Week 3 Monday Meeting (January 18)

To: ALL     Posted: Jan-18 11:55 AM (1 of 113)
~TeresaLynn~'s Avatar
Topic of the Week: Transitioning to Phase 2

If you started the South Beach Diet three weeks ago when this Challenge first began, you’ve recently completed Phase 1. What a great accomplishment! You may find yourself asking, what now? For starters, here are some tips on what to expect on Phase 2.

It’s completely normal at the start of the Phase to feel nervous to transition to Phase 2. Many people worry they will go back to their old habits. Since you most likely saw a lot of progress on Phase 1, you may want to continue it, but you can’t stay on Phase 1 forever. The goal of Phase 1 is to eliminate sugar cravings and the goal of Phase 2 is to teach you to eat a variety of wholesome, healthy foods for the long term.

As you transition onto Phase 2, you can start enjoying a variety of other delicious foods, including whole-wheat pasta and other whole-grains, fresh fruit, and even chocolate pudding! Unlike Phase 1, Phase 2 weight loss is gradual and the focus is on making the diet into a lifestyle. Phase 2 is all about choosing healthier alternatives for the foods you love and improving your eating habits. On Phase 2, you can enjoy everything on Phase 1, in addition to the Phase 2 Foods to Enjoy list.

To help you incorporate more Phase 2 foods into your meals, search our database of more than 1,000 recipes, or explore our Foods to Enjoy Quick Search widget located on your member homepage.

Tell us what your thoughts are on Phase 2. Already a seasoned South Beach Dieter? Share your favorite foods to enjoy and give tips on how to incorporate them into your daily meals.

Our guest speaker this week is Marilyn Jess, a registered and licensed dietitian with more than 20 years experience in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Marilyn received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in human nutrition from San Diego State University. She also earned a certificate in professional training skills from Sonoma State University, with expertise in teaching adults. Her areas of professional experience include employee education for adults, nutrition management, developmental disabilities, and long-term care. She is a freelance writer who has authored several nutrition newsletters and run workshops on public-speaking skills.

Please feel free to submit your questions to Marilyn!
To: ALL     Posted: Jan-18 11:57 AM (2 of 113)
Dietitian_Marilyn's Avatar

Thanks, Teresa, and hello everyone! Welcome to Phase 2!

Moving into Phase 2 of the SBD brings changes in your eating plan and great rewards, for in Phase 2 you turn changes into healthy habits. It’s also where most members lose most of the weight they plan to lose. Yes, that’s right. Phase 2 typically lasts much longer than Phase 1, and weight loss naturally slows down. That’s when having the help of your personal support team can make the difference. When things are going well, there’s nothing like celebrating success with others. Celebrate and share your success by all means!

Think of a support team as a circle of safety, and you get to choose who is on your team. To identify people who truly support you, ask yourself these questions:

*Who listens to me, and wants the best for me? That may be those closest to you, or people you never actually see, such as those SBD members who answer questions in a way that ‘speaks’ to you. Think about having a go-to group of two or three people you can turn to, anytime.

*Just as important, who do you need to avoid, or limit your precious time with, so that you stay focused on the day-to-day challenges of lifestyle changes?

Remember--a dream shared becomes a goal, a goal reached becomes success. If the going gets tough, getting support from those who have already been there, and succeeded, does work. Reaching out helps you slow down, and make informed choices, too. Sometimes all it takes is to read a post on an SBD message board to realize that someone else came up with a creative solution to a problem you may have, and that solution seems right for you.

You can reach your goals. Now, as you transition to Phase 2, is a great time to renew your personal commitment to your health and fitness, knowing that as the saying goes, "You’re worth it." Envision yourself reaching your health and fitness goals, take action, and turn to your support team often. Push past obstacles, be patient, and enjoy the bounty of healthy foods in Phase 2!

Now... I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have!

To: Dietitian_Marilyn     Posted: Jan-18 12:05 PM (3 of 113)
RetiredStatTeach's Avatar
I am checking in.  It always takes me awhile to navigate to the right place!
To: RetiredStatTeach     Posted: Jan-18 12:06 PM (4 of 113)
Dietitian_Marilyn's Avatar
Glad you're here!
To: Dietitian_Marilyn     Posted: Jan-18 12:07 PM (5 of 113)
winefairie's Avatar
Good Morning Marilyn and Theresa,

Nice to actually make it almost on time for once. 

I've recently gotten my original book back and I started re-reading it this morning. Boy oh, did that make me realize how I had "strayed" with what I had thought was legal and what isn't.

I've been doing a phase2 with some serious slips (can we say calamari and cocktails Friday night?).  I was a bad fairie.

I am going to go back to Phase 1 to get rid of these cravings that I now realize I'm suffering, not just boredom.  It's time to become conscientious of my meals, my snacks and to make sure I don't get hungry.

Time to work the plan CORRECTLY!
To: Dietitian_Marilyn     Posted: Jan-18 12:10 PM (6 of 113)
RetiredStatTeach's Avatar
When I first switched to phase two my weight loss stopped.  So now I sort of think where I am as in enhanced Phase 1.  For instance, I eat eggs and turkey bacon for breakfast, a piece of meat or cheese for morning snack, a salad with some kind of meat and a few peanuts for lunch, tomato juice for afternoon snack and then a dinner with meat, vegetables (usually green beans or broccoli), either a sweet potato (aha! phase II) or brown rice or wild rice or whole wheat spaghetti and a no-sugar-added fudgescicle.

And with this my weight loss slowed right down to 1/2 to 1 pound a week.
From: NH_Gal
To: Dietitian_Marilyn     Posted: Jan-18 12:10 PM (7 of 113)
NH_Gal's Avatar
 Checking in too!!   Marilyn-- one of my goals from last week was to take a new fresh look at all we can have in Phase 2 and I found that there were many things I had forgotten about-- things I could enjoy  so I would suggest to all "oldies"  go back and see what is there!!  PLUS it helps to refresh ourselves with quantities
To: ALL     Posted: Jan-18 12:11 PM (8 of 113)
RetiredStatTeach's Avatar
Interestingly, I can really tell by my hunger pangs when I have had too many carbs...

I have the two books - SuperCharged and the first one - I suppose I should read them!

And I know exercise should be on the list, too!

Beverly
To: Dietitian_Marilyn     Posted: Jan-18 12:12 PM (9 of 113)
YellowRose0916's Avatar

Hi Marilyn & Lynn,

I get to attend the whole meeting today -- I'm so excited!  I'm a teacher, but we have a holiday today for MLK b-day, so I'm making the most of it.

I'm one of those who is now terrified to start Phase 2.  I've tried SB before, the first time losing 40 lbs.  The other times were not as successful but each time, if I made it as far as Phase 2, I would start having problems.  I know now that one of my problems came from mis-reading the guidelines in the book -- that's why having this online site is soooo helpful.

In the past, I usually added my carb during breakfast because having toast or cold cereal is a quick and easy breakfast, and I'm always short on time in the morning.  But now I'm wondering if having it so early in the morning was a mistake, Did that trigger something that made me overeat during the day, where if I had eaten it later maybe it wouldn't have had the same effect?

Does it matter when you add your starch or fruit in?

To: Dietitian_Marilyn     Posted: Jan-18 12:13 PM (10 of 113)
Colleen21's Avatar
Hello, althogh I registered a couple of weeks ago - I do not really know how to participate. Is this it?
To: winefairie     Posted: Jan-18 12:13 PM (11 of 113)
Dietitian_Marilyn's Avatar
winefairie wrote: "I've recently gotten my original book back and I started re-reading it this morning. Boy oh, did that make me realize how I had "strayed" with what I had thought was legal and what isn't. I've been doing a phase2 with some serious slips (can we say calamari and cocktails Friday night?).  I was a bad fairie. I am going to go back to Phase 1 to get rid of these cravings that I now realize I'm suffering, not just boredom.  It's time to become conscientious of my meals, my snacks and to make sure I don't get hungry. Time to work the plan CORRECTLY!"

Thank you for sharing your recent challenge with us. I'd consider having the calamari an "occasional treat" on the South Beach Diet. As we know, there are no "good" or "bad" foods as such. Rather, it's about choosing healthy foods most of the time. If you have been choosing South Beach Diet-friendly foods most of the time, there's no reason to return to Phase 1. Now is a good time to review the Foods to Enjoy list for Phase 2, to be sure what you're choosing is the best choice for Phase 2. Again, I suggest staying in Phase 2, and staying active as you move forward.
From: NH_Gal
To: RetiredStatTeach     Posted: Jan-18 12:15 PM (12 of 113)
NH_Gal's Avatar
Yes-- I learned that E has to be on the list too.  Walking just for  1/2 hour to start will make you hungry for me--come to E and F thread we'll support you as you start or if you are seasoned!!!   May I add that please measure yourself as you begin Ohase 2-- of course I never did and wished I had.  When if the weight stalls you will be able to see your progress with inches lost-- clothes fitiing better, etc.  
From: LindaB
To: Dietitian_Marilyn     Posted: Jan-18 12:16 PM (13 of 113)
LindaB's Avatar
How do we change our phase 1 to phase 2 on our computer?  I've tried clicking on it, but never get an option to change it.  Thanks
To: Dietitian_Marilyn     Posted: Jan-18 12:16 PM (14 of 113)
oasis2117's Avatar

I am checking in. I do not have a question yet, but I did have a great week. I lost 1 1/2 pounds and 1 inch off of my waist. I also worked out for 8 1/2 hours last week.

To: RetiredStatTeach     Posted: Jan-18 12:17 PM (15 of 113)
Dietitian_Marilyn's Avatar
RetiredStatTeach wrote: "When I first switched to phase two my weight loss stopped.  So now I sort of think where I am as in enhanced Phase 1.  For instance, I eat eggs and turkey bacon for breakfast, a piece of meat or cheese for morning snack, a salad with some kind of meat and a few peanuts for lunch, tomato juice for afternoon snack and then a dinner with meat, vegetables (usually green beans or broccoli), either a sweet potato (aha! phase II) or brown rice or wild rice or whole wheat spaghetti and a no-sugar-added fudgescicle. And with this my weight loss slowed right down to 1/2 to 1 pound a week."

It's not unusal for weight loss to slow down (key words) as you start Phase 2. Your 1/2- to 1-lb. weight loss is actually in the healthy range for weight loss, and good for you! I suggest checking what you're eating against the How To Adapt Your Meal Plan list for Phase 2. Here, you will see how much and what to eat. The transition (another key word) to Phase 2 actually takes about three weeks, so in week one of Phase 2 you will be adding back a fruit and starch each day. Congratulations on your continued success in Phase 2. You're on your way with a healthy rate of weight loss.
To: ALL     Posted: Jan-18 12:17 PM (16 of 113)
YellowRose0916's Avatar
Oops...  Sorry Teresa.  Lynn was the dietician last week.

My apologies!
To: YellowRose0916     Posted: Jan-18 12:17 PM (17 of 113)
RetiredStatTeach's Avatar
I have found that having a couple slices of turkey bacon with 1 egg and 1 serving of eggbeater made into an omelet with some low fat cheese gets me through the whole morning without hunger pangs.  If I were to have toast, I would be hungry by 9:30AM and just looking for something to eat!

Beverly
From: NH_Gal
To: oasis2117     Posted: Jan-18 12:18 PM (18 of 113)
NH_Gal's Avatar
WOW-- good for you-- doesn't it feel wonderful and you should!!!
To: NH_Gal     Posted: Jan-18 12:20 PM (19 of 113)
RetiredStatTeach's Avatar
Thanks for that suggestion! I hate measuring because I don't like those big numbers!
To: NH_Gal     Posted: Jan-18 12:20 PM (20 of 113)
winefairie's Avatar
I hear you!  That's exactly what this "oldie" is doing. Going back and re-educating herself.
To: NH_Gal     Posted: Jan-18 12:20 PM (21 of 113)
Dietitian_Marilyn's Avatar
NH_Gal wrote: "Checking in too!!   Marilyn-- one of my goals from last week was to take a new fresh look at all we can have in Phase 2 and I found that there were many things I had forgotten about-- things I could enjoy so I would suggest to all "oldies" go back and see what is there!!  PLUS it helps to refresh ourselves with quantities."

This is one of the real advantages to using the South Beach Diet online. We have updated our Foods to Enjoy list as the plan has evolved, and added more foods, partly based on the suggestions of our members. Healthy food choices count, and as you rightly point out, so do serving sizes. I encourage all our members to periodically check out Foods To Enjoy. Thanks for the great reminder.


Topics in South Beach Diet Community Challenges from 6 days ago.

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