Starting at Phase 2

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-29-2003
Starting at Phase 2
6
Sun, 11-16-2003 - 4:26pm
Hi,

I am on Atkins now, but want to switch to SBD. My question is, can I just jump into Phase 2, being that my system is already void of any bad carbs? I wouldn't mind doing Phase 1, but seems like it would be futile, as there is no sugar to get rid of.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2003
Sun, 11-16-2003 - 5:01pm
Hi,

Welcome to the board! I did the exact same thing. I jumped right into Phase II, albeit stricter on some occasions. I had the same idea as you, the fact that my body was already rid of the food cravings. The only thing is that you dont lose that "8-13 lbs" as quickly. I started with a girl at work who only had about 18-20lbs to lose (I have about 40-50 I'd like to lose) and she lost hers so fast (and she's also now obsessed with the diet too) and that is sometimes discouraging. However, I try and stick with the philosophy that this is how I should eat for the rest of my life. If Im out to dinner on the weekend with my BF or friends, I drink, but I dont down regular beers or frozen cocktails, I stick to club soda and flavored vodka (low carb of course lol) I will also grab a small roll! lol. I am still going to live life, just a bit healthier. Next Thursday, you can bet that I'll have a little bit of mashed potatoes and even a piece of regular pie! You cant deprive yourself, or you will fail before you even start.

The weight will come off, just slowly. I feel better, I look better and that works for me.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sun, 11-16-2003 - 5:34pm
Hi and welcome --- I agree with the last poster too --- you have already detoxed your body of the bad carbs, so there is probably no real reason to start with Phase 1.

That 8-13 lbs is for those of us who were still major carb junkies, and had to lose that weight that would rid our bodies of the glycogen/water storage stuff and the rest of that garbage and you've already done that.

Start off slowly, because not only do you have to add good carbs back in, but you have to watch your fats --- leaning towards the ones that are better for you.


Again, welcome, let us know how you are doing

Ellen

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-16-2003
Thu, 11-20-2003 - 8:21am
I'm nearing the end of Phase 1, and I was considering staying on it for another week or two because I've only lost 4 lbs, all on the 2nd day!!! I am looking for that 8-13 pound drop!!! - haha! But my thought is this - maybe I've 'cleansed' and phase 1 isn't going to do much beyond the 2 wks and it is kind of restrictive. Has anyone had real good luck staying on P 1 for a couple more weeks?
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-08-2003
Thu, 11-20-2003 - 8:55am
the problem with staying on phase 1 for more than 3 or 4 weeks is the boredom! Well, some get bored:) Also, your body needs more carbs than you are getting in phase 1. Phase 1 is the detox phase and phase 2 is supposed to be finding your right balance with the added carbs. Your body notices the continued decrease in carbs and will not give up the fat to burn. I'm sorry if this is confusing but I've read several stories and had my own experience where when some eat MORE carbs, they lose. It's not a less is more mentality. Atkins followers (which IS very similar) eat a MAX 20 carbs but NO LESS than 15 carbs (I think:)...for them to be successful, they must add carbs slowly like we do but it is necessary for continued weight loss.

Choose carefully and since you've been concerned about your metabolism, try adding one new carb (whole grain/wheat bread, oatmeal, or fruit for example) every couple of days. I'm sorry, I can't remember...are you exercising? Even walking can help raise your metabolism.

I hope this helps,

Alison

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-16-2003
Thu, 11-20-2003 - 10:39am
Thanks, that helped a lot. Yes, I'm through with detox...feel great, no craving, little hunger, no cheating. (and my diet was 60% carbs and 35% sugar 2 wks ago!!) :) I lent my book to someone out of town, and maybe you can answer this question for me. Can you be more specific about the adding of carbs? Am I supposed to try different ones every day or two and monitor my weight? Or add and add and add until I start to gain and drop back? Yes, I do 30-45 mins aerobic and 20-30 mins weights/crunches, etc 5-6 days a week. Thank you for your help Alison!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-08-2003
Thu, 11-20-2003 - 11:05am
what you do is pick a good carb. try it one day and then see how it does for you. See if it bloats you, makes your jeans fit tighter, ups the scale...just look for a change. If you see none after 2 or three days, try another. It's like introducing solids to a baby. Don't know if you have kids:) but with them you take a food a see how it affects them before introducing a new one. You're on the right track with exercise...just make sure you vary your intensity during the aerobic part to make sure your body doesn't get bored.

Alison