How is phase 2 the weight loss phase?
Find a Conversation
| Tue, 03-14-2006 - 4:33pm |
I am super bummed out. I'm having trouble believing that phase 2 is the weight LOSS phase! I know so many of you have lost a ton of weight on phase 2, but I am feeling really discouraged. I am in my 5th week of SB and I have only lost 4 pounds total. So I have actually GAINED one pound since phase 1. Which brings my total weight loss in 5 weeks to only 4 pounds. I just feel like crying. And for the 3 weeks I have been in phase 2, I have only added one starch and one fruit per day. I just don't get it!? I have even done some serious walking as well. And I don't notice a huge difference in how my clothes are fitting either. I just feel so frustrated. And I have a lot of weight to lose, like 50 pounds, so I would think it would come off fast at least initially. I really like this diet, but I'm beginning to wonder what's the point? I don't seem to be losing weight! What can/should I do? Any advice is welcome!
Kate



Pages
Hi, welcome to Phase 2. I had more weight than you to lose and lost 20 lbs in the first 3 months on SBD, then 10 in the next 3 months. It is slow going. But let me tell you, it wasn't until I made a concerted effort to add the full grains and fruits (especially the grains) in that I started to lose more effectively. I stayed the same for most of that second three months. Then suddenly the weight started coming off when I started eating more!
Yes, eat more! Add another grain or 2. You are holding yourself back and keeping your metabolism from revving up!
You'll see this as a consistent message on this board. Your body NEEDS the grains and fruits. So eat up! Just be sure they are SBD friendly. If you need a guideline there is a really good one on here.
Kim
Yep - I totally agree with Kim - you should be up to at least 2 grains/fruits, maybe even 3. The ONLY time I stalled on phase 2 was when I let myself get "stuck" at only 2 servings of each. Once I upped to 3 of each and increased my food intake, the weight flew off again. Restricting those grains and fruits from your diet too much can really do damage to your metabolism.
I have a friend who is a perfect example - she thought she was doing SB, but she failed to add back in enough grains/fruits. She had maybe 1 per day, if that. She lost for a little while, but then stalled, and stalled and stalled - then started gaining again. She had slowed her metabolism by holding back on those healthy foods. She saw my success and I convinced her to at least TRY adding more...I told her it certainly can HURT since she wasn't losing anyways. So she agreed - and that first week she started losing again and has steadily lost since.
Besides just the fruit/grains make sure you eating enough- getting all your veggies and dairy. People tend to think that they need to starve or eat very little to "diet" and that usually backfires. I eat quite a bit MORE on a daily basis now than I did when I gained weight. So don't be afraid to nurish your body with plenty of healthy food!
spring06sig2
Your description sounds familar as I tend to lose just like you do. I start off slow and then I stall around week 4 or so. The good news is by just waiting it out the weight starts to come off again. I also found by adding the Phase Two foods it helps in losing. I have the same problem, trying to add the Phase Two foods, perhaps make a list of the ones you like and keep them on hand.
Sally
Thanks Kimmie. It's comforting to know that other people have experience similar situations. I will try adding another grain.
Kate
Thanks so much for your advice, Michael Ann. Starting today, I am adding another grain. I guess my thinking may have been backwards. I was thinking you would lose more the longer you stayed "strict" on phase 2, ie. only 1 fruit and 1 grain. If this is not the case, I will GLADLY eat more grains and fruit! I also just wanted to be super sure that I wouldn't have any cravings return. I'm just so frustrated that I have only lost 4 pounds in 5 weeks. Thanks again for your help!
Kate
Thanks Sally, I am going to try that!!!
Kate
Kate,
You read my mind! I am in my 4th week of SBD (2nd week of Phase 2) and I have only lost 1 more lb since moving to phase 2 (total of 6lbs) and I was beginning to feel discouraged. I have to remind myself to eat my grains and fruit. I should be eating 2 grains and 2 fruit this week and I must admit that I am not eating all of that each day, but after reading this I am definately going to step it up and follow the plan completely. I have about 30 more lbs to go.
Just know you are not alone. I'd like to hear how you're doing this week.
Take Care,
Melissa
Melissa,
Thanks for writing. To be honest, I have let frustration overcome me and have fallen off The South Beach Wagon. I am turning 30 on Sunday, and have sort of morphed into an I-can't-believe-I-am-turning-30-and-I-still-haven't-lost-this-weight depression. So I have been eating everything in sight, basically. REALLY stupid and REALLY destructive. So I am totally ashamed of myself right now. Probably not what you wanted to hear, sorry! I do plan to get back on the Beach, starting phase 1 over again next week.
Hang in there. Add more grains and hopefully you will see more results. It sounds like you are doing great! I'll probably be looking to you for some inspiration when I get back on the SBD wagon!
Kate
Kate,
Don't feel bad. I completely understand how you are feeling. This is my second time around on SBD in a year. It was easier for me this time because I was in the right frame of mind and also because my boyfriend is doing it with me. He has been a huge support and we have held eachother accountable. Plus I have this wonderful group of women to lean on here on ivillage.
I will be 30 in 2 years and it feels like its fast approaching and there is still so much in life I want to accomplish. Losing this weight is one of my top priorities for this year. This is one of the things in life we can control and it will only benefit us in the long run. I know you or should I say, WE can do it! You will be on your way before you know it. Just keep checking back here for support. You can write me anytime.
I hope to hear from you next week on how Phase 1 is going. Talk to you then. :-)
Pages