Need advice on going back to P1

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2007
Need advice on going back to P1
6
Thu, 09-27-2007 - 6:59am

It will be 2 years in January that I have been on South Beach.  I remember thinking last year "if I can get thru the winter months when activity is slower and maintain, it is a good thing"  Well, I am at that point again, only this time it seems worse.  The scale doesn't change much weight wise, but I start to feel "flabby".  I am walking and biking, with out seeing much results, except I feel like that "inner tube" is coming back.  I am thinking about going back to P1 for 2 weeks.  Has anyone done this before and does it help to "cleanse" out the body doing this?  I know you will mention more exercise, but to be very honest, I am not the aerobics type, never have been, partly because all my exercising in the past has never been an issue.  Would really appreciate your replies.


Kathy

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2006
Thu, 09-27-2007 - 7:09am

The last thing I would suggest is aerobics! You didn't mention if you strength train? Weight training is the key to shaping your body. I sounds like you don't have pounds to lose on the scale but want to firm/tone and feel leaner. The best way to do this is weight training and building muscle. And I don't mean little pink 2lb dumbbells. A lot of us here are fans of high-weight/low-rep strength training. Its important to really bring your muscles to failure with each set.

I personally wouldn't go back to phase 1. I don't think it will give the results you want. Phase 1 is strictly about detoxing and controlling blood sugar levels to reduce intense hunger/craving cycles. That's it. That's its only purpose. You could try going back from phase 3 to phase 2 if you really wanted to. And get strict about "counting" and measuring again.

But honestly, if you are at a healthy weight and just feeling "flabby" - then strength training is the way to go.

















belizesig1
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 09-27-2007 - 7:11am

Hi Kathy,
Phase 1 is really just for detoxing at the beginning, you shouldn't have a problem losing weight on a strict Phase 2. Keep in mind that the basics of Phase 2 are:
4 1/2 c. veggies every day
2 c. dairy (milk & yogurt, cheese doesn't count)
2-3 servings of fruit
2-3 servings of grains
unlimited amounts of protein, but start with 3 oz. portions

It takes about 10 days of not exercising for your body to begin to atrophy because it thinks it doesn't need the muscle. I'm not the aerobics type either, LOL. If you're feeling flabby, I would definitely recommend training with weights. Use heavy weights with fewer reps to really push yourself -- don't worry, you won't get bulky muscles I promise. In order to lose weight, most articles I've been reading recommend 60 minutes of exercise most days (30 minutes to maintain). Keep up that walking, add in some weight work, enjoy Phase 2 meals and you'll be losing it in no time!

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South Beach siggy
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Thu, 09-27-2007 - 7:15am

Kathy,


The only reason to return to phase 1 is if your cravings are out of control.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2007
Thu, 09-27-2007 - 7:17am
Thanks so much gals, P1 really wasn't thrilling me, but if need be, I would have.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 09-27-2007 - 7:24am
I would suggest starting with 15-18-or 20 pound dumbbells or try the kettlebells that are the new thing -- I saw some at Target yesterday that come with an instructional DVD. One of our members, Patty (somerandomthoughts) who is a physical trainer has totally transformed her body with kettlebells.
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South Beach siggy
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Thu, 09-27-2007 - 7:29am
If this is your first time weight training you'll probably need to start a little lower and then build up.
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