Has Anyone Tried South Beach Diet or Any Diet That Works Well with Out Starving

Hi, I started taking a UBC course training course. It is a ten week course that teaches how to eat and excercise. These classes are starting to pop-up all over. Kinda of like curves. I have finished my ten weeks and signed up again, only because everyone I know keeps telling me how good I look. And I have seen a big difference on very overweight and older ladies, within the ten weeks.

Look it up on-line. I'm not sure where you live, but they have one at the Boxing Zone in Imperial Beach, CA and they have one in Coronado, CA as well.

Good luck.
B.

I did and it worked REALLY well. It kind of became a way of life even when I was done losing weight. I'm one of those people who gains weight around the middle---so a low carb lifestyle seems to be really what my body responds to-- even though I love the bad carbs-- but they just aren't good for me.

Just follow it to the t and it should work. The 1st two weeks are really hard & I really didn't lose the weight they said but once my body adjusted the weight melted off. It probably took 5-6 weeks before I really saw results but they results were awesome!!

good luck

Hi P.....
I did not read anyone elses advise... im on my way out the door...
I am currantly on the South Beach. I LOVE IT!! and this is why, it tells me exactly what to eat. Granted the 1st phase is a little time consuming, but well worth it. I make poor decisions on snacks and lunch. This will tell you everything, it makes it very easy. I lost about 6 lbs and my husband lost 10... not to bad. We just started the second phase, and its much easier and doesnt take long to perpare...
Good Luck!!

I have tried the Atkins Diet with great success. The first two weeks you are restricted to 20g of carbs per day. I like to cook and the Atkins book had a lot of low carb recipes that actually taste great! After the first two weeks you increase you daily carb intake weekly by 5 carbs to see if you are still losing weight, once you find the amount of carbs you can take it while still losing weight that is the amount you stay with. Atkins is not meant to be a quick fix and you are not to restrict yourself to the 20g for too long. YOu need to find where you are but it is very important to read the book to help fully understand the concept. I have lost 20 lbs since July when I had my second daughter and have kept it off. I am mindful of the carbs but I am not stressed about it. My husband is also on it and has lost 45 lbs. It seems to be working for us. I hope this helps.

I tried South Beach a few years ago with my husband. I gained weight and he just ended up constipated. We were not impressed with the results. We've had much more success just by making slight dietary changes on our own to eat healthier and being committed to working out. I buy more organic foods, we've cut out really processed foods, and try to eat more whole foods. Exercise runs in cycles for us, as we get burned out and unmotivated...but we always try to encourage each other to get back into a routine. Good luck to you!

I am a Nutritionist and Personal Trainer and have been helping people with fat loss for years and I personally live the lifestyle too. I have found a system that is amazing!! Here is my website if you would like to try it out. http://funtobefit.isagenix.com

I have my clients do the 30 day program until they reach there desired weight and then go on the maintenance which is called Total Health and Wellness.

When you look at the products you will see the price as retail, but if you click on sign up and save you will get the products for wholesale for only a $36 membership fee. :)

When you purchase the products from me I coach you for free for the time you are on the product too.

Hi P.,
Try Weight Watchers. It is the only thing that works for me. You can eat any foods you want but it teaches you moderation.

Good luck!

L.

I have done them all....Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers etc...Jenny Craig was just too expensive. They do have a way to make it more cost effective for you, but seemed to not like to promote it. It seemed every week they asked if I was able to go back to the regular menu. I felt pressured. Weight watchers was great and not so expensive since you buy your own food. The group sessions were nice, but for me I run a 14 capacity home daycare, have an homemade candle business.e Btween my business, my active 10 year old son and his never ending sports and homework and of course my husband, family and friends, planning and buying the right foods just did not work. Finally I tried South Beach after a friend with a more hectic life did and successfully. The first two weeks are a little tough.

Good luck

Exercise and eating well. Portion control. Have you tried Dream Dinners? The food is great and is portion controlled.

You must exercise too! I've lost 30 pounds in a year (actually kept it off for 8 months. Dream Dinners, smaller portions, used veggies as a filler, power walked (3 or 4 times a week) during lunch because I have 2 jobs. From a size 16 to an 11 or 10. I still can lose weight but overall I'm okay with what I am now.

P.,

Over the past 2 years I've lost a total of 25 pounds on South Beach. I would recommend you read the book first to really understand how it works. What I do is slightly different though. I'll do phase one for two weeks and lose on average 10 pounds and then I'll maintain it for 6 months or so and then give it a go again. Phase two isn't that easy for me so I just do it my way. I'll be honest, phase 1 drives me a bit crazy by the end of the two weeks since all you can eat for breakfast is eggs. I like to mix it up and have cereal and oatmeal sometimes, so just eggs everyday for two weeks gets old real fast. I've never really been hungry on this diet, just maybe bored. I'm a huge sweets lover and I've always been satisfied with the fudgecicles, jello etc. that you are allowed.

You might also try reading Dr. Oz's book "You on a Diet". It really breaks down, how the body works and offers a more reasonable approach to losing weight as the days of the low carb diet are on their way out, just like all the other fads. The most promising thing I can say is that, even though it's taken me a while, I really have maintained my 25 pound loss for 2 years! Good luck!

P. you have been given a lot of great advice. I am an exercise physiologist and have worked with a lot of people struggling to lose weight. I do have to agree that diets don't work. You have to find a way of eating healthy and being active that works for you and your lifestyle.

One of my favorite books is The Best Life Diet by Bob Greene. It really isn't a diet. It is more a way of life by increasing your activity and cutting out foods that don't provide you with the nutrients that the body needs - soda, fried foods, etc. He works in three phases.

Another great book is called Un-Dieting - Un-Doing the Diet Mentality and Staying Fit forever by Jackie Jaye-Brandt and Diana Lipson-Burge. This is done by a dietitian and psychologist.

If I can help you in any way let me know.

I have been through the same thing!!! I am on weight watchers right now and loving it. It is not a diet just teaches you a better life style when it comes to eating and the weight sort of comes off like magic!!! I highly recommend it. I have lost almost 10 pounds and its only been a few weeks. The meetings are an awesome way to learn that you are not the only one struggling. I have also tried the south beach diet it works wonderfully!!! It is just once the first 2 stages are over it is hard to maintain. It is a quick fix that doesn't really hang around too long!!! I wish you the best let me know what works best for you!!!!
W. E.

Best diet I ever followed was the one given me for gestational diabetes! It's easy to follow and you end up eating 8 times a day. The best part is you are never hungry and you lose weight. I'm following it now after the birth of my daughter and have lost almost fifty pounds in 8 weeks.

I don't know if you watch or have seen Celebrity Fit club, but my husband was doing that for a while and it really seemed like it worked. The bases of it is that you have to follow a strict regiment for like the first week or two and then after that you can eat what you want little by little but in porportion. Check it out on: www.Celebrityfitclub.com
The book that they suggest (The Smash Fat Diet) is the book my husband was on and we saw alot of results from following it.
Good luck in your quest.

P.,
I've done EVERYTHING too. Right now I read and am using the CD for "Losing Weight When Diets Fail." It's basically self-hypnosis but I was ready and have lost weight this first week! It's been effortless, just as he promises. The key he says is to read the entire book first (it's not a big book) and then start the CD.
Best of luck.
G.

Try Isagenix!

http://www.jeannines.isagenix.com/

It's not a fad diet - in addition to the weight loss it will give you all the nutrition your body needs.

It's amazing!

I did the Formula 40-30-30 Diet which is 40% Carbs, 30% fat, 30% protein. Loved it, lost 30 lbs. Good luck.

Simple..Weight Watchers. You can eat whatever, and learn how to eat properly adn with moderation. Worked for me, after my first pegnancy and now I'm going back again after just having had my second Child. It's a great program and the weight stays off.

Loved it! Lost 30 lbs (of the 90 I've lost) and totally enjoyed it. The saving grace was that each day I would have a healthy choice chocolate fudge 'ice cream' bar softened on the counter and mix it with two tbsp of chunky peanut butter stirred together in a bowl. Stick it back in the freezer for 30 minutes and viola! You have a treat that'll help you make it through to the next day.

____@____.com

my husband and i both received this lifestyle prescription/ detox diet from our herbal clinic. we lost weight and felt healthy and energized. carry it around with you in case you're not sure about the rules, and make sure you stick to it for one month:
1) drink 2 litres of water per day
2) no dairy (cheese, milk, yoghurt, ice cream etc); use soy milk instead;
3) no refine carbs (white bread, white flour, sweet cakes, chips, cookies etc); try oatmeal, bran and fiber snacks
4) no tea, coffee or carbonated drinks
5) no alcohol
6) plenty of raw salads, veggies and fruits, including beans and lentils
7) DO NOT combine proteins (fish, chicken, meat, eggs) with carbs (rice, bread, potato, pasta) - wait one hour after having meat/chicken/fish/eggs before you eat any rice/bread/pasta/eggs (this rule alone will make you drop pounds bc you digest the foods differently, and better when apart).
8) snack every 2-3 hours (fruits, seeds, dried fruits, granola bars)
9) exercise moderately 15-30 minutes per day
10) find a cowberry vitamin, take one a day.
i know a number of people at my spa have tried this detox diet - all different body types, and all have benefitted from it. it cleanses the colon and digestive system and helps you shed pounds in a healthy and non-disruptive way. even if you cheat on the exercise bit (we did), you can't help but lose weight and be healthier if you try it!
R..

Dearest P.,
My inlaws did try the South Beach diet and they loved it. My father in law is pretty heafty. He did lose alot of weight and so did she. I don't know exactly how it works, but they read the book and followed it to the letter. I tried Weight Watchers and I love it. I lost 35 lbs. the first time I tried it. That was a few years ago. With the Weight Watchers Program you're on a point system. Most people go to their meetings, but I didn't. I bought the kit, which includes two books (list of basic foods and their point value and the other book is a take out dinner book, it gives you list of restaurants). The reason why I loved Weight Watchers is because I was able to eat anything I wanted as long as I kept it within my point value and it taught me how to eat and cook. Their meetings are more of a support group, which I felt already motivated enought to lose the weight so that's why I didn't attend the meetings and only followed the point scale. I had also joined the gym and worked out for about an hour. I just recently went back to this routine. I had stopped because I was pregnant with my second child, but now she's almost 4 and a stay at home mom, which makes it easier now than when I was working.
Good Luck,
E.M.

Constantly looking for a new way to eat so I don't feel deprived or bored, and I feel like I"m eating right.
I found The Flat Belly Diet to be all of these things.
The Southbeach Diet is good as well. Both taste great and have some really easy recipes. FResh foods, and flexibility.
Try FlatBellyDiet.com and watch their little videos. I think you'll find it fun and exciting. Finally a diet I can follow!
:)

in a word~ NO. I have tried it all!! Pills, programs, you name it! You may not be happy to hear this, but the only thing that really works for long term results is to adopt a healthier eating habit and active lifestyle. Depending on your current habits, results may be slower than you would like, but if you stick to it, I promise you will feel a ton better and more energized.

For the last three years I have slowly changed bad eating habits and incorporated exercise in different forms and I must admit that I've only had a size change, but I feel great and my kids are now eating great and have developed my good habits that I don't worry about them becoming overweight and dealing what I have had to deal with. I still eat my favorites in moderation ( I love cookies!!!!) and most things I have learned to make myself in healthier forms, like pizza, desserts, pastas, etc. I have done a lot of research on my own and picked what worked for me. I read Shape and Self magazine which have great recipes and tips, Montel Williams 21 days to a Healthier You, six week body make-over system and I am a member of Curves. All this has helped me and though I don't do everything they all say, I do what I like and I feel great! I follow the food pyramid guidelines and not to get too graphic, but I have never been more regular or have had more energy.

Good luck and if you need any support feel free to contact me. ____@____.com

~W.

I LOVE South Beach, it's the perfect balance of healthy carbs and fats and lean protiens... it is a hard transistion from the 1st phase to the 3rd (which is not a diet, just a new lifestyle), but I've found it to be the healthiest alternative out there... though it is hard when your whole famliy is not on board, my husband is indian and just wants his rice and bread and curry... but he's getting better. I have been slacking since I had my son, cause, well, it's really easy to do, but when I jumpstart, I feel great.

My favorite "diet" is the Body For Life Plan. You can check it out online at www.bodyforlife.com. Nothing special you have to buy, an easy to follow diet plan, never hungry- I actually had a hard time adjusting to eating so much. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to not just lose weight, but to keep it off and change to a more healthy lifestyle. I tried the South Beach diet for a while and found it too restrictive. Most diets are hard to stick to when you have little ones. Body for Life is a forgiving plan, so no guilt involved \"/ Good luck!

www.BethMiller.Isagenix.com

The World Leaders in Nutritional Cleansing.

Get the 30 day program and watch the magic begin!

I can be reached this weekend on my cell phone while I am camping.

B. Miller ###-###-#### or my home office is ###-###-####

I lost 40 pounds on Weight Watchers. Then acted like I was "cured" and went back to my former habits -- guess what, I gained it all back. I'm back on Weight Watchers and losing steadily and feel great.

Before I got pregnant with DS1 I tried the "Fat Flush Plan" and successfully lost 25 pounds in three months. Of course I got pregnant and gained 60 pounds, so I've had to work to lose it... (The book is also called "The Fat Flush Plan" and I recommend it.) It starts harsh and adds back regular foods a little at a time. It's REALLY healthy.

Whatever you do, don't look at a diet as a short-term thing. You must change your habits, or you'll gain back all you lose (look at me as a case in point).

Good luck!

Hi P.,
I know of someone who began a program with Arbonne's weight loss program that lost 50 pounds. She looks terrific and continues to manage her daily nutrition, exercise with these protein replacement shakes with the dietary supplement that helps curve the appetite in a natural approach to weight loss.

Hi Pamela,
I've done the South Beach Diet too in the past and I did like it, lost about 10 pounds, but the state of "being on a diet" is very difficult to maintain. I tried the South Beach again after I finished breast feeding and I just couldn't maintain it. Now I'm doing Healthy for Life by Dr Ray Strand: www.releasingfat.com On his website he explains why diets fail and educates you in healthy eating habits for life. It's the best plan I've seen and I've reviewed a lot of them. I'd be happy to talk to you more about it offline - ____@____.com
Good luck!

Aloha P.,

I was a size 16 and now I'm a size 7. When I first started, my husband would look at my plate and ask "aren't you supposed to eat less than that?" Managing weight is definitally not about starving or your body will go into a yo-yo effect. You can look at it and read more about it too at http://www.cinchplan.com/sarahs

It's been a blessing to me and many others.

Marie-anne :O)

Diets dont work..........There is only one way to lose weight and that is lifestyle changes and attitude. Instead of thinking diet (deprivation) think HEALTH. Eating healthy, portioned food AND exercise will work and will last a life time..............Also, you will have the advantage of having more energy, general happy attitude and health..

Weight Watchers. You have to count points, but you can eat whatever you want as long as you count it. And, after awhile, you get a hang for it and don't really need to count. It's not quick, but it's a good for long-term and the weight comes off consistently. I've lose 15 pounds and didn't really feel like I was dieting, just making good choices.

I'm not sure if what I'm doing could be considered South Beach but it has helped me take off almost 40 pounds since January and I don't feel deprived. Maybe it will work for you. In a nutshell, I eat 3 meals and 1 to 2 snacks a day to keep from getting too hungry or having my energy level dip too low. This is one of the most important things you can do. Each meal and snack has a fruit or vegetable included and each meal includes also includes a small portion of protein and a starch. I try to keep everything as simple as possible because the more processed the food is or the more ingredients that a recipe calls for, the more calorie-dense it will be. As for the starch portion, it should be small (think 1/2 cup of pasta or 1/3 c of rice) and stay away from the white stuff whenever possible. Last but not least, you've got to move. If you can't go to the gym, just do what you can around the house through out the day. If you are watching t.v. at night, do a set of crunches during one commercial and squats during the next.

Hi P....

I have to agree with the fact that there really isn't a "magic pill" for weight loss. You have had GREAT responses. I love Weight Watchers. I did it with success. I was able to eat what I wanted and as long as I didn't go over my pts. for the day...I was fine. Within a week I saw a difference. I was stunned, and excited...so I stuck w/it.

However...when I became bored w/Weight Watchers...I developed my own eating plan. It sounds crazy...but it worked for me. I ate fruits and vegetables all day (sometimes fruit w/yogurt)and a balanced meal once a day. My day may consist of (breakfast) a bowl of fruit w/yogurt, (snack) bowl of green beans, (lunch) Tuna salad (dinner) baked chicken (or some kind of meat), a startch, and veggies.

Again...sounds like a strange plan...but it worked for me. I have since that time gained weight and I will return to this along with a few products from Herbalife. I like their shakes, and I can subsitute breakfast for a shake.

What ever you choose....just make sure it's right for you and that you are healthy.

Take Kare!

S. V.

Cut out anything white in your diet... No refined sugar and no fake sugar. Stop eating red meat... only eat organic if you choose to eat chicken, wild fish, etc. Mix up a green drink for breakfast... "Pure Synergy" is great.. check out their website. It has lots of Sea Vegetables which help control weight. 1 cup apple juice 1 cup rice milk and a banana in the blender. That should be breakfast. Then around 11 or when you get hungry again... have 2 shots of epresso with milk.. if you drink coffee.. (I make up a bunch and keep it in the fridge for easy access) it helps supress your appetite and gets the day going.... for lunch eat GREEN... make your own salad dressing.. I use I cup Flax Seed Oil, 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 cup Balsamic and lots of Seasoning.. Basil, Oregano, Pepper, Garlic, Seasoned Salt to taste, anything you've got and then shake it up and keep it in the fridge and when it gets low just add the same ratio of oil and vinegar and load it up with basil and oregano, etc. Brussel Sprouts are super filling and yummy broiled with some oil and seasoned salt, chili... they are also yummy with Marinara Sauce and Parmesian.. Chinese Brocolli, String Beans... anything green... a bag of carrots...After you finish lunch get away from the kitchen and don't go back :) Plan your dinner so you are not starving .. Eat Healthy.. go for walks..

Hi P.!
I see you have many different types of advice and that is what is so great about mamasourse! I love it.
Anyway, I have a personal experience with the South Beach Diet so I thought I would share it with you.
If you are considering trying it out I highly recommend it but Read The Book! It is going to be so much easier to follow and stick with if you really understand the basis of what the lifestyle is all about.
South Beach isn't a "diet" its a guide to helping people change their lifestyle without going hungry and depriving yourself of what your body needs. As you may know its starts you out in phases. The first two weeks are strict but you will be amazed how good you feel and how you are always eating and never hungry and every morning you wake up feeling great and less bloated or skinnier. I lost nearly 10 lbs in about 8 days! I think for me a lot of that was wine and sugars =), once i took those out my body loved me! I did not do much exercise during this first phase but if I did I know it just would have sped up the process. I exercises now, love yoga, and i have kept the weight off and do not crave sugars...just wine :).
So I recommend reading the book and trying it out! The book looks large but half of it is recipes (really easy and very yummy recipes). Its a healthy step by step guide to helping you change your lifestyle to be healthy fit and in love with your body :) The book really holds your hand through it. Also, they now have three or so cook books, one of my favorite is the 30 minute South Beach meals. They are easy and SO yummy. You can find them all on amazon.com.
Good Luck and have fun with it! It is an adventure to change your lifestyle for the love of yourself.
J. B.

I tried South Beach a few years ago. It is a great way of eating and very healthy (we have permanently changed some of our regular foods because of it). I didn't lose much weight - partially because I wanted a lot of foods that you are supposed to avoid but I think I was also eating too much - the diet really doesn't address portion size.
I recently saw a show on TV called "I Can Make You Thin" with Paul McKenna. I think his methods are terrific. I haven't been able to watch his full program because we don't have cable, but I'm pretty sure he has books available. His four basic rules are: 1)when you are hungry, eat 2)eat what you want (not what you think you should eat) 3)eat consciously (chew every bite 20 times, do nothing else while eating - no reading, watching TV, etc.) 4)when you think you are full, stop. You really have to hear his explanations of these 4 rules, but since we have started doing this, I eat about 1/2 what I would usually eat. I am enjoying food more than ever and I don't go hungry. He has a lot of other little tricks and things and you really need to see his whole program (which I still want to see). I just started this so I can't say I'm a success, but I think his program has a lot of promise if you follow it, and he does have a lot of success stories.

Weight Watchers! It really does work!

I have had the best luck with Weight Watchers. Its sensable, easy, no calorie counting, and I can eat enough food to fill me up so i dont feel deprived but still lose weight. The meetings help me, as well, to keep me committed. but you can do the program on line if you wish.

Good luck.

Hi P.,

Check out Arbonne's Figure 8 system - it's pure, safe and beneficial and will produce the results you're looking for! The program provides all the daily nutrients you need without having to 'diet'. Also, Arbonne just added a new spa line which includes a 7 day cleanse (just add it to water), which I can't wait to try. Figure 8 really works and it's so easy - and there is online support!

www.arbonne.com (look at figure 8)
www.debiwigchert.myarbonne.com

Let me know if you have any questions or would like more information.

In health & happiness,
D.

It sounds like you need a coach.
Look into www.flylady.net
She will help you get your house in order (read her book Sink Reflections--little habits everyday are what make the difference) and then you can focus on yourself (read her book Body Clutter).

You don't need a new diet, you need new habits and daily encouragement.
It can be a bit hokey at first, but it works; give it a try AND it's free!!
good luck

Dear P. -
I hate dieting and it does not work for me at all. But, I have tried body for life. I think the website is bodyforlife.com. They have great receipes on the website. I have the book "eating for life" that is good too. We have tried about all the dinner receipes and they all all great, doesn't seem like your on a diet.
Good luck,
C.

Yes, I did try the South Beach. I did find it successful. Now, I pretty much do a combo of the diets that I've found helpful and mix and match. One is just eat fruit, vegies, and brown rice for two weeks. Even a week is good enough. But just that. You can eat vegies raw, or steam them, or even stir fry them with a little olive oil and Bragg's. (this is great stuff for taste but no salt). Then after the week or two, slowly add stuff back in. Have a little plain yogurt with the fruit for a few days. Then add some really good wheat toast with a little butter on it. Add cheese. You know, just slowly add the other foods back in so the weight you lost stays off. Exercise every day. Do a brisk walk 3 or 4 times a week. Do some yoga. Some pilates. Whatever you enjoy. I got down to 125 doing this and feeling good about it. And love yourself. Be good to yourself. And the other thing I felt helpful, was I got a tape recorder and recorded everything I ate, what I was feeling. That way you don't lie to yourself.

Good luck! Sure hope this helps. If you have any questions, please ask.

R.

P.,

I've done weight watchers. It does have a learning curve to figure out what you can eat and stay within your points but it is very effective. And if you do it right, you shouldn't starve. Obviously if a pepsi is 3 points and a chicken breast is 3 points, and you've only got 20 points for the day, choices need to be made. But if you make smart choices, you won't be hungry! I like WW because you aren't limited to their food (I tried Nutrisystem an their food is horrible!). WW is more of a lifestyle than a diet and it works better for me than diets that are really restrictive.

T.

My parents and my uncle did the Sonoma Diet. They love it and have lost 100 pounds altogether. There is a book and a cookbook. The recipes look good.

I did body for life and lost 105 pounds in 16 months. Real foods... it's all about balancing the carbs, fats and proteins and eating smaller portions throughout the day instead of 3 large meals. It is also one of the two approved weight loss plans during breastfeeding if you are in that area of your life... the other being weight watchers. The hard thing about South Beach is that people have a hard time sticking to it after they have lost the weight and then they end up gaining it back.

The only "diet" I've ever been able to stay on, and lose weight on is called Fit For Life, there is a book, but it's hard to find...

Good luck finding the right solution for you!! :D

Huggles!!
~S.~

The main thing for losing weight is calories out should exceed calories in. It's that simple. You can't lose weight simply from dieting, no matter what the diet industry likes to say. The diet industry is out there to sell books, their special foods, and to make money. You need to exercise also, even if it's just a 10-minute walk around the block. Any aerobic activity will burn off the calories, even after you have finished exercising. Weight training is also good because muscle burns more calories than fat. You don't need to join a gym to do weight training. Most sports shops sell hand weights that are a good start.

I lost the last 10-15 lbs. of my baby weight through reducing my portions slightly, cutting back on the desserts (I can't cut them out entirely because I have a bad sweet tooth), and increasing my exercise. It may have taken a little longer for the weight to come off than with a fad diet; but it has stayed off. I am now an avid runner.

If you say that you have no time for exercise, you need to schedule it into your day. I work full-time and have a child. Even when my husband is on the road for business, I make sure I get my workouts in. If it comes down to a spotless living room or a 3-mile run, the run wins every time.

A friend of mine lost over 100 lbs. through a combination of diet and exercise. She did not radically change her diet, but did it slowly. For example, she drank 3-5 cans of cola each day. But she started cutting back on the cola by substituting 12 oz. of water for one can of cola each day. Then she worked up to subbing in water for 2 cans/day, etc. In addition, she would substitute a piece of fruit for cookies or a candy bar (she ate a lot of junk food) starting once a day. She also began a walking program. She started off walking 1/4 mile each day and now walks 5-6 miles/day. After 6 years, she is keeping the weight off and is eating healthier. By doing things gradually, she could still eat the foods she liked. But the quantities of the bad foods gradually got smaller and the good foods increased slowly.

Good luck with your weight loss.

I eliminated dairy products and replaced with soy products. I lost a total of 60lbs without giving up anything. I now use soy sour cream, soy cream cheese, rice cheese, soy ice cream, and I cook with soy milk, and drink rice milk. Dairy products are so fattening. Hope this helps.

The only diet that works is a healthy way of eating that you can stick with forever - in other words, "diets" that you go "on" only to go "off" of when you have lost the weight will put you back to your old habits and you will regain the weight because all you learn is to deprive yourself. Eat healthy - a diet based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein. Check mypyramid.gov for a guideline for your age as to how many calories and food portions you need to maintain your weight (put in the lowest activity level and increase your exercise to get calories for wt loss). Also, you need to exercise 60-90 min per day for wt loss. Try eating small meals 5 times daily instead of 3 large ones. There is no easy or quick fix. It takes years to gain the weight and a long time to lose in a slow steady way that works. I am a doctor and repeat these same words dozens of times each week with my patients. Many have taken the advice and lost weight successfully. Please ask your doctor for help as well and good luck! (By the way, South Beach is OK because it teaches you healthy eating forever and only restricts you for a week or 2 and helps if you have any family history of diabetes to decrease your risk).

Hi P.,
My mom and I tried the South Beach diet and loved it. You definitely do not starve while doing the diet because you are constantly eating. The only drawback at first was eating some foods I wasn't used to. You can also restart the diet program if you falter because of the various steps.

Hi P.,

I have not tried the South Beach Diet..I have heard it works good. However, I SWEAR by the Atkins Diet!!! It is very similar to the South Beach, except for S.B. does allow more "good Carbs" then Atkins. I have done everything from Weight Watchers, Tea Diet, Hollywood Diet, etc...all they would do was frustrate me. I like INSTANT results!! Who doesn't!!! My husband and I have been living the Atkins life style for four years off and on..whenever we stray off (like Holidays) we get right back on the band wagon with great results. I, like most SAHM's, was dying to lose that last 20 lbs of Baby Fat. A friend got me the Atkins book, I read it, started it with my husband and within 6 weeks, I had lost 22 lbs, and my husband 50 lbs.!!! I started out as a size 12 and am now a size 6!! The best part about it was it was so easy to do!!! You basically cut back on carbs like no breads, pasta, rice, potatoes, corn, etc..filling it with lots of protein. I was so amazed at how fast it works!! The first week I had lost 5 lbs.!! We never feel like we are deprived or starving!! That is what kept me motivated to keep doing it. As I said we still live this way and feel terrific!! I have more energy now and am told that I even "look better" then I did in my 30's! I am approaching 42 years in June! Even our blood tests have gotten better..both of our cholesterol levels have gone down between 30 and 50 points. This is also easy on a family. I still make "carbs" for my two teenage daughters, (rolls, pasta or rice), we just choose not to eat it. Instead we fill up on grilled veggies, salads, and lots of meat. This is also really easy to do when you go out to dinner!! Most restaurants will be happy to substitute more veggies for the potatoes/rice. The other great benefit was it definately cut down on my sweet-tooth!! When you eliminate sugars (don't get me wrong..the first three days were HELL..but I did get through it) you miraculously don't crave it anymore!! Now if I get a bite of my daughters Cold Stone a.) its TOO SWEET and b.) I am satisfied after one or two bites!! This would have NEVER happened before!! I hope this helps and you have success with whatever you choose. If you need any other info. please write back.

Good luck!!

C. C.

P.-

It seems like I too have tried every diet under the sun!!! What worked best for me is a combo of all the "low carb" diets out there. I allowed myself carbs in the morning (toast or oatmeal...always good for me carbs). I didn't worry if it was a fruit or veggie. I just tried to do no or low carb for dinner and if I could swing it I did it for lunch. My typical routine was to have Special K cereal with some kind of fruit in the morning. A salad for lunch (any kind I wanted...I even splurged and did the crispy chicken once in awhile) and for dinner a protein, and two veggies or a veggie and a fruit. I eventually incorporated whole wheat suff back into my diet (pasta, bread). Good alternatives too are couscous and quinoa. My husband is a total meat and potatoes man and as long as I had 3 things on his plate he was able to do it and we both lost weight. (he even lost faster than me) In the end I lost about 15 pounds this way. Sorry for the long rambling post...hope it helps and good luck with the weight loss!!!

Dear P.,
I have found that diets don't work for me, but Weight Watchers has given me the best results. It's a different lifestyle as opposed to a "diet". I like it because I am always satisfied, am allowed to snack without guilt, and have lost 30 pounds so far. It's also affordable and gives me the opportunity to eat pretty much anything I want as long as it's in moderation. I swear by it. Whatever program you choose with it!

B.

WEIGHT WATCHERS!! I've lost 45 lbs & maintained it so far for 7 months. It's not a 'diet' so to speak. It really helps you be so much more aware of what & how much you are eating. I had never been successful at weight loss until I went to Weight Watchers. As a side note, I have several friends that have done South Beach and Jenny Craig. All lost weight but all also gained it back and then a few pounds for good measure. Don't go with a gimmick. Good luck!!

I started this bootcamp about November of 2007 and the instructor gave me a packet of suggested breakfasts, lunches and Dinners. Most came from the south beach Diet, they are very good and filling. I quickly became tired with the few suggestions and ask for some variety. She told me to get the south Beach Diet book. It's very good and uses lots of wheat, like breads, tortillas and crackers. I thought I was going to have a hard time switching to wheat but honestly it was no problem!! You get to eat good filling meals and not feel guilty!

Hi P.,

Don't hate me but have you tried healthy eating? Removing white sugar, white flour and processed foods alone would allow anyone to lose weight and because you are changing the way you eat, not just going from one horrible diet to another, you WILL keep it off. If you are willing to spend the time and energy on diets why not spend it on a great nutritionist who will teach you and support you through the change to a healthy lifestyle. Or try a life coach who is very trained with this type of issue, someone who would hold you accountable for your actions, etc.. with a loving touch of course! All eating issues are just emotional issues being masked by food. Truly learning to love yourself includes self-care and eating well to support a happy person! It might be harder at first because you will have to work through the emotional stuff that comes up, but it will eventually free you for a lifetime! Good Luck!

Yes P. I do know about a diet that works from a Genetic Key....how your body is uniquely designed along with personality, mood swings etc. It is very safe and natural.
I can give you some information to research if you choose.
This way of eating keeps the Glycemic index in balance as well.

P.
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Win With Wellness

You need to eat Sunrider! It is regenerative quality whole food that is eaten three times daily. Your problem is most likely due to the poor nutrition quality in American food.

Most programs' diet food is not any more nutritious than regular groceries and without proper whole food nutrition and hydration daily your body does not have the energy to burn fat.

Sunrider is how I maintain my ideal weight and I have witnessed dozens of people lose inches and weight very rapidly and keep it off!
____@____.com
E-mail for success stories.

Hi P.!
You got a lot of good responses! I was able to lose 15 lbs and keep it off after my second baby pretty easily when I really understood that a healthy body starts with a strong nutritional foundation. Have you heard of a company called Shaklee? We are the number one natural nutrition company in the country and by giving your body the nutritional foundation it needs on a daily basis you will naturally reduce sugar/carb cravings, hold on to muscle mass and increase your metabolism.
Using the best supplements in combination with a high, lean-protein diet will put you on the path to a healthy body and your ideal weight will naturally and easily follow.
You can contact me anytime to discuss details if you'd like; my website is www.shaklee.net/mclemore

In good health,
C.

There's a book called You Are What You Eat by Gillian McKeith that I really like and follow (it's also a tv show on bbc america if you have cable or look it up online), it's definitley worth looking into or watch her show and it will give you an idea of what it's all about and what it can do for you.

From one P. to another P.............There is NO easy weight loss...it all takes time, diligence, discipline and learning to eat right. There is NO magic pill for weight-loss. My daughter and I do Weight Watchers. We do use the points system, but WW also has another program where you do no counting of calories, you eat good, healthy food and this program works as well....it's called the "Core Plan"...you can do this On-line or go to the meetings (which is very successful). I encourage you to check it out and see how it goes for you. But just remember...it doesn't just 'happen' you need to really work at it and work to obtain your goal. It's really worth all the effort.

ABOUT ME:

Mom of 4 children...youngest two are twins--aged 15 1/2, oldest is married and our other son is graduating next month. My 15 1/2 yr old daughter has lost 44 lbs. on WW so far...has 12 to reach her first goal, but ultimately wants to lose 20 more lbs. I've been at goal for many months now.

I haven't done the South Beach diet, I did Weight Watchers. It not only changes you eating habits but changes the way you look at food. It was great. I lost all my baby weight, which was a lot. I had twin boys and gained almost 100 pounds. Now it is all gone and i am back to my normal weight, plus a few stretch marks...;)

I have seen wonders with a small breakfast, small lunch and no dinner. Takes will power, but each day it pays off! You eat fresh foods the way you like, buy nothing out of the ordinary, and just quit eating after 4 pm.

I like it!
E. H

P.,
I've done weight watchers. I lost 60lbs after college and was able to maintain no problem. The minute my twins turned 3 months, I returned to lose the baby weight I gained. And I dropped the extra 15lbs very quickly. (Because of Weight watchers, I only put on 45 lbs with twins who were very healthy 6lbs 7oz and 7lbs 13oz, because I understood how to eat and what to eat.) WW doesn't deprive you of anything and really teaches you portion control which is pretty much most people's problem. I love WW because there isn't special food, its training how to eat real food, how to cook healthier, and great tasteful recipes are exchanged among ww members! They have great tools and fabulous cookbooks which make healthy eating easy. The other things that are great are the support from the meetings (which is really, what you need when you have a week that you don't lose weight) and the weigh ins. Accountability is important. You talk to anyone who has been on ww and they will tell you it takes about a month to feel comfortable with the program, but after that its easy to follow. Anyone who has done this program knows it works and its because there are no restrictions on what you can and can't have. Anytime you can't have something, you want it. If you are really honestly ready to lose, check out WW. If you like the support you get online, they even have online yahoo groups and message boards.

My personal advice: forget diets. They don't work, and if they do, it's usually only temporary. Being healthy is a lifestyle you have to commit to. Exercise, make good food decisions, live actively. Diets usually deprive your body of something it needs, and they can mess up your system and metabolism...Eat breakfast, that is truly the best way to start the day. I am not a nutritionist or anything like that, it's just life experience. There are lots of ways to prepare many foods in healthier ways. Have you ever seen NBC's The Biggest Loser? The trainers on that show have wonderful advice and I bet you can find out more info on their website if you Google it or something. Good luck to you!