So I started to do a little research to figure out if it was something I could do again (spoiler alert: I did). While I still don't claim to know the intricacies of the diet, I do know that it's comprised of three phases. The first two weeks are the strictest. During this phase your body goes through detox to help get rid of the cravings for the crappy food you (I) normally eat by avoiding any carbohydrates, certain fats, and foods that are high on the glycemic index, like fruit. After two weeks you move to phase two where you incorporate some of those foods back into your diet, like whole grains, most fruit and good fats until you reach your ideal weight and then in phase three you maintain your weight by only eating crappy food in moderation (I think that's about once a week, maybe less).
Two weeks didn't seem so bad. I gave phase one a try and lost six pounds! The weight just fell off and it really boosted my confidence/determination. I hadn't intended to continue to phase two but I think I'm basically in phase two now.
Since this time I've been going a different route. After watching a few amazing nutritional documentaries like Forks Over Knives, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, and Hungry For Change (all of which are available on Netflix), I've started thinking about food a little differently. I've come to realize that I had been addicted to sugar, and that this addiction was going to kill me. I stopped trying to maintain the South Beach Diet and instead looked towards transitioning to a whole foods, plant based diet. Since this time I'm losing 1-2 pounds a week. Every time I look in the mirror I'm a different person and I'm only about 8 pounds away from the "healthy" region of the BMI.
More than anything I'm just really proud of myself. I've had cakes, cookies, candies, chocolates all waved in front of my eyes but I've only given in to temptation maybe twice in two months, and even then it was in moderation. The best part is to discover that once you get started it's actually very easy to keep up with. It just takes a little planning and creativity, and the key is to never let yourself get hungry. I know what it's like to eat convenience foods and to allow yourself to give into temptation, but believe me when I say that this is so much better. I am what I eat. I used to be pounds of sugar, oils, fats, and meat. Now I'm closer to a cute little zucchini!
Let me know if you're giving this a try! I have a ton of recipes and a Google spreadsheet of meals and menus that I can share with you for ideas!
