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Monday, August 31, 2015

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?

12 comments:

Out on the prairie said...

I lost a lot of weight after my surgery, nothing tastes good and small amounts help also.Hope to keep it off.

Anonymous said...

I need to lose weight. I find that restricting calories is the only way to go. You can eat anything and everything -- but just less of it.

Anvilcloud said...

I think it's now best to count calories for me. It's so easy to eat what's on hand and just get the calories within a few seconds by plugging into Google.

Latane Barton said...

I've added 3 or 4 lbs this summer. How in the heck did that happen? Maybe I will join you.

Emma Springfield said...

Best of luck to both of you. Dieting is never easy.

William Kendall said...

But pancakes are so good!

I tend to keep trim by a lot of walking, hiking, and swimming.

DeniseinVA said...

That all sounds very good. I have only heard good things about the South Beach Diet from friends who have been on it.

Birdman said...

South Beach always worked for me. The Diet and the sand.

Linda said...

Sounds awfully close to the way I eat, but my weight keeps edging up anyway!

Anonymous said...

Wow! It is a good news. It is good to keep our body fit to enjoy our life days. I too trying to change my life style of eating to maintain my body...

Connie said...

Losing weight and then keeping it off is a constant struggle for me. Good luck to you!

Maureen @ Josephina Ballerina said...

I lost weight and kept it off after i discovered I was allergic to dairy and wheat. (This was after a colonoscopy.) So, in one fell swoop everything dairy went and wheat and for the most part, other gluten went. It sounds restrictive, but being doubled over in pain is much worse. And the 40 pounds I gained during menopause and could not lose came right off. "Twas amazing. I enjoy food and eat all kinds of stuff. Don't feel deprived at all. Deprived is a mindset.