Hi there.

I have been on and off the Atkins diet for about 4 years now with little success as the food choices just dont do it for me. Also, having heart disease in my family plus a new found high blood pressure condition for me, Atkins makes me very nervous.

However, I've always felt GREAT on a low carb plan so I thought I would SBD a try.

I am confused about a few things however and thought I would ask here. I tried to search, but I came up with all journal entries and it's all too much to sift through.

Ok here are my questions (and thanks in advance):

1.) I see in the sticky, Phase 1 lists beans/legumes. However, in the book, I see no such listing. It seems strange to see beans as they are a starch. Can you help me find where in the book it says this. Also, how many servings?

2.) I don't see anything about how many servings to have of various food groups in the book either. How does everyone know how many to have? Where in the book is this listed? How does the sticky have this information?

3.) I believe I have the latest copy of the book, it's dated 2003. I see that the sticky cites a web site. Can someone point me there? Do I have to pay to see the content?

Thanks again!

Hi and Welcome!!

I'll try to answer your questions.
First of all, the book itself is old and outdated. The updated information is available at the SBD website and they charge 65- every quarter. A bit too steep for me and because I am on the old rate, I've brought the updated info over here. The link in my signature takes you to the sticky that has the food lists and meal plan charts.

The meal plan chart asks us to include 1/3 -1/2 cup of beans or legumes with each meal. The food lists tell us what are portions for certain foods. What food are you looking for?

Hope this helps!

I'm thinking Judy gets allher information from the official South Beach Diet website which is http://www.southbeachdiet.com and then, they make you pay to get any sort of *updated* information. Judy shares with us which is wonderful.

Shucks, I was posting while you are post, Judy! How awesome is that! haha!

Great minds think alike!!

Thanks for answering Judy. I have to be honest, I've watched your progression from afar for (is it years now?) a long time and I must congratulate you! Your activity on the forums plus amazing success would prompt me, were I an owner of this site, to approch you to become a moderator!

Anywho....

Thanks for answering the questions for me. Your answers, however bring more questions!

1.) Ok, I see now that beans are supposed to be on Phase one but I am not seeing it on the adapting it to meal plans. It seems kind of strange to have beans or legumes with lunch and dinner every day. Is that really the case?

Thanks for saying that. Even if they asked me, I'd decline. I was a mod on another board and I just don't have the time it takes to do it properly. I'm happy helping from where I am.

Your question is confusing to me. You see now... but you don't see it on the meal plan chart?

I don't eat beans as often as they tell us to. I eat hummus a few times a week and chili maybe once a week. I don't follow the meal plan charts 100%...I don't eat 2-3 servings of starch each day either. I've modified the plan to suit my needs! I rarely eat bread!! Do you see where I'm going with this?

If you think they are telling you to eat too many beans/legumes....do what works for you.

Here is the meal plan chart for phase I....I put into bold, where it says to include beans.

Ok...I am missing the category beans fall under probably. Are they a starch or a protien?

They are to be counted as part of your vegetables. Not starch or protein.

mmmmmmmmmm'kay. Thanks again Judy

Hi Alleine

Is there a problem with my answer to you?

Sorry this has taken so long Judy. I hadn't realized that you answered my question. I can see how Beans and Legumes are a veggie but they're definately a starch.

Honestly, I think I am just going to stick with Atkins. I know it works, I don't have to count anything and if I keep it lean and lower fat I will be fine.

Thanks for answering all of my questions!