Back to Basics

No, we're not going to boot camp, but it seems like that because of what we're doing (again) for the next few weeks (or longer). 

Instead of saying this is (shhh) a diet, we're calling it our re-newed lifestyle change. And, that's exactly how Dr. Agaston, the SB diet guru, describes it. We found out, once again, that we need to alter our food prep and eating ways.

To explain a bit, we're not processed food junkies (no chips or cookies in the pantry) and we don't frequent fast-food places, although we have been known to eat at iHOP, a few burger places and especially ice cream (no calories in homemade, right?). We eat out, by necessity, when traveling. Back home, we prepare meals, mostly with items bought from outer food aisles: dairy, fish, poultry, meat. We do venture into the center grocery aisles for goods like spices, beans and tomatoes. And, we've known to go to the frozen food area for ice cream (also some frozen veggies). 

So, what's the problem?

Just this, we've been enjoying too much of GOOD things that are (apparently) not-so-good in terms of losing weight, like fresh fruit, toasted English muffin with cream cheese, fried eggs and bacon, weekend pancakes. We keep active and walk everywhere (yes, even in winter) as our apt is so close to downtown Nashua  and we use the in-house gym. But weight was remaining nearly constant with only slight changes — not good enough.

We needed to make changes . . .

That meant finding (and agreeing) on a plan we could both follow. So we're returning to South Beach for a couple of reasons: (1) we really liked it and didn't find it restrictive and more importantly (2) we have ALL the books, which include recipes and tips.

The SB plan is divided into 3 Phases. The first is the most restrictive, but only for 2 weeks. Then, you move into Phase 2 and are supposed to follow it until reaching your goal. Phase 3 is your new way of dealing with food, indefinitely.

Phase 1 seems tough to some —no alcohol (beer, wine, etc), no fruit at all, no juices, low-fat or non-fat dairy products (including cheeses), no starches of any type (bread, potatoes, cereal, pasta, rice, etc.) limited servings of some things, like nuts (enjoy cashews, almond, peanuts, pecans, walnuts) just not the whole package. All types of green veggies are good. Best news is you DO NOT count calories or servings, just remain within the set guidelines.

Lest anyone think we're eating boring and/or tasteless meals, here's a sampling of what we've cooked recently: Scrambled Eggs & Salmon, Red Bean Hash,Vegetable Quiche, Vegetable Moussaka,  Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Summer Squash and Green Olives, Mediterranean Skillet Salmon, and Shepherd's Pie.  And, we'll be sharing some of these meals in future posts.

Anyone else working on weight-loss issues — If so, what's worked (or not) for you?