Has Anyone Been Successful with South Beach Diet

Updated on December 01, 2008
T.T. asks from Winchester, KY
17 answers

I have a bunch of weight to loose, my goal is 75 pounds, BMI chart says more… It has been suggested that I try South Beach. I’m concerned b/c I am a picky eater (no fish, ricotta, or other things with “weird” textures). I’ve tried Weight Watchers and it might be ok…it just seems that I can’t follow through for very long. Plus it's kind of expensive. I get going and get overwhelmed. We are also trying to conceive and having difficulty so I know this would help with that too. I’ve worked with a personal trainer in the past, but I just don’t think I can afford that now. I’m not even sure what the going rate is. So anyway, I guess I’m asking for help choosing a program.  Thanks.

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S.M.

answers from Dayton on

Can't answer to South Beach, but now that you have the basic information for Weight Watchers, you can follow the plan without attending meetings. There are lots of message boards you can go to for support. This one, on AOL, is very active:
http://messageboards.aol.com/aol/en_us/articles.php?board...

1 mom found this helpful
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D.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

SSSOOOO........did you try the South Beach Diet?? I've had clients who've been very successful with it. I'm a personal trainer and have been for over 30 years.

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M.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

Whatever program you choose, you will need to "follow through" for the rest of your life.

If you pick any diet to just lose the weight and return back to unhealthy habits, your weight will come back on along with a few more pounds. You might want to try reading Weight Loss for Dummies (not that you're a dummy, just that it will be presented in an easy to understand format) or The Biggest Loser book. Start out with some simple exercise (30 minutes of walking...if you can't do 30 minutes in a row, do 2 segments of 15), and your fat burning will be enhanced. Remember, weight loss is all about calories 'out' being greater than calories 'in' (eat less, exercise more, or do both). Just make sure that you are eating at least 1200-1400 calories per day (and likely more depending on your weight) or your metabolism will drop, your body will go into starvation-survival mode, and you won't be losing weight because your body will be freaking out thinking "she's starving me! we'd better hoard the calories!".

If you haven't yet started journaling your food intake, go to www.sparkpeople.com and begin. If you've never kept track of the food and calories you're putting into your body it can be quite shocking. Entering your daily intake only takes a few minutes each day and helps keep you on track with your goals.

Safe weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. You didn't put 75 pounds on in 3 months so don't expect it come off that quickly. Set a reasonable timetable for your weight loss, and 8 months or longer might be appropriate for 75 pounds. Set little mini goals to use as 'checkpoints' along the way to chart your progress. Avoid products that have you drinking 'shakes'. I mean really...do you want to drink 'shakes' as your meals for the rest of your life? It's not a healthy decision.

Remember, it needs to be a lifestyle change and not just a quick-fix band-aid solution. After having my baby, I have lost over 45 pounds through very simple and easy dietary changes and the addition of exercise and strength training. And guess what - I eat pizza every Saturday night with the family (2 slices with a large salad, not half a pizza!). Feel free to PM me with more questions if you'd like.

4 moms found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from Cleveland on

I found a wonderful FREE Web site that has aided me in my changes to a healthy lifestyle. www.sparkpeople.com. It's amazing and there are so many supportive people on there, no matter your goal or specific needs. There are fitness/weight/nutrition trackers and so much, much more.

I'm truly obsessed with this site. I've lost about 50 pounds this year, and a big part of helping me stick with the changes I've made is sparkpeople.

Good luck! You can do it!

2 moms found this helpful
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M.V.

answers from Cleveland on

Hmmm...no matter what program you choose, you are going to need to commit to it and stick with it in order for it to work. Be it the South Beach Diet or Clean Eating or Weight Watchers. No matter what you have to follow the plan to be successful.

With that said I'll tell you that I'm a strong proponent of Weight Watchers. I joined WW in September of 2002 and by October of 2003 I had reached my WW goal...losing a total of over 115 pounds in that year. I love the program. I don't feel deprived...I can eat what I want as long as it fits within my Points budget...and I get an extra 35 Points to use as I wish, which usually is on the weekends for pizza or eating out. Anyway, it's what works best for me and since having my daughter 3 years ago I've gone on a buch of "diets" including the South Beach diet, but after spending the last 3 years not losing any weight (in fact, I've gained about 20 more pounds), I'm back at WW...attending meetings faithfully and although I'm not as diligent as I was the first time, I'm at least losing weight. Slow but steady...7 pounds in 7 weeks. :)

Good luck with whatever program you choose. Just remember that you need to make sure you follow through and continue on with whichever one you choose.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.S.

answers from Cleveland on

We have not but did find one that works and are coaching others to get results through it too. Here is a link to check it out. This one is science based and clinically proven to work if followed. We wish you success.
J.
http://www.transitionslifestyle.com/index.cfm?action=main...

1 mom found this helpful
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K.V.

answers from Columbus on

The problems with all diets is the restrictions and weight watchers is probably the least restictive program out there. So skip the diet and meet with and nutritionist to plan a healthy lifestyle. It is healthier to lose five pounds and keep it off permanently then to loss 20 to 75 and gain it back. I have stuggled with my wieght since I was a teen. I now weigh 40 pounds less than I did six years ago. I have been at the weight I am now for the last three years. For me the hardest thing is to put my needs ahead of my children. But if I don't take proper care of myself, I can't take proper care of my family either.

Incorporate changes slowly and allow for you to have things you like in moderation. I meet with a nutritionist several years ago. I got alot out of our sessions (plus insurance did pay for part of it.) However she insisted that I make radical changes overnight and when I tried to it had some serious problems with my digestive system (gas, bloating and constipation) and I could not make things work at the time. I found that it was easier for me to change one thing a month. I also made a point of trying at least two new recipes a month. I find that I crave healthier and spicier food than I used too. I am not fond of fish or yogurt and nothing will ever change that for me. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

My husband and I were very successful on SB, but you have to change the way you think about eating. It's a way of life, not a diet and the book states just that. I would get the book from the library and read it. See what you think and go from there. There are some free message boards out there that help out also (email me if you want the sites) in a big way with other food ideas. I lost 35lbs and my hubby lost 65. Good luck!

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K.D.

answers from Cleveland on

My aunt lost a good amount with South Beach. I personally love food and I am very picky eater. LOL Use to drive my hubby crazy. I personally did Arbonnes Figure 8 line. I add it to my normal eater. It has worked for hubby and me. Plus I started working out. Mostly streching and doing stuff I can do in my living room. Just as I know I need to tone. We don't own a scale so I don't know how much I have lost but I do know I dropped a pants size and had to get some new ones! LOL You can even sign up for a wholesale account and get the products at a discount.

Here is their support site www.gofigure8.com and here is my personal one www.passion4more.myarbonne.com
Let me know if you want more info or not..
Good luck!!!!!

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T.S.

answers from Columbus on

Hi T.! The South Beach Diet will only work as long as you adhere to the program. What you need is a lifestyle change that will allow you be successfully fit and healthy and the weight loss will just be an added bonus. As moms, we have unique needs because we are so busy caring for the ones we love, our health gets put on the back burner.

Check out www.momsmark.com. They are a wonderful program for moms that specialize in all phases of motherhood, for all fitness levels. They will help you make the lifestyle changes you need to in order to be fit and healthy AND a good mom! You can have both! They are really changing lives and physiques! Also keep in mind, you are trying for another baby. They will help you get your body ready for pregnancy, without compromising conception. You don't need another diet! Trying another weightloss program would be like going to your orthopedic surgeon throughout your pregnancy instead of your OBGYN!

MomsMark provides one-on-one training and group fitness training at a fraction of the cost (so get some friends in on the deal with you) but they also have an online training program which is budget friendly and very effective. You will receive weekly workouts, meal plans and grocery lists. Check them out and best of luck to you! I commend you for taking control of your health.

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T.P.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi T.,
I lost 22 lbs in 2 months on the South Beach diet. I too hate fish and ricotta and cottage cheese. When a day calls for fish you can substitute with chicken. If you buy the book there are some good recipes.

I had to go off the diet because it made me severly constipated. In reading the book it will tell you to use Metimucil (sp) for fiber. If you do not have problems with constipation then it may work for you. I was doing well on it and hated that i had to stop.

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L.L.

answers from Evansville on

T. -

I'm not sure about the South Beach Diet, but I love Arbonne's Figure 8 product line. I use the protein shakes, the orange fiber shake, and I love the fizz tabs for an energy drink. I would be happy to share more about them if you want to contact me, or go to www.arbonne.com.

L. L.

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L.P.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi T.,
I will be happy to help you. I was a "professional dieter" and realize now that diets are not the answer. I conduct Weight Loss Challenges in my area and teach people a practical and flexible approach to weight management through education and altering choices. So far through the Weight Loss Challenges alone, we have helped people lose over 1000 pounds while having fun and winning money. Call me and I will tell you about it. If you cannot make the challenges, I coach one on one. L. ###-###-####.

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M.M.

answers from Indianapolis on

I have a friend in the Indianapolis area who has a really great (not too expensive) program that I would highly suggest. There is a ton of Research behind it. It's about learning how to eat for life not just to lose weight and put it off after the diet.
She has been in the health industry for over 20 years - her experience is a great asset.
If you would like her contact info please respond and I will give it to you.

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C.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

T.,

I lost 45 lbs on south beach. I loved it, except those first 2 weeks, Ugh. You have to have foods you like. I was lucky and ate things like eggs for breakfast (something I normally don't have time to eat). The hardest part was having to cook separate meals for me and my kids (they are pickier than I am) and hubby wouldn't eat whole grain anything when I hit stage 2. There are things our there for us picky eaters on this diet. Best of luck whatever you choose and watch the portion sizes.

Care

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K.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

I did use the South Beach diet for a while. It is very good if you want to go the low carb route. The first couple of days were kinda tough if you've been used to a lot of carbs up till now. But, I was amazed at how they made my body feel. Anyway, I did lose weight on it....it was a long time ago, so I'm not sure how much. It may sound difficult at first, but if you are willing to stick with it long enough to get in the habit of eating like that, it won't be bad. Plus, there are so many more prepared foods that follow the SBD that they didn't have when I did it. Also, I know there is a cookbook out there for the SBD that will help, too.

Good luck!!!

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L.T.

answers from South Bend on

It worked pretty good for me, but you have to commit to it. I followed it closesly the first two weeks which are the toughest and I lost 13 pounds. After that it gets much easier because after you get used to not eating the carbs, you don't crave them. I lost 32 lbs in about 3 months. Good luck!

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