Welcome to the SBD forum, please read

[tamarian]

Dear Members,

For the past months, we (forum admins and moderators) debated whether to create a South Beach Diet sub-forum for our members. After exhaustive study/reading/debate, we have voted, Yes, but with serious reservations, and for a trial period to see how it develops. Therefore, we would like to provide some background on the critical issues involved in reaching this decision:


1. Maintaining a Supportive Atmosphere: We pride ourselves on maintaining a very supportive environment and flame-war free space for support and discussion. We do not intend or pretend to be all things to all people. For the low-carb plans that we do support, we want to ensure compatibility between the plans. If we find the situation unmanageable, or if we find we need to constantly remind members to be civil to each other and respect followers of other low-carb plans, we may need to reconsider whether maintaining an SBD forum is a good idea. But, from past experience with our members, we trust this will not be necessary and that all low-carb followers can respect followers of other low-carb plans.

2. Support for healthy low-carb lifestyle: We have a fundamental disagreement with SBD's position towards natural animal fats, i.e. saturated fats. While SBD broke from the mainstream of traditional diets of preaching low-fat and low-calorie, it kept one questionable idea--disdain for naturally existing saturated fats from animals and plants. There is a large body of new scientific evidence correcting this misconception, and Dr. Agatston provided no supporting evidence of any dangers from animal fats. To our knowledge, all studies condemning saturated fats were conducted on specifically high-carb diets

So, we encourage SBD followers to research the issue, as they may miss out on a lot of valuable, healthy, natural, fat-soluble vitamins and minerals that exist in natural saturated fats. Additional information and references related to this issue are provided at the bottom of this post.

3. South Beach Diet is a Low-Carb Diet: This point is intended for those who have not read the SBD book, regardless of which plan they follow. While the book opens up with a sentence, "this is not a low-carb diet", the entire book is focused on reducing carb intake, and making carb choices based on the Glycemic Index. There is a misconception surrounding SBD, that it is low-calorie, and/or low-fat. This is incorrect, as there is not fat or caloric restrictions in the book. However, this misconception may be based on some of the daily menus listed in the book and on various web sites, particularly with the amount of low-fat products recommended. The book specifically discourages using low-fat products, due to the usual substitution for fat with sugar and processed carbs. It is worth explaining that the book only mentions low-fat dairy, due to its position regarding saturated fats. i.e. the book is not encouraging low-fat, it's advocating low saturated fats. We disagree with the author's position on saturated fats, as there are no supporting studies for this position. However, the plan is not low-fat, as such a label is not accurate. The plan is low on saturated fats.

4. Modified South Beach Diet: While we support those who follow SBD by the book, we are in essence promoting a modified version of the plan. i.e. SBD without limitations on saturated fats. But this is merely a suggested approach, and as stated, we encourage you to follow your own research of available scientific literature.

We are highlighting the above four points in order to prevent any possible misunderstandings. We support the South Beach Diet and consider it a valid low-carb plan. We do not consider it low-fat, or low-calorie. Yet we maintain that the author is in error in claiming that saturated fats are dangerous. He may be right. But until there is valid scientific research proving this point, we advise SBD followers to read the existing scientific literature to make an informed decision.

We should point out that this is our policy in general. We support all healthy low-carb plans, but we do not consider any specific low-carb author to be perfect. We respect every member's right to point out any disagreements they have with any specific low-carb plans and we've dedicated a specific forum(Low-Carb Research & Studies) that can be used for this purpose. We have also dedicated a special forum (The War Zone) for debates on issues based on opinions and that lack any supporting scientific evidence.

As always, we do not tell members what or what not to eat. Rather, we advise members to read the books for the plan they follow, do their own research and discuss with others, and follow the plan that works best for them.

However, please do not be offended and do not consider it any form of bashing when we highlight scientific evidence disproving the claimed dangers of saturated fats. Indeed, we invite you to contribute any research you find on this issue.

In conclusion, we hope having you with us does not create any conflicts and that any discussion regarding saturated fats, either for or against, will be welcomed and considered a helpful tool for research and not as insults or bashing.

Best regards,

Active Low-Carber Team.

References:
-----------
Know Your Fats (http://www.westonaprice.org/know_your_fats/know_your_fats.html) .. from the Weston A. Price Foundation
High saturated fat, no-starch diet doesn't raise cholesterol (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=149616) .. from the Mayo Clinic
Saturated Fats are better for you than Unsaturated fats (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=50469) .. facts on coconut oil
Understanding Ornish--When saturated fats cause heart disease (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=50657)
Study shows Saturated Fat not linked to Diabetes (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=52914)
27 studies show saturated fat raises "good" HDL (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=52960)
Dietary Trans Fatty Acids vs. Butter (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=134607)
The Soft Science of Dietary Fat (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showpost.php?p=433443&postcount=8) .. Gary Taubes 2001 Science article

.

[Boom]

Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!

[sunspine17]

Wow, I think this is a really great idea. I don't follow SB, I follow Atkins -- I'm not really into the fat restriction myself. But I also understand that this is a merely personal choice. My plan is right for me and other peoples plans are just as right for them.

I work closely with a group of people who are on SB. They are doing quite well and are very happy with their choice in plans. We talk quite a bit about our WOE's and share tips, successes and recipes. I've noticed, especially in the earlier phases, SB and Atkins are more similar than different. Many of our recipes are compatible with just a slight change in ingredients.

I have a feeling you are making a lot of people very happy with this new sub-forum. I think SBer's and people on other plans can learn a lot from each other and offer a lot of support. Thanks!

[lawoman]

I just wanted to thank this LC Forum Team for allowing us to try a new approach while still being able to be a part of this forum. I enjoy it here and have for a long while.I need the support of this fine group of folks and as long as you will have me here I'd love to stay.I know we support and help those who may fall off the LC wagon and think everyone should have the support they need while trying to make positive changes in their WOE.

I understand what you are saying about the sat. fat issue and have no problem with anyone saying what they believe at any time.

Thanks Again to a wonderful team,
Linda

[NinaJean]

I didn't realize SB was controversial. I buzzed through the book at my mother in laws, and I thought, this is basically Atkins at one of the intermediate levels. Even Atkins says you have to lower your fat intake as you increase carbs. And some people do find they have more trouble controlling cravings when saturated fat is high. This is definitely a YMMV. I wish everyone on SB the best of luck and will lurk here to see your successes!

[lawoman]

Hi All,

Thanks for the well wishes for us "Beachers" Nina. I do believe you are right.What you stated in how you see the SB WOE is exactly how I looked at it.I was on Atkins over 3 yrs. and was struggling with gains and stalls.I read Atkins again and he said if you are truly stalled to try another plan but just stay on A PLAN. I did FF for a few months but it is restrictive and not easy to do unless you stay home most of the time.When I started reading about SB it was,to me,a happy medium between the 2. I lost 6.5 now since last Tues. and it was just the kicker I needed.

Tonight is buffet at the Horshoe Casino and I'm confident that I'll make good choices.This will be a first for me.I have no cravings and vowed to keep it that way.Nothing worse than being nagged at by voice in your head telling you what to eat all day.:lol: I'd give in to the cravings to shut the voice up and he'd invite his family to nag me...never ended! :rolleyes:

Hope you all have a great day...
Linda

[zandria72]

Yay! I'm happy to see that this forum has finally started! I think you have made a good choice here. Your comments about saturated fat were just right - people should read all the information they can get and make their own decisions. I think that the jury is still out on this issue.

[lawoman]

Hi Zandria,

Great to see you here.I think a lot of us landed at the thread called "anyone doing the South beach diet" so come visit there,too.I am hoping we all settle into one for now so it does not get too time consuming to find everyone.I'm on week 2 of induction (10 days behind me) and I've lost 6.5 with 12.5 to go to my lowest.I do not miss the cravings at all...it helps me to make better choices when I'm out.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Linda

[ritarita]

Hi there.

I'm very new to this whole forum and would like to know what everyone thinks about the South Beach Diet. I haven't read the book. Does anyone know the main facets of the plan?

Thanks

[PilotGal]

My S.O. ordered the SB diet book recently, and is anxious to get started, as she's bored silly of atkins. I won't be able to follow her, as I love beef and mayo and things like that. I will be keeping an eye on this forum to see how you all are doing, and perhaps, I MAY be swayed to try it.
Glad to have found this forum.

[sassy57]

Hi all,
I just borrowed the book from a friend of mine. We are doing the Atkins,but we thought we would check this one out too and see if we could combine it a little.
I'm glad there is a forum on this.
I do like some of the receipies.

[lawoman]

Hi PilotGal and sassy,

Thanks for the visit and feel free to just lurk or to join in anytime.The more the merrier and the more support.:)

I am still in week 3 and down 8 lbs. with 10 to go to my first goal (the lowest I had been in yrs. but then gained some back) I'm noticing a huge difference in many things,esp. my waistline and legs and my pants are much baggier than just an 8# loss so it definitely helps you lose inches. I also notice that even though we eat more carbs on this and no cravings.I have had cereal,fruit,milk,etc....no cravings.I belive that the reason for that is that I am eating the right carbs...low on the glycemic index scales and all of them have loads of fiber.

I do hope we can continue with posts here n this forum.Things are getting a bit scattered throughout but I just hunt all f my felow beachers down...LOL Hope you all have a great day....

Linda

[sassy57]

Hi LInda and thanks for the welcome. I was reading the book yesterday during my lunch hour and really undecided. I didn't like half of the food suggested in the induction. I can't have sea food. hate cottage cheese. I will look thru it more.
My main problem is for breakfast and lunch. right now,I'm eating a sausage egg and cheese without the biscuit and for lunch it has been salads,which you do get tired of.

[PJG]

Hi all, I'm just in to my 2nd week of SB and I'm down 8 lbs. so far. I've enjoyed the variety of recipes and love that I can still have my steak (I have modified my portions). My husband is doing it with me and although he doesn't have very much to lose, he's a big support. My problem will be when I start adding grains, etc. I have celiac disease, which is an allergy to gluten which is found in rye, barley, wheat,etc. Oats are still iffy but there have been some very successful studies in Finland which shows that Oats may be okay for celiac adults. Anyway, my concern is getting the fiber in my diet. I do eat a lot of veggies, but can only eat so much in a day. I'll be limiting my potato content (hardest job). My gluten-free bread is very high in the glycemic index which is not a good thing. Any suggestions for fiber would be welcoming. I'm still trying to figure out this forum, but will figure it out eventually.

[leocadia]

oops.. posted this as new thread by mistake...
been doing pretty good following the SBD recipes for Stage 1... but when we (hubby and I ) started phase 2 we ran into a problem... snow and ice storm and supply of good foods limited.... But we will get through 2 days and pray the roads are better tomorrow.... He has lost a bunch in phase 1 but he's very active... me.... not as much but can't complain.... will stick with it until I reach my goal..

[lawoman]

Hi PJG,

I took the liberty of looking into your grain problems as a celiac.I typed into google- whole grains+gluten free and came up with the link below.I think the answer may be in this article to help you out.If not,you could type the same into google and you will find there is much more info to be read.I think Bob's red mill also has breads for you.Hope this helps and have a good day.

http://www.coeliac.com.au/AWOH%20Wholegrains%20Seminar%20Summary.htm

Linda

[Karen]

My problem will be when I start adding grains, etc. I have celiac disease, which is an allergy to gluten which is found in rye, barley, wheat,etc. Oats are still iffy but there have been some very successful studies in Finland which shows that Oats may be okay for celiac adults. Anyway, my concern is getting the fiber in my diet. There are other "grain" type foods that you may want to check into. Amaranth is very high in fiber, and there is quinoa, unhulled millet, wild rice and buckwheat. A cruise through the grain section of a natural food stores should give you a good idea of the possibilites available. :)

Karen

[citinoise]

I've been on the south beach plan since about the 1st of feb and have lost 7.5 pounds. It is low carb but not as restrictive the first 2 weeks which I'm grateful for. I'm a quasi vegetarian (an ovo-lacto) because I feel better when I restrict meat and poutry.

[Monika4]

Hi PJB,
I had much less constipation with SBD than with Atkins so I think you should be fine on veggies anyway which are gluten-free. I find adding most breads stalls me anyway. Is Quinoa an option? Is that gluten-free? Lin seed? There is German bread you can buy with it but it probably is mixed with gluten-containing grain. If i were you I would try to bake with whatever is the grain you can use, buying it in a whole grain form. I certainly can't have bread every day anyway, so making a few small loaves and freezing may be what you have to do.

That is the one thing about SBD I find: it is never quick and easy - you have to cook, and do and prepare.

[loislane]

Hello,
My name is Lois and I just joined this forum today. Today is also the end of 4 weeks on the Southbeach diet and I have lost 23 pounds.

I have no cravings - I am no hungry at all -- some days I skip snacks or a meal when I am really busy at work.

I must say tho, I do not drink enough water. I am very happy on the SB plan. Last year I lost 15 pounds on Atkins but my cholesterol went sky high (and I was taking 20mg of Lipitor). My liver enzymes were up as well and I had a bad gall bladder attack. I stopped the plan, had my gall bladder removed and proceeded to feel sorry for myself and gained back the 15 pounds I lost plus added 20 more.

Now having started all over again but with the SBD, within the first 3 weeks, I had afasting blood test and my cholesterol came way down - good cholesterol was doubled and the doc lowered my dosage of Lipitor. So I am very happy. Hope to get support on this board and to lend some support to others if I can. I am very glad to be here!
Lois

[lawoman]

Hi Lois and welcome,

It sounds like the SB has been wonderful for you.I am hoping next time i go that my #'s are improved,too. It was great to hear all the enthusiastic and positive feedback...thanks.

If you want a lot of support,maybe you could start a journal to keep track of what you are doing....and how far you go.If you don't know how,there are instructions for newbies on the home page.

Great meeting you,
Linda

[loislane]

thanks for the welcome Linda. I am at work and really can't start a journal right now and my home computer is out for repair and won't be back for a couple of weeks. I will start a journal at that time.

I just wanted to respond to let everyone know that the Southbeach plan really works. Sometimes you need to eat less calories even tho the book says you don't need to count calories. I find that if I eat too much food I don't lose. So I just eat until my hunger is satisfied (not my mouth...if you know what I mean!) My husband laughs at me when I tell him that my mouth is hungry.... he knows I'm looking for chocolate or cake!

If after 15 or 20 minutes I still feel like I need more food, I'll eat some more but I usually find that I'm really not hungry anymore.

This is a nice board and I'm glad to be here.
Lois

[loislane]

Actually I goofed on my first message, this is week 6 -- I think I said I completed 4 weeks on SBD but it was really 5 weeks.
Lois

[lawoman]

Hi again,Lois,

I think you are so right about eating too many cals. I have really been paying attn. to how I react to doing certain things and I do need to cut back on my cals. to lose.It might be because I do not have as much to lose now but nevertheless,I want to be done with "dieting" and get on with life,normally,without having to obsess.Hmmm...wondering if that will ever happen??:rolleyes: I have been up and down 2 lbs. this past 2 wks. and I finally started exercising again and most importantly I got a handle on how much I'm eating. I think I'm getting it all straight in my head now.:)
Linda

[janswizard]

Tomorrow is my first day on the SB diet. Today I'm just trying to watch what I eat and start to get away from the pastas and breads and sugars. I'm looking forward to joining you all.

[lawoman]

I'm joining you,today,Jan..I went back to P1 as the cravings came back due to adding back in too many carbs.We can both do this together.

Welcome aboard,
Linda

[*RouxLin*]

Thanks for opening up to SBD! So far I have been very successful with this WOE more than any other "diet" I have tried in the past. Everyone is different & we all just need to find our comfort place, this is mine:)

[tombiowami]

thanks all

[noplace]

I also hope the SB section continues.

Mark and I bought and read the SB book from cover to cover in January and decided the South Beach diet made the most sense for OUR needs. I am hoping we will be able to find good support here and good sources for recipes that are low fat, low carb AND low budget. :roll: I have a sweet tooth that I have to satisfy periodically, and Ben & Jerry's ice cream just isn't an option anymore.

Mark has already reached his target weight, I still have farther to go. We have both found the SB diet to be fairly easy to adhere to. In phase 2, we were both happy to add back limited fruits, more low fat dairy products and limited good carbs like oatmeal and whole wheat.

I find I have a day or 2 a month where I am more likely to be hungry, and can only guess that it is based on hormone levels.

I know I feel much better after cutting out both caffeine and most sugars. I no longer have a constant tremor in my hands and I no longer get that late afternoon feeling that I'm going to pass out if I don't eat immediately.

Christina (NoPlaceLikeRoam)

[Jeffrey_]

Tamarian,

You write "It is worth explaining that the book only mentions low-fat dairy, due to its position regarding saturated fats. i.e. the book is not encouraging low-fat, it's advocating low saturated fats. We disagree with this position, but we disagree with the label "low-fat", as it is inaccurate."

Did you instead mean, "We agree with this position, but we ..."

Otherwise I would expect, "We disagree with this position, and we also ..."

[tamarian]

Tamarian,

You write "It is worth explaining that the book only mentions low-fat dairy, due to its position regarding saturated fats. i.e. the book is not encouraging low-fat, it's advocating low saturated fats. We disagree with this position, but we disagree with the label "low-fat", as it is inaccurate."

Did you instead mean, "We agree with this position, but we ..."

Otherwise I would expect, "We disagree with this position, and we also ..."

Thanks for spotting this mistake Jeffery. I meant "We disagree with the author's position on saturated fats, as there are no supporting studies for this position. However, the plan is not low-fat, as such a label is not accurate. The plan is low on saturated fats."

I'll edit the original post with this correction.

Wa'il

[Shoe Freak]

I have been on & off Atkins for 2 years (mix in a little low-fat diet here & there, too). I liked Atkins and the effects I saw, but my body didn't like it so much. My mom swears by Atkins, but it's just not my "thing." I've also tried South Beach, but got sidetracked with a new job/house/etc. and never went back. I recently tried to go back to Atkins again (we're talking little over a week ago) and I had a great first couple days, but felt lousy the last 5 days. What I like about South Beach is it incorporates foods I love but in a healthy, "controlled" manner. As of today, I am going to go back to the beach (I need a tan anyway:) ). I feel silly for switching after only a week, but I've been trying to lose weight for so long that I've gotten pretty good at listening to my body and it is begging for something different!

(What a jumbled paragraph that was--sorry!)

[suzie_rom]

Hi, My BF has been doing Aktins for a yr now and has lost 55 some pounds, I've been on it since December and have went from a 16 to a 12. He is getting tired of the same ol same ol..what do u suggest we do ..we do it all together an support each other.. would the SBP be a good change...

[jasohxjoel]

the South beach diet in a nut shell. limits certain fats and adds in "healthy carbs". I have been doing a little of both I will see if it works. I am in the middle of the two. ex. south beach says to use skim milk. I use 2%or whole. The south beach diet says to only use turkey bacon I use regular bacon. However I eat some of the healthy carbs.

[PilotGal]

I, too, am doing a modified version of both Atkins/SoBe Diet. My partner is doing Sobe, and I'm doing Atkins. When we spend time together, we do both. Lots and lots of grilled veggies and grilled fish.

On weekends, she grills up a couple lbs of chix breasts for both of us during the week.

She can't do Atkins, all fats go against her grain.
She makes all those little egg quiche cups, she drinks her V8 juice every morning, and on weekends we eat fresh tomato, fresh mozzeralla salad with fresh basil. Now tomatoe's aren't on Atkins, but because they're in abundance right now, nothing is going to stop me from my favorite salad.

My cholesterol shot up into dangerous levels doing strictly Atkins. So i've had to modify it to keep me from getting any strokes. I'm trying to reduce the fat content, no heavy creams, no meat constantly.... It's been a health choice for me. But all in all, Sobe is as healthy as it gets... It's back to basic eating like we did in the 50's. No fast food joints, no fast frozen foods... you just have to take the time to prepare foods and keep them in the fridge for when hunger strikes. It works so much better. If you don't prepare, you're going to go hunting for things that may not be conducive to the SoBe way of life. It's your choice. :agree:

[sweetiemae]

Hello there everyone. I just got thru reading all the posts, and am encouraged by all the South Beachers! I have lost 32 lbs since Feb.04
and feel sooo much better. I do miss a few things by this WOE, but
feel the benefits are so worth it. My Doctor put me on SB, and he is
so happy with my results also, Blood Pressure down etc... best of luck
everyone!!

[CheriYM]

Hello fellow South Beachers

I just found this website today and now the SBD section. I'm looking forward to a new way of eating - with healthy results!

[PecanPie]

Hi Pilot Gal - Thanks for sharing - I would only comment that tomatoes are allowed on Atkins - just not in the first two weeks. I use them a lot - and DH and I make the same salad as you do. I might eat fewer (1 medium rather than a large one!) but I eat them.

[CheriYM]

I'm still trying to figure this all out - probably will be for the rest of my life :).

Am I right that SB differs from Atkins in that weight loss on SB is tied to decreased calories and Atkins is tied to ketosis?

[southbeach]

:idea: I just started SB Sat., lost a few lbs., but I will need more than two weeks to loss '8-13 lbs'. How long can you stay on SB phase 1 for me to loss some substantial weight?
thanks! Alice :wave:

[CheriYM]

Hey Southbeach!
Welcome! This is a great site for low-carb eating help. I'm finding that most folks here are Atkinsonians - but all very supportive. So, not a lot of action on the Southbeach threads, I'm afraid - maybe I just haven't found the more active places yet . . . As for phase one, my understanding is that you can stay on it as long as you want/can stand to. Just make sure you're eating a lot of variety and getting some good low carb veggies in - probably a good idea to take some vitamins if you want to do it for a really long time. Now if I'm, remembering right (don't have the book here) the idea is you do the first phase to get rid of cravings and jump start your weight loss - then start adding in whole grains and low glycemic stuff in limited amounts to continue losing at a steady rate and also to not feel too deprived. Then when you reach goal can be a little more free w/ carbs to maintain - but the idea is to change your way of eating to eliminate most sugar and processed high glycemic carbs.
Hope this helps.

[minou]

It's so great to be able to read other people's opinions on all the low-carb diets. I tried Atkins earlier in the year (2 months on) and had good weight loss results (25 lbs.) but, my cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. skyrocketed. Very suprising for someone whose had blood pressure bordering on too low her entire life. Since starting south beach (2 weeks ago) my blood pressure has dropped from 130/80 to 115/75 and my boyfriend's has gone from 150/80 to 120/80. I don't feel as tired as I did while on Atkins and generally feel healthier. T

he weight loss isn't quite as fast, I've lost 10 lbs. and my boyfriend has lost 20 (he is able to work out for 2 hours a day/5 times a week), but I think that the way I'm feeling more than makes up for that.

The one thing I found that I liked better on Atkins was the structure, I find it easier to know when I've had too much if I have a limit. So, I've combined the foods suggested in South Beach with carb counting. Right now I'm sticking to Atkins induction level carbs.

I know that I don't drink enough water, I think that is a big part of why I haven't lost as much as my boyfriend, but I'm working on it. I just take my mom's advice, she's a clinical dietitian, who says that the best diet is the one that doesn't take a lot of effort to stay on.

[Monika4]

I'm still trying to figure this all out - probably will be for the rest of my life :).

Am I right that SB differs from Atkins in that weight loss on SB is tied to decreased calories and Atkins is tied to ketosis?

I don't think this generalization is true - although it may be for some people. First, the scientific studies of Atkins (the ones finding it works) found no correlation between ketosis and weight loss - meaning whether or not a person was in ketosis during the study had little to do with how much they lost. While originally 30 years ago Atkins may be stressing ketosis a lot - and I know he still explains it - , it seems it is not absolutely necessary, and many Atkiners in later phases here do not seem to be in ketosis. On the other hand, I sure was in ketosis during SBD phase 1!

I also find on SBD (and formerly on Atkins) I ate way more calories than the low calory-low fat old-fashioned diets recommend - so lowered calories aren't the SBD magic either.

WHy does it work? I think high fiber and high protein is one way how SBD fills you - I eat a TON of vegetables on SBD, and the protein keeps you satisfied for a longer time. I also recommend you read the book - it explains how keeping the glucose level even is one reason why you are less hungry on SBD.

[elijaeger]

On the other hand, I sure was in ketosis during SBD phase 1!
I am sure you were. Less than 100 g of carbs a day will eventually get most people into ketosis. So if you follow Phase 1 by the book, you'll probably go into ketosis.

I just with the SBD book had a little honesty about the initial weight loss on SBD is mostly water weight as glycogen stores are depleted. Somebody might do the diet for 2 weeks, lose 10 lbs of water, then gain it right back.

[southbeach]

Hi. I found your comments and comparisons to Atkins and SBD interesting. I started the SBD - it will be 4 weeks this Sat. - and I am still on phase 1, which I am doing fine with. I lost 5 lbs in three weeks, which is good. I would like to stay on Phase 1 for a big longer, as I also eat a ton of vegetables. I haven't had any simple carbs, or fruit. I did try something last night that had some sugar in it, just to see my reaction, and I found the sweetness horrible, which is great for me, because I was eating way too much of it any way! Forgive my ignorance, but could someone explain Ketosis to me? I haven't a lot of weight to lose, but what I have to lose is my fat, not water, and that, I think is going to take the longest to shed. Thanks for your comments! Good day to all!

Alice

[elijaeger]

Alice -
Ketosis is simply your body using fats for energy instead of carbs (glucose). Your body can run on fat byproducts called ketones when glucose is in short demand. On SBD, you may or may not be in ketosis, it actually doesn't matter. Regardless, as you cut carbs, your body will burn up your stored glycogen (carbs) which carry water molecules with it. That's why many people lose 8-13 lbs the first week or so.

At your already low weight you probably have a low BMR (basal metabolic rate) so unfortunately you may have to watch calories as well. You're doing great so far. Don't go by scale weight alone, go by how clothes fit.

[aarria]

I am personally glad to see a SBD section in this website...after all, this is a low carb plan. So I was excited to find this forum.. I hope it stays!