Need advice on going back to P1
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| 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

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