Considering South Beach...
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Considering South Beach...
| Mon, 04-12-2004 - 10:48am |
Hi everyone! I've been poking around the board(s) here for a little while, gathering information and getting a general idea of how South Beach is working out for others. A friend of mine started Phase I about 2 wks ago on the recommendation of her doctor and she's pretty impressed with the results she's getting... so now I'm wondering if I shouldn't go ahead and give it a shot.
I have the list of Phase I foods and have created my own list from it of the things I can/would actually eat... I'm seriously picky and fairly bland. I'm wondering if it would be hard to adapt what I'd be eating to a nutritious meal for the whole family? I have a 2 yo son, 5 yo daughter and an almost 8 yo daughter (my 8 yo is also overweight). My oldest daughter and I are going to begin an "exercise" plan very soon... to consist of an early morning walk 2 times a week to see how she does and move up from there as she can handle. We're just waiting on the morning temp to average out somewhere over 30! I, personally, need to try to lose 40-60 lbs. This morning puts me at 190 and someday I'd love to be able to see 130. I've asked our physician about dieting for my daughter but he doesn't feel I should be restricting her in any way at this point in time (I disagree, as she is now 102 lbs and gets easily winded even just dressing herself sometimes). So it's my hope that if I'm able to successfully follow South Beach that she herself will begin to unknowingly modify her *own* food choices and serving sizes to at least stabilize her weight gain until she can grow into it. And I'm guessing that she's as much an emotional eater as I am and that the one on one walking time together would do us both a world of good :o)
Anyway, got a little winded myself in this post... sorry!! Does anyone here successfully modify the plan to serve the entire family? How does it work out? I assume it's more cost and time effective to buy and prepare similar meals all around? All comments and suggestions greatly appreciated! :o)
I have the list of Phase I foods and have created my own list from it of the things I can/would actually eat... I'm seriously picky and fairly bland. I'm wondering if it would be hard to adapt what I'd be eating to a nutritious meal for the whole family? I have a 2 yo son, 5 yo daughter and an almost 8 yo daughter (my 8 yo is also overweight). My oldest daughter and I are going to begin an "exercise" plan very soon... to consist of an early morning walk 2 times a week to see how she does and move up from there as she can handle. We're just waiting on the morning temp to average out somewhere over 30! I, personally, need to try to lose 40-60 lbs. This morning puts me at 190 and someday I'd love to be able to see 130. I've asked our physician about dieting for my daughter but he doesn't feel I should be restricting her in any way at this point in time (I disagree, as she is now 102 lbs and gets easily winded even just dressing herself sometimes). So it's my hope that if I'm able to successfully follow South Beach that she herself will begin to unknowingly modify her *own* food choices and serving sizes to at least stabilize her weight gain until she can grow into it. And I'm guessing that she's as much an emotional eater as I am and that the one on one walking time together would do us both a world of good :o)
Anyway, got a little winded myself in this post... sorry!! Does anyone here successfully modify the plan to serve the entire family? How does it work out? I assume it's more cost and time effective to buy and prepare similar meals all around? All comments and suggestions greatly appreciated! :o)
~Ann

I think you can be VERY successful in feeding your whole family this way. I also seriously disagree with your physician. I don't think you should be "limiting" her either, in the sense that she should be dieting. But I would think he would help you find a way to change her eating habits as well. I am certain she would benefit from fewer empty calories and sugary breads. I know I have to watch my DS. He goes chubby quickly if I don't pay attention to what I allow him to have.
On feeding your family. Shop south beach and add some healthy sides (whole grain pasta's, brown rice and such) and they won't feel they're missing a thing. Have healthy snacks on hand. I know a lot of people make sweet potato "fries" for their kids instead of buying them potato chips. You wouldn't want them for you on Phase 1, but they could have them.
There are a lot of great ideas around here for adapting this lifestyle to a family who won't be as strict. I am finding it easy to do for my DH and DS.
Hope you give it a try. I was a little skeptical myself, but after reading some things on internet and this board, I was the same as you. Why not give it a shot?
Becky
158/151/135
:o)
~Ann
Welcome and good luck!
Like you, I had friends who were happy and successful with SBD, so I decided to give it a whirl. I am a big fan and believer. I am really hoping that DH and I will develop better long-term habits out of this. He doesn't have any weight to lose (at 6' he is probably only 140 lbs--drives me NUTS), but has terrible eating habits. B/c of a hectic work day, he is apt to have instant oatmeal and a bag of chips for lunch. The carb crash hits about the time he gets home, when he has more chips or is super cranky. So he is on the diet with me, and probably eating more than he normally would b/c I'm packing him breakfast, lunch and snacks.
My guess is that you will be happier (less harried) if you family eats essentially the same stuff as you. Switch to whole grain breads for the kids' cereals and sandwich breads, substitute healthy snacks, whole grain sides at dinner, sugar-free or fruit desserts.
I am appalled that your physician doesn't think your DD's weight should be addressed. Diets--denial of food-type diets--don't work with kids b/c then they just want to binge as soon as they are out of your sight. But by giving her healthier options, and educating her on why they are healthier options (she's old enough to understand a lot), you are giving her a better future. And those morning walks could become treasured time together, especially important as children seem to be maturing so quickly these days! Oh, and get DD to help with the meal planning. Having some ownership and license for creativity could be a great way to keep her involved.
And don't think of it as a diet. It's a change to a healthier way of living. Just have to detox first.
And don't forget to take measurements as well as a weigh in. Sometimes the tape measure will tell you more than the scale, especially if you are starting a new exercise program at the same time.
good luck!
Kate
Let us know what you decide.
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~*~Amy~*~
I "officially" started this morning with 2 hard boiled egg whites (I can't stand egg yolk), a couple of cucumber slices and only one cup of coffee sweetened with Splenda and a splash of FF Milk. I don't usually eat breakfast... but I do usually drink a pot of coffee by noon soooooo we'll see how it goes! DD had *one* cereal bar and a small glass of FF Milk - which is good. We sat and ate together instead of our usual morning rush-around and I think just by doing that she could eat slower and enjoy what she had more and it was a big help b/c she didn't ask for more and seemed satisfied - which I can see as nothing but a good thing! Totally forgot how important it is to slow down and take time together - This *feels* like it's going to be a good thing for the whole family in way more ways than one.
A glance over the weather report shows a great possibility for our first mother-daughter walk on Friday morning... DD is excited :o) I'm feeling pretty good myself :o)
~Ann