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some of us need the support (Reply to this comment)
by sleepy_grrl
It sounds like the reviewer here generally doesn't agree with the concept of dieting. She eats a balanced diet and doesn't struggle with her weight. The problem for some of us, though, is that we have tried and failed to keep a balanced diet time and time again and need the extra motivation of going on a diet that lays out all the rules. This diet has worked for me and I've never eaten healthier in my life. I eat tons of veggies, lean protein, and whole grains. If diets are not for you, you are probably not even reading reviews of the South Beach Diet book. If you are looking for some help changing your diet, this is one of the better ones.
I'd like to address a couple of points the reviewer made... 1) she wonders why it's necessary to cut out even whole grains during phase 1, since these things aren't what make you fat. I personally found that due to my addiction to sugar and starches, if I were to eat even whole grains during phase 1, I would go overboard b/c they would be the only grains and starches I could have. By the time phase 1 was over, my cravings had subsided and I could eat them in moderation w/o being tempted to go crazy with them. I'm very happy that the reviewer has enough self-control to not experience this on a daily basis, but not all of us do.
2) The reviewer claims that on this diet, you can't have any homemade muffins or cakes, ever. In fact, this is far from true. I even had muffins on phase 1, which were made of flax meal. There are lots of recipes on the internet, as well as two south beach cookbooks (although I only recommend the quick & easy one, and highly), that are south-beach friendly. Cakes, cookies, breads, and lots of desserts in general. So don't be scared!
The only downside I've found to this diet is that you have to cook a lot. Prepared foods are generally not south-beach friendly, while whole foods generally are.
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Aug 11 '06 12:31 pm PDT
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Forget try the diet, did you even READ the whole book?! (Reply to this comment)
by firefly_rock
Firstly, veal is not allowed in Phase 1. Second, I agree with you that the food in Phase 1 would certainly get tiring after a few months, and that's exactly why it is recognized as the most strict phase and only lasts 2 weeks. Even the author himself notes this as a cause for failure among the dieters; they try to do "Phase 1" forever, which it is clearly not meant to be. It is, however, very satisfying for the 2 [or 3] week period. Speaking from experience [and as a semi-obsessed health-nut], I LOVE this diet. It's the first time I havent "cheated" on a diet ever [I don't feel the need to], and I've never had more energy. I sleep better too and my all-around mood has improved.
But then again, it must all be in my head.. I'm delusional. I haven't eaten rice in days & I'm drunk off all the toxins in the infant cows I've been frying up in my non-coconut oil.
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Apr 22 '06 6:56 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Did you even try this diet? (Reply to this comment)
by pollyhyper
It's obvious that you did not try this diet. You don't need to lose weight? Good for you! Sadly, many of us do.
I think the word "diet" really has 2 different meanings. There is the "Diet" to lose weight, be it the South Beach Diet, the Atkins Diet, whatever. There is the original meaning of the word diet, which infers a "way of eating". You can take SB at either of these levels, but it is intended for the latter. It is a prescription for how to renovate your way of eating, and it makes sense.
No, it is definitely not for everyone, but jeez, don't crack it till ya try it! It's working for lots of people, and I don't just mean lowering their weight.
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Feb 01 '06 12:34 pm PST
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South Beach Good for People Who Need Veggies (Reply to this comment)
by achesbro
One thing nobody mentions is the big pile of vegetables required on this diet. 2 cups at lunch and dinner, 1/2 cup at breakfast, and some suggested for snacks.
Also, the meats and dairy recommended are all low-fat.
This diet has been good for me because I am being inventive with vegetables. Yeah, I could start being a vegetarian...but for me that always turns into rice for 1/2 the meals, root vegetables 1/4 of the time, and candy or fruit the rest of the time. Not many green things.
I cannot tell you what happens in the long term, but I am pleased so far with the improvement in my mood.
Best,
Amy
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Oct 09 '05 11:27 am PDT
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Another point of view... (Reply to this comment)
by Happymom
I appreciate the frank nature of your review. It's good to read such an opposing view point. As a former lacto-ovo vegetarian, I agree with several of your comments. However, after being on the SBD and comfortably losing 30 lbs of post pregnancy weight, I found it to be the best route to better health. (Weight watchers allowed me to eat too much of the bad stuff.) For someone who suffers from Candida Related Complex (too many grains and natural sugars got the best of me!) it helped me work through any cravings and choose better and yet satisfying alternatives. The recipes are fabulous and for those who are vegetarians, the SBD web site offers many alternatives/menus/recipes for non-meat, non-diary eaters. In the end, common sense is the best approach but there are too many people who never received a good foundation of how and what to eat!
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Sep 08 '05 8:53 am PDT
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Re: Did you even try this diet? (Reply to this comment)
by jankp
No, I don't need to go on a diet. It may be satisfying now, but recent studies show that it won't be after some months. Good luck!
Jan
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May 26 '04 11:15 am PDT
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Did you even try this diet? (Reply to this comment)
by xxgolfxx
From your review, it sounds as if you just read the book and did not even attempt this diet. I am currently on the diet and find phase one to be very satisfying. In fact I enjoy it more than phase two or three. Many people give this diet a bad rap because it limits bad foods like ice cream and bad carbs, which you should not eat to begin with.
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May 25 '04 6:44 pm PDT
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Re: DIET??!! (Reply to this comment)
by jankp
Excellent advice. Portion control is a big one that I didn't mention, but usually one only binges on the bad stuff, hehe. Thanks, Payso (Michael), and make yours great too!
Jan
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Feb 29 '04 1:42 am PST
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DIET??!! (Reply to this comment)
by PaySo
Personally, I would buy nothing that says "diet" (anymore). I have tried many types of diet plans, ans am a expert at losing weight. Unfortunately I'm just as adept at gaining weight (even more so!)
Only a change in lifestyle, proper food choices and portion control, and a workable exercise program work for me.
There it is in a nutshell, but that's too short for a book and I won't make a million bucks for it! Oh well (sigh)
Thanks for this review Jan
MAKE it a great day!
Michael (PaySo)
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Feb 27 '04 12:47 pm PST
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Re: Duh, duh, and duh... (Reply to this comment)
by jankp
:-) Yum. Thai food! I'll have to make me some. Loved your list, Simon. Make that whole wheat pasta and brown or wild rice, though!
Jan
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Feb 27 '04 2:26 am PST
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Duh, duh, and duh... (Reply to this comment)
by slarter
... Hello, is anyone paying attention? Just for the curious, here's the slarter key to losing weight (or staying thin, whichever you prefer).
1. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
2. Eat less fried food.
3. Pasta and rice are your friends.
4. Get your ass out and walk, run, swim, cycle, or whatever you can do to burn calories!
5. Stop the stupid fad diets.
6. Read jankp's food and diet-related reviews.
I hate fad diets. But I love avocados and Thai food featuring coconut milk. Therefore I like this review, 'cause it mentioned avocados and coconuts.
Dietary Cheers!
Simon
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Feb 26 '04 5:42 pm PST
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Re: Thanks (Reply to this comment)
by jankp
I will if another diet book strikes me, but don't know if there's anything more to be said, hehe.
Jan
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Feb 26 '04 12:19 pm PST
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Re: Best diet advice is your last few... (Reply to this comment)
by jankp
Yes, we need to be more aware of what our bodies tell us. Thanks, Nick!
Jan
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Feb 26 '04 12:17 pm PST
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Thanks (Reply to this comment)
by Ed.Williamson
for not pulling any punches, Jan. Keep 'em coming!
-Ed
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Feb 26 '04 12:19 am PST
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Best diet advice is your last few... (Reply to this comment)
by NFP
...words: "just take some of his advice."
Everybody has different metabolisms, and even if some rules hold true, they don't always work the same for everyone. Follow regimen guidelines, but also follow what your body tells you it needs. That's what I've been doing with my own custom modified Atkins over the years, and it's been just fine, even if not strictly correct.
Good one. nick
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Feb 25 '04 9:16 pm PST
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Re: I (Reply to this comment)
by jankp
Yeah, if you aren't willing to go back to phase one a lot or stay on it maybe, you will gain. Thanks for the comment!
Jan
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Feb 25 '04 2:02 am PST
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I (Reply to this comment)
by theresaro
couldn't agree with you more on this. Nice Job! I know so many people that went on this diet once they were off they gained more weight then they weighed when they started the diet. All because their eating habits were not good.
Teri :)
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Feb 25 '04 1:46 am PST
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