugar. I actually have to make an effort to eat enough fat to make this way of eating work for me! I have lost only fat, not muscle mass, but I'm sure that if I ate too little fat or too few calories while in ketosis, I would lose muscle. Ketosis masks appetite in the sense that I don't crave food. I'm hungry when my blood sugar is low and I need food. This may sound like the most natural thing in the world, but for an insulin dependent diabetic, this is like winning the lottery. I have my blood sugar, my weight and my appetite under control. It's like a miracle. As a bonus, ketosis protects against insulin reactions. I hope to live on the cusp of ketosis for the rest of my days. How does one enter ketosis? I cut out all refined carbohydrate and used smaller and smaller quantities of low-glycemic index carbs like creamed spinach, steamed asparagus and broccoli until the Ketodiastix indicated ketones. Then kept my carb intake near this critical percentage, which is about 5-10% of calories for me. It took a violent shift in attitude to eat enough fat to make this work. The payoff in terms of diabetic control and mood stability are simply incredible. The years of searching for an answer to the frustrations of insulin dependence have not been wasted. Those Unfamiliar with Ketosis Fear that it is Dangerous "Liquid Protein" diets like the Cambridge diet introduced after publication of The Last Chance Diet (1976) killed at least fifty people whose hearts failed through fibrillation. This very low calorie, low fat diet caused people to lose muscle mass everywhere, including the heart which eventually gave up. The Food and Drug Administration warned the medical community about the danger of this kind of diet which gave ketosis a bad name. The nutritionists and diet advisors listened. Jane Brody said ketones are toxicStuart Berger bashed them in How To Be Your Own Nutritionist. Ann Louise Gittleman writes in Your Body Knows Best: Without some carbohydrates to maintain blood sugar levels and fuel the system, ketone bodies - fatty substances generated from the breakdown of stored fats or triglycerides - are soon formed in the blood. Ketone bodies mask your appetite even though your brain demands glucose. The result is ketosis: headaches, light-headedness, and mental fatigue. Eventually, [on a low fat diet] your body will begin to convert protein from your muscles into blood sugar. You lose weight, but it is from muscle mass, not from fat. (Pocket Books, 1997) None of this is true in my experience on a low carbohydrate diet without caloric restriction. I'd bet a buck that these guys haven't personally experienced moderate ketosis on a low carbohydrate diet without caloric restriction. It is well established that ketosis is part of the normal metabolism, and that ketones can supply up to 90% of energy, with the brain fulfilling about 2/3 rds of its energy requirement with ketones and the rest with glucose (Barnes RH et al, J Biol Chem, 1939;131:413-23). I feel well nourished. My mood is more stable. My appetite is linked more tightly to my blood sugar level, so I don't have the "hypoglycemic unawareness" which sends most insulin-dependent diabetics to the emergency room sooner or later. I reach for a snack, but only when I need one; and I'm losing the weight I need to lose slowly, which is good. Back to Contents, or on to diabetic complications? |
| Wow! I'm overwhelmed by your so very knowledgeable reply!!!!! Many years ago I went on the Atkins diet. I lost A LOT of weight...fast! but after about 3 weeks, I felt terrible. I was run down, my breath (and other unmentionable areas) smelled really bad. I know I could lose weight with Atkins...but I'm too old, and too wise to deal with the side effect. OH! Also, I noticed I developed a lot of plaque on my teeth when doing Atkins. So....I looked at South Beach and thought it seemed to be a very good compromise. I really eat healthy as a rule, but because of menopause (sorry, Ron) and quitting smoking 1 1/2 years ago, I've put on very stubborn weight. I never was overweight until I hit my mid forties! Bailey's mom!!!! Gosh...we LOVE Key West!!!! We go every year. In fact, we were married  there, at Ft. Zachary Taylor Beach (the southern most point of the US), at sunset, on June 21st....the summer solistics!!! How romantic is that???Hell! I gotta look great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Deb, after many tries to lose weight, there is no diet that works!!! ( for a life time). I bet you know what is good and what is bad. Cut down portions, cut fat and eat healthy. There is no diet that will give you the (GIFT)
yes you can lose fast lbs, but at what risk. I have done some of the" best diets, "you know what it got me?? fatter. I also stopped beathing on a low cal diet. I f my husband had not know CPR I would not be here now. As GOD as my witness he saved my life. I had very little salt in my body and stpped breathing!! I am older than you!!YUCK but learned what to do. Most us do but can't. small portions and cut the fried and fat. all these commericals just are CRAP!!! no fast way... and I am sure you know this. My best to you. Just cut back the bad, eat less and be happy.. REMEMBER at 50 and over we can't eat the calories we use to unless you go into excerise! that the gift. burn more !!! my Best to you can I tell you I am over 60 |
| If you are on the Atkins diet, and ESPECIALLY if you are also on a statin cholesterol drug, PLEASE take my advice and start to take coenzyme Q-10 as a supplement.
I am nearly convinced that a deficiency of CoEnzyme Q10 nearly killed me. Costco has it for about $15 for 120 50mg softgels; I bought some at Trader Joes for $29.99 for 90 capsules of dry powder, but I just saw it there for $39.99 for 90 softgels. Outrageously expensive. I learned my lesson about supplement pricing at Costco vs. Trader Joes. |
| Thanks, Ron...good advice. I would have never known. And...I'm on Vytorin, so I suspect I'll be taking that. Its so wonderful to have such a wonderful resource as all of you to help me! Thank you!  |
| Hi Deborah. I did South Beach about 3 years ago and lost 30 pounds. And regained it when I started eating chips and cookies, etc. I didn't feel deprived while doing it but like any other eating plan, if you start eating junk food you put the pounds back on. You don't have to worry about going into ketosis on South Beach. Simple sugars are eliminated (that's what people call "carbs" but it's much more involved than that). You can have the complex carbs (whole grains, fruits, etc.) after the initial two weeks. I do recommend that you buy the book and read it.
Good luck! Remember, we're not fat, we're just too short for our weight. |
debcram wrote: Bailey's mom!!!! Gosh...we LOVE Key West!!!! We go every year. In fact, we were married there, at Ft. Zachary Taylor Beach (the southern most point of the US), at sunset, on June 21st....the summer solistics!!! How romantic is that???Totally romantic! I'm impressed! We got married on the beach too, in Turks and Caicos. My second wedding was WAY more fun and less stress than my first Ron wrote: If you are on the Atkins diet, and ESPECIALLY if you are also on a statin cholesterol drug, PLEASE take my advice and start to take coenzyme Q-10 as a supplement.
Great advice! I just started taking red yeast rice for cholesterol which is essentially a natural version of a statin, and have been taking CoQ10 along with that too. I think it's the smart thing to do whether you're dieting or not. |
| Here is something on the South Beach Diet that was on msnbc.com today...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11616968/ COLUMBIA, S.C. - Diets that distinguish between “good carbs” and “bad carbs,” are not an effective way of controlling blood sugar levels, a new study suggests. Although made popular by the South Beach Diet and others, the glycemic index has never been fully embraced by most dietitians and remains a point of debate among scientists. Now, diabetes researcher Elizabeth Mayer-Davis of the University of South Carolina says the use of the index should be ended altogether in favor of more traditional methods of losing weight and reducing the risk of diabetes — eating less and exercising more. “The glycemic index is sufficiently flawed as an index that it is not helpful for scientists or people trying to create a healthy diet,” Mayer-Davis said. The glycemic index is a 100-point scale, with white bread at 100 points, that measures how quickly carbohydrates enter the bloodstream as sugar. According to index supporters, people should avoid high-glycemic foods such as white bread and potatoes because they will quickly raise a person’s blood-sugar level. Meanwhile, low-glycemic foods such as carrots and apples are absorbed more slowly, making a person feel full longer and reducing cravings, which helps with weight loss. Promoters of the diet also say that eating low-glycemic foods will result in less fluctuation in their blood sugar levels. Both the Atkins and South Beach diets have raised interest in the theory, and an entire series, “The Glucose Revolution,” guides consumers through a diet based on it. Beth Kunkel, a professor of food science and human nutrition at Clemson University and president of the South Carolina Dietetic Association, said that while there is debate among dietitians about its validity, it would be a mistake to reject the concept altogether. Kunkel was not involved in the University of South Carolina study. “To just reject it out of hand and quit working on it would be a mistake,” Kunkel said. “I just think we’re five to 10 years away from really understanding it from a research viewpoint.” Measuring carbs Previous studies have shown conflicting results. One small study showed that people on a low-glycemic diet were less hungry later in the day than a group fed a high-glycemic diet. Another study, involving 39 overweight people, showed that those on a low-glycemic diet lowered their risk of heart disease. Both studies were conducted by Dr. David Ludwig of Boston’s Children’s Hospital. However, American Heart Association officials have disputed the significance of those findings. The new study, published in the February issue of the British Journal of Nutrition, relied on food questionnaires from more than 1,000 people over five years and assessed their consumption of high- and low-glycemic foods. Researchers tested their blood sugar levels twice during the study period and found no significant correlation between the glycemic index of foods and the blood-sugar levels of participants. Mayer-Davis said that researchers should develop a new measure of how different carbohydrates can affect health. She said a better index would be based on the physical characteristics of foods, such as fat content and calories, because numerous factors influence a food’s effect on blood-sugar levels. |
| I really believe the best diet to follow is Weight Watchers. Most sensible, most realistic. HOWEVER....because I've waited until 10 weeks prior to my trip to even think about this...I'm in the position to do something drastic. I still will stick by the plan to South Beach until the trip...pig out in Key West...and come home and go directly to weight watchers meeting!!!! Thanks for info, sweetie! |
| Mmmmmm... Key Lime Pie........ |
| Ok...I bought my foods today. And, Ron...I bought my coQ10. I'm all ready for Monday! If Monday doesn't get here soon, I'll gain 80 pounds. I'm eating everything in sight. A psychological problem...I suspect. Do any of you fall into that when you know you're going to diet? |
| Sure. Just like when I know I'm going to quit smoking the next day, I smoke twice as much the night before. Good luck. Feel free to rant, rave, vent and whine about not eating. We're here for you. |
| Thanks Paula! Today is the day...and I'm syked and ready. Heck! I'm still full from the weekend! Hope we all have a good Monday! |
| Go Deb Go! |
 my hudsband is on the atkins diet lost about 80 pound I am so proud of him I wish I can stick to the atkins like he does. He takes vitamins and now he eat small portions of food very little carb. Lots of water and he is doing great he said he wants to lost another 30 pounds. The first 3 weeks were really hard but he lost about 15 pounds. I am sure you look beautiful the way you are but give the atkins a try and like Ron said take Q-10 that would help you. Good luck! Have fun in Key west ... |
| Wow! 80 pounds! Kudos for your husband ! I've started the SB thing. Today is day three. I'm doing pretty well on it. I made the mistake of drinking A LOT of water last night and well, you know where I kept going all night! I have a couple questions for anyone who might know. I haven't found the answers in the South Beach book: 1. Are olives ok? (I know they are on Atkins). 2. Can you mix and match your snacks, or are they structured somehow for max effeciency? 3. (This is the biggie) Does anyone know if there is sugar in Nicorette gum? I'm worried this could be screwing me up. Thanks...and give you husband a big pat on the back for me! |
| Deborah, if a food is not on the "approved" list, you can't have it. I'm betting for Phase 1 olives are a no-no because of the fat content. You can mix and match snacks. If it's on the approved list, you can snack on it. Just watch portion sizes. I learned you cannot eat the entire can of peanuts.
Don't know about sugar in the Nicorette. Does the label list ingredients? Even if there is sugar in it, I'm betting it's not much at all. So you should be o.k. Remember, Jell-O instant pudding (sugar-free, fat-free) in Chocolate Fudge is our friend. |
| :hearts: Sugar free jello Sugar free popcycles 15 almonds Its nice to have friendly foods! |
| Deb, I say the benefits the gum is giving you is much better than its potential hinderance. I can't imagine it having enough to upset the whole system.
As for olives, they aren't really that great for 'diets' just in the fact that they have so much sodium, which makes you bloated and retain water. They don't have all that much fat, and it's good fat, but I have no idea about the specifics of the SB diet, so if it's not on the list, I wouldn't eat them...are the olives for your martinis! |
| I went to Nicorette.com
"Nicorette is sugar-free. Original Nicorette is sweetened with sorbitol, a natural sweetener produced commercially from corn. Nicorette FreshMint™, Mint and Orange are sweetened with Xylitol, a natural sweetener produced commercially from plants. " Its gonna be a good day! |
| Hi Deborah,
I have tried both Akins and South Beach, the only thing for me is that I love my pasta (being Italian) and bread. Since I'm going through the change, I've suddenly acquired a sweet tooth! Weight Watchers is always been a good choice for me. Good Luck on the diet! Beau says hi to Pirate and Keira |
| Look at http://www.Provida.com
Certain people need certain diets. Some tolerate carbohydrates better than others. So for those of us who love them and send them right to our butts, there are other carbos that work better for us. If you follow this program, you'll be amazed at the results. And it's healthy for you, no ketosis, etc. Just plain food, no supplements, etc. |
| Today marks the completion of 3 weeks on phase 1 South Beach. As of this morning, I have lost 11 pounds!!!! My clothes are not loose, but they were really tight when I started, and now they fit properly. Can't wait for them to be loose, though! Tony says my my face doesn't look quite as full, but other than that can't tell. 11 pounds isn't a huge amount, but its a start, and I'm pretty proud!!! |
| 11 pounds IS a huge amount. I think that's great. And you can't lose a million pounds at once, so it sounds like you are on the right track...now that your clothes fit properly, soon they will be too loose to wear! |
| Deborah, 11 pounds is a dress size. Your clothes were tight, now they fit, so you're down a size. I'm very proud of you. Tell Tony to put on his glasses. Although nobody can tell I've lost 8.5 pounds.
Have you convinced yourself to start exercising? |
| oopsie..... I forgot about exercising!!!! Hang on...I'll remind myself..... |
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