I'm Sitting on the Floor!

About three weeks ago, I decided to try the South Beach eating plan. I'm one of those people who - after 40 years of dieting had totally given up on diets and - until now - I'd always figured South Beach was just another fad, but a good friend is having a lot of success following it so I decided - for a change - to forgo contempt prior to investigation. To begin, I read "The South Beach Diet," the book written by Dr. Arthur Agatston in which he lays out the eating plan and explains the health benefits behind it. Much to my dismay - it made complete sense. Dismay because I couldn't just dismiss it and move on. Instead, I decided to plunge in and give it a try.

During "Phase One" (the first 2 weeks) I followed the plan and gave up all obvious carbs - sugar, flour, fruit, potatoes, and rice, as well as the not so obvious onions and carrots. I was already fully aware that I am sugar sensitive (meaning - within a few days of eating it I turn into a human garbage disposal) and I'd given up sugar before, but I'd never tried going without all carbs. The results were surprising.

The book predicts that if the plan is followed correctly, 8-12 pounds will probably come off during Phase 1. For me, it was only 7.5 but I didn't quibble because...duh...7.5 pounds!! Plus, I'd lost 2" on my waist and 1" on my hips. This was all great but the most interesting and unexpected result of the two weeks came when I suddenly realized that the nearly constant ache in my hip joints had faded. It had been ages since I could sit cross-legged on the floor and not feel like I was 90 when I tried to stand.

After Phase 1, carbs - in moderation - are brought back into the eating plan. Our bodies need carbs for energy but the fact is, not all carbs are good for me. So, as of last week, I'm eating fruit again and looking forward to having some brown rice but - at least for now - I'm going to continue to abstain from all white food (sugar, potatoes, white rice, white flour). Right now, I don't miss them and in the long run, I'm better off without them. It's a win-win plan.

This is Day 18 and I'm doing fine. I'm working out, eating well, using Spark to track my nutrition and exercise, and I'm sitting on the floor! I haven't felt this good or this hopeful in a really long time.