I first read about the South Beach Diet in one of my magazines, and it was highly recommended as a safe and healthy diet. I had just returned from an island vacation with friends were I had to buy all new shorts because my others were too tight. I was tired of my clothes being too small, especially on my lower body. The South Beach Diet appealed to me, not only because I had wanted to lose weight since gaining 30 pounds my junior year of high school, but also because I wanted to learn to cook healthily. I had tried dieting in the past, but I felt deprived and missed my favorite foods. Even if I lost weight, it was just a matter of time before I gained it right back.
Normally, I ate out a lot. My worst habit was eating a big fast-food lunch and then skipping dinner. The South Beach Diet changed how I eat. In Phase 1, I was good and stuck to the plan. It got rid of my cravings for sweets. Phase 1 had its challenges, but it helped knowing that it was only a two week phase. I drank a lot of water and ate some nuts if I needed more energy. My husband started eating South Beach Diet meals with me, which made it easier to stick to the plan. I started trying foods that I didn’t eat before, like quiche cups. When I moved into Phase 2, I loved the natural sugar from fruits. Now I eat more fruits and vegetables than I ever have before.
These days the meals I cook for my husband and myself are so much healthier and tastier. It’s easy when you have recipes to follow. This food plan truly teaches you how to eat well and lose weight at the same time. I love trying all the new dishes and experimenting with different snack options.
I can now say that the South Beach Diet has been one of the best things I’ve done for my health. I have lost 16 pounds and I feel GREAT! I have so much energy and absolutely love how clothes fit me now. I have recommended the South Beach Diet to my sisters and friends, and some of them are now on the diet, too!
FAVORITE SNACK: I LOVE the no-sugar added fudgsicles and grapes.
FAVORITE EXERCISE: I enjoy walking. It’s a peaceful time to clear my head and get relief from stress.
BEST COMPLIMENT: “You should be the poster child for the South Beach Diet. It’s working great for you.”
MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY WHEN FACING TEMPTATION: I substitute healthier options. I love chocolate, so I have a fudgsicle instead. If I go to a gathering or function where I know I’ll be tempted, I just eat something beforehand so I won’t be starving when I get there. It enables me to eat rationally. If there is something I really want, then I only have a little sample to kill my craving.