Hi.....I'm new and have questions!!

[coulditbe1]

I've been on the South Beach Diet since July 17th. I've lost 17lbs, and seem to be stuck :Sarcastic: I'm getting frustrated, although, I've read and reread posts about how the weight loss is supposed to be slow and steady and the plateau's are to be expected....I'm still feeling frustrated!! Here is what I've done. I started phase 1 on July 17th and went three weeks on that phase (as I have 86lbs to lose) and lost 12lbs on that phase. I started phase 2 on August 7th and to date (Aug. 25th) have only lost 5lbs. NOTHING THIS WEEK. So when I say I'm stalling, the scale hasn't moved in 9days......nothing, not up or down. Man, I feel like I'm doing everything "right", although, I am slacking on the excersice......which I am starting walking today.......but can anyone help me understand why the scale hasn't moved in 9 days? I'm just feeling defeated.......
????: South Beach Diet Forums http://www.southbeachdietbulletinboard.com/introduction-forum-just-say-hello/1209-hi-im-new-have-questions.html

my typical menu goes like this:

Breakfast: Kashi with 1% milk
Snack: Plain yogurt with cottage cheese (splenda and vanilla)
Lunch: Salad
Snack: almonds and string cheese
Dinner: Protein and a salad
Dessert: SF fudgesicle......

this is my menu most days.....if there is anything missing, please let me know...

Thank you guys so much and I'm looking forward to getting to know you all

[mln2603]

You are doing great!!!! :Clap: Congrats!!!! & Welcome! :Welcome:

It's not really considered a stall until you haven't lost for atleast a month... your body is just taking a break and catching up with the weightloss... hang in there, you'll be loosing again soon...

[coulditbe1]

wow....thanks for the quick reply.....you think that is all it is? Have you experienced any of this on phase 2? I guess that is what I'm looking for, someone who has had this happen to them......and they went on to lose more weight.......again, thanks for the reply :wave:

[nancy]

Congratulations on 17 Pounds lost and kept off!!! :joy: No need to feel defeated. You're succeeding!!!

I agree with what Mary says about your body adjusting. I know it seems like a long time, and is dissapointing after your encouraging weight loss in the beginning. Just keep doing the right things & you will start losing again.

Originally Posted by coulditbe1

...this is my menu most days.....if there is anything missing, please let me know...

Your menu doesn't seem to follow the Meal Model template.

Originally Posted by coulditbe1

I am slacking on the excersice......which I am starting walking today.......

It should help as you up your exercise. Are you doing some muscle strengthening exercise too, to increase your metabolism?



And also, exercising more and following the Meal Model more should give your metabolism a boost, if it's slowed down.

[nancy]

Originally Posted by coulditbe1

...Have you experienced any of this on phase 2? I guess that is what I'm looking for, someone who has had this happen to them......and they went on to lose more weight.......

That happened many, many times for me in Phase 2. In fact, sometimes it seemed like I spent more time in stand-stills than with the numbers going down. But, eventually, it kept going down.

Don't forget your non-scale victories all along the way! Share them with us, if you like.

[luv2bike]

The only thing I would like to add is, are you satisfied with what you've been eating? I ask this because it doesn't look like very much to me. Of course I don't know your portion sizes. I KNOW that we don't have to watch calories ...... but they are important and I'm wondering if you're getting enough.
????: South Beach Diet Forums http://www.southbeachdietbulletinboard.com/showthread.php?t=1209

Do as Nancy suggested and take a look at the meal model for phase 2 and try to follow that as closely as possible, getting in your good fats, dairy, veggies and protein at each meal. If you continue eating below 1200 calories you set yourself up for a slow down with your metabolism. I've heard it described as "starvation mode". I'm NOT saying that it's your problem now, but it could happen down the road. I just want to let you know.

I think that if you'll try following the meal model, you'll be getting between 1200 and 1500 calories and with you doing your exercise, that should be enough to keep the scales moving. Exercise is very important in losing and keeping the weight off. And you will feel so much better. I just love walking up a couple of flights of stairs and not gasping for breath any more! :joy:

Welcome to the board and please stay in touch! :wave:

[coulditbe1]

Thank you for the replys and the honesty!! Can you help me understand what I'm missing as far as the menu template goes? I guess I'm a little confused, I thought I was doing things 100% correctly. Thanks again.....if it's not too much trouble, can you jot down your menus? Something that does confuse me on the meal model.......is it says protein for breakfast.....well what if I have cereal......with milk.....am I supposed to add an egg as well.....aaaaackkkkkkk I'm totally getting confused! Your help is much needed and appreciated!!

[nancy]

Well, first of all, you're doing alot right! You've even lost 5 pounds on Phase 2. Many people come to a complete standstill when they start Phase 2.

I assume you've read all of the Stickies at the top of the Phase 2 Forum and have looked around at other posts on reintroducing starches and fruits.

In the beginning of Phase 2, it really is safest to add the cereal to a full meal, including a veggie, a protein, & a good fat in addition to the dairy. The milk is counted as a dairy, not a protein. Having all those food groups lowers the glycemic load, so your blood sugar doesn't rise too high or too quickly from the cereal.

Personally, I'm still really careful, even though I've been on SB for 2 years. I almost always have my starch or fruit with a meal including the different food groups. But for breakfast now, I often have oatmeal or 5-grain cereal with 2 servings dairy & 1 tsp oil, and a veggie & don't have protein (since dairy has protein).

Then, if you're still losing and you're not having cravings, you could experiment with having less.


So, for the rest of your typical menu, I'll say what you don't mention....

Originally Posted by coulditbe1

Snack: Plain yogurt with cottage cheese (splenda and vanilla) (If you're not having the results you want, it is best to have some veggie with your protein snacks-but it's not required.)
Lunch: Salad (You don't mention oil or protein.)
Snack: almonds and string cheese
Dinner: Protein and a salad (You don't mention oil.)
Dessert: SF fudgesicle......

Hope this is more clear. Let us know when you have more questions, and also how you're doing.

[coulditbe1]

wow.....so that is kinda of a lot of food then. For breakfast this morning, I am having an egg, hm salsa, turkey bacon, black beans and milk.........oh my egg is fried in canola oil.........that rounds it out......right? Now if I wanted to add a carb to my breakfast, I would add cereal to all that? I hope I can get this right......I have read the stickies......I'm such a weird learner.....LOL....I almost need to touch it......I need to check the book out again at the library.......I do have protein with my salad......if anything.....the oil is hard for me to get...I guess I'm just trying to wrap my head around this, sorry for the all the questions......

[nancy]

I understand, coulditbe! I learn much better by practicing doing things myself. There are details that it takes time to get straight when you're starting. After a some time, it does become more second nature.

That's a great idea to read the book again. When I read it again I read things I'd forgotten that made it all more clear. Dr. A. talks about the importance of the good oils to keep the BS stable too.

I know it sounds like alot of food. You can gradually cut down on your amount of protein & veggies. You don't need to have the black beans with breakfast. You might gradually find other recipes that you enjoy.

In Phase 1, I had been eating extra protein and extra veggies that I gradually cut down on.

Keep on clarifying whenever your want!!!:Clap: