I started the South Beach Diet 5 days ago and am already so tired of eggs for breakfast. I guess this is the main problem for me. I can handle the monotony of everything else. I've had them all different ways, but woke up this morning and I don't think I can eat another egg. Also, I am so hungry for an apple. I know its ok in Phase 2 to introduce some fruits. Really an apple is all I want. What if I ate an apple today for breakfast, would it slow me down a lot? I feel lighter already, but I haven't weighed yet. Just judging by my clothes, I think my stomach has flattened a little. I do feel like I eat too many nuts. I eat them between meals when I get hungry. Can you eat too many nuts the first two weeks. I would appreciate anyone who has been on this diet and knows more than me to respond.
Cindy
Hi Cindy, I am not on Southbeach, so maybe someone else can help better, but here is my advice....You really should not not eat the apple yet if you plan to follow the diet. The premise of the induction phase of the diet is to break your "carb addiction" and you can't successfully do that if you change the rules. You really should wait the 2 weeks out, and in the mean time try to come up with a creative way to satisfy that craving. This is going to sound insane, but since you can have lettuce and celery (very crunchy), try sprinkling some fake sweetener on, close your eyes, and pretend you are eating an apple. I know it sounds rediculous, but you gotta do what you gotta do to get through it. I also don't think you need to eat eggs every morning. Instead, have some lean meat or LF cottage cheese (both are allowed).
On the other hand, I will refer you back to your original post... South Beach is NOT for everyone and this diet may not be right for you. The formulas I posted would allow you to eat ANY healthful food, and you will lose weight easily and without hunger. Someone suggested that my recommended plan was complicated and difficult to follow, but the fact is its no more challenging than any other plan. As you can see now, any radical change will be difficult at first... you need to find a plan you can live with. Its normal for your body to have cravings, these are typically signals of nutritional needs.
If you decide to stay on South Beach, don't cheat, make sure you are getting enough fiber (from the veggies you are allowed), and consider taking a multivitamin if you don't already.
I forgot to mention... I personally think nuts are a dieters nightmare, but they are probably quite necessary on your current plan. Nuts are very high in calories and fat... but they are a source of protein, which you need right now.
I have completely elimiinated peanuts and peanut butter from my diet because I find that they are a relatively low protein source compared to their total calories. i find that they do not sustain me as well as other foods do. I now eat soy nuts instead as they contain higher protein, higher fiber, and fewer calories than peanuts and peanut butter. Occasionally I will eat almonds - they are not quite as bad as peanuts.
It's not really that bad. In fact I know I eat better on the South Beach Diet than I did before. I eat sooooo many vegetables (except starches of course). I know I should cut out the nuts or maybe eat like 10 a day. I do take a multi-vitamin and drink a glass of Green Defense a day. Its got tons of nutrients in it and when I feel a little run down, I drink it and feel better in about 15 minutes. Just cutting out all the heavy breads, cereals, crackers, and sweets this week, I feel lighter. I do intend to continue one more week on the Phase One, I have a lot to lose (70 lbs.) so I need a head start on this as it will be a long and difficult journey. But after two weeks, I intend on eating an apple a day. I will gradually introduce some carbs like whole wheat bread occasionally and some sweet potatoes. But I will do it slowly. I have to listen to my body. When I eat something that makes me feel heavy and bad, I know I need to cut back on whatever that was. I guess I'm really lucky in the fact that I pretty much know what my body needs to feel good, This diet is essential a good plan for life not just a fad diet. Whole wheat bread, lean meats, vegetables, low fat dairy and all in moderation of course which is really the key to it all. It's not going to hurt anyone to have two or three bites of cheesecake occasionally but when we think we have to have a huge slice and have it several times a week, thats a problem.
Oh By the way, thanks for the suggestion on breakfast. I had a piece of cheese and some lean meat. I wasn't that hungry today anyway, I think what they say about carbs making you even hungrier is true. I haven't really gotten that hungry on this diet. Just tired of eggs! LOL!!
Hi Cindy, Just remember that not all carbs are bad - I have to be very precise with carbs because I am a diabetic, but everyone can benefit from following similar rules.
Once you introduce carbs back into your diet, become familiar with the glycemic index. It will help as a guide to the best carb choices, but don't rely on it soley. You must also listen to your body and use common sense - for example, the glycemic index implies that pasta is better (lower GI) than potatoes - and while pasta may be metabolized more slowly, you will never convince me that its better for you than a potato. A potato has more nutrients and fiber than pasta, which is typically manufactured from refined white flour.
An apple a day is a great plan - they are loaded with fiber and nutrients - and you will LOVE eating them - they will become your "candy." I eat one EVERY day with 1 oz of cheese. Also remember its vital that you never eat carbs without some protein. The protein helps you metabolize the carbs more slowly - it makes a BIG difference in sustaining your energy level.
Best of luck on your plan... I am sure you will do well!
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