Today I started Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. I hesitate to even talk about it, since God I can’t stand people who are always on about their stupid diets, but I’m hoping this won’t be too painful for you. The thing is, this diet actually makes sense, it’s just a combination of all the things we already know about how we’re supposed to eat: less processed food, restricted bad carbs, lots of lean protein, and no sugar. These first two weeks will be the hardest, since, uh, I can’t have any alcohol. Not even wine. Not one drop. I’ve wanted to cut back anyway, so hopefully I can prove that I can get on without it. And the first phase, it’s only two weeks. If I could manage basic training for 8 weeks and working in middle management for a real estate investment trust for 4 years, I think I can handle two weeks of just about anything.
It’s hard to talk about where I am right now physically. I’ve liked to joke that I have the OPPOSITE of anorexia, that I look in the mirror and think I’m actually thin…but the truth is that joke is just a mask hiding my unhappiness with my appearance. I’ve been too depressed or lazy or complacent and I’ve let this low self-esteem thing grow bigger and stronger than I am. I recently saw some really horrible photos of myself, pics so bad I didn’t even recognize myself. And I thought, enough. Enough already.
I’m not sure I have the guts to take any full-body “before” pics, but if I reach my goal, I promise I’ll post some of the “after” pics. If there’s anyone living here in Playa del Carmen who is interested in getting healthier, I’m going to need all the motivation and help I can get (read that as screaming at my ass to get out and exercise and/or to PUT THE DAMNED GUMMY BEARS DOWN). I’ve got some good recipe connections, too and the first one’s free.
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; I fight the Battle of the Bread and Butter.
[...] Low Carb Friends wrote an interesting post today on Facing The Cheeto Demons, Day 1Here’s a quick excerptToday I started Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. I hesitate to even talk about it, since God I can’t stand people who are always on about their [...]
By: South Beach Diet » Facing The Cheeto Demons, Day 1 on February 12, 2008
at 3:53 am
Good luck on your diet.
One of my new years resolution was to lose weight. To help me I but a ticker on my blog showing my weight loss (not my weight!).
Every time I go to misbehave I know everyone will see the results!
Right now it is counting down to 25 pounds of weight lose, once I get close to that target, I will bump it up to 40.
Once I get to 40, CHEESEBURGER TIME!
Todd
By: Todd McIntosh on February 12, 2008
at 7:34 am
You know, it’s funny. A lot of us bloggers will write about our feelings, our opinions, our rages and our deepest musings, but when it comes down to the real meat of our most difficult challenges, I think we might be less than forthcoming. The fact that you put it down, for the blogger-world to see, tells me you are serious about it. Changing your behaviors is always difficult, but I find that writing about something makes it more real to me, like it’s set in stone. I have a few things I need to change in my lifestyle that I have not yet faced enough to blog about, so I applaud you in taking the first step. You have a ton of readers and therefore a ton of support ~
Bravo and suerte!
By: Joyce on February 12, 2008
at 8:25 am
Congratulations, Heather. I have no doubt you will succeed. I will be cheering you on, and so will lots of other people. The diet (is “eating plan” more friendly? maybe we should call it that) sounds really interesting. It seems like a relatively commonish strategy to shock the system and lose weight fast at first, so it must be a good plan. It will be exciting to hear about your success.
I understand about the reverse anorexia thing. I *feel* the same as I do at my ideal weight, and it genuinely surprises me when I just can’t get into the clothes I want to wear. I’m on the train, too, although so far I’m just working out diligently every other day and not dieting. I think I may start juice-fasting one day a week, though, and eating normally the other days. (Uh, not that I’d be starting that *today* mind you. Maybe some time next week.) And I feel your pain about the alcohol. You’re a strong girl.
By: Julie A. on February 12, 2008
at 8:54 am
Todd, that’s a great idea! Where do I get one of those ticker things? The problem is, first, I need to get a scale, I guess. Haven’t owned one in years.
Joyce, you’re right. It’s in black and white now, there’s no dodging it.
Julie, you’re such a perfect-looking person, I strive to look more like you. The exercise is the next hurdle I have to jump. I like it once I start, but man, does it suck before that.
Thanks to all three of you for your support.
By: heatherinparadise on February 12, 2008
at 9:38 am
Good Luck Heather. Although, just like my Vanessa you always look beautiful to me. I am dragging my feet. I have been meaning to get the South Beach Diet book but don’t want to pay full price (just in case it doesn’t work for me) but I have had a couple of people tell me how great it works. I will go to half price books today (or tomorrow). I have also been meaning to get back to the Y as I have been paying $66.00 a month to be a silent, fat and unfit member. Part of the $66.00 is for a locker and I swear there is so much dust in the locker that when I do go to the Y I sneak into the locker room to clean it out when there is no one in there. So o.k you have given me some motivation. I will start as soon as I finish this half bag of red ju ju fish that I have in front of me (it’s breakfast and you should eat breakfast – right!).
By: Nan on February 12, 2008
at 9:54 am
Nan, I used to see hundreds of the South Beach books at used book stores, so you can find it there. I also have a South Beach cookbook that not only has a basic rundown of the diet and what you need to do, but has lots of really good recipes, so you could kill two birds with one stone and buy that.
I used to love eating gummi bears for breakfast. Ah, the good times that are no more.
By: heatherinparadise on February 12, 2008
at 10:13 am
Hello Heather
The ticker I use I got at:
http://www.tickerfactory.com
You can look at how I have mine set up on my blog: http://lifeinthecorazon.blogspot.com/
I prefer to use the one that shows the weight loss rather than the total weight.
Focus on the goal rather than the problem.
I have also started a running program that is suppose to take you from couch to 10K run in 13 weeks.
It is a nice slow progression, this week a am doing 8 sets of 1:30 run 3:30 walk.
Next week it gets bumped up to 2 min run 3 min walk.
Remember slow and steady win the race!
Good Luck from your shrinking friend in Patzcuaro!
Todd
By: Todd McIntosh on February 12, 2008
at 10:57 am
Heather – I do a modified low-carb program (kinda like Atkins with vodka and a lotta sex).
You are gonna love the results of your efforts. Dropping the carbs really agrees with me; my digestive system, my energy levels and most importantly, that bloat thing drops almost immediately (within the first 3 days). It’s not so much the poundage but how evenly it falls off.
Once you get into the mindset, the rest becomes easy.
Carole
By: Carole on February 12, 2008
at 11:32 am
Ashley and Mike both did South Beach a couple of years ago and had great success. Mike was almost too successful as, when his mother saw him after the weight loss, she thought he had “something to tell her”… like, diabetes or cancer.
Ashley started it again last week, since she gained a lot of baby weight.
When Mike was on it, we grilled a lot and used the recipes we found online for meat and veggie dishes. I loved the egg quiche loaf thing for breakfast and a couple of the crock pot meat dishes, we still make.
The first week you can get VERY tired, as your body switches over from running on carbs to not. Mike was not prepared for that and had some very drag-ass days that kind of scared him.
Good luck and happy eating!
By: charmarie221 on February 12, 2008
at 12:58 pm
Wow… I guess I’m to thank for this? (Or beat up for it…) I’m probably one of those people you can’t stand for talking about it, but I can be a good resource of healthy eating ideas if you want any. Mine isn’t that much different from South Beach… plenty of protein and healthy carbs only. I also have a zillion “sweets” that are legal and not entirely disgusting. Anyway, I wish you a ton of luck. But you gotta know we all think you’re gorgeous whatever size you are.
By: Susie Q Roo on February 12, 2008
at 1:46 pm
Susie, you’re not always on about your diet, it’s just a way of life for you. What I meant was the people who do “fad” diets like the Grapefruit diet or whatever and then brag about how great it is. And yeah, those photos WERE a wake-up call, so I do have you to thank. I was hoping you’d be one of the people to lend support, since you are such a pro at the healthy living thing. BTW, did I happen to leave my hoodie at your house? If not, I left it at the restaurant. *cry*
By: heatherinparadise on February 12, 2008
at 2:02 pm
I want to clarify, too, that I do NOT think I’m fat. I’m a size 12, and size 12 is not fat, people. This is about being my best self, having higher energy, and not being self-conscious about my poor state of health and body tone. Health comes in different shapes and sizes, and I am just not healthy. Simply put.
By: heatherinparadise on February 12, 2008
at 2:06 pm
Hey! get walking!! you promised – didn’t you??! I thought you looked just fine when I met you but yes, it is all about the feeling better about yourself. I wish you every success!
By: Bev on February 12, 2008
at 10:02 pm
8,000 steps today, Bev…I’m a little short! I’ll have to walk the dogs a bit longer tomorrow!
Thanks again for everything you did. It was so kind of you.
By: heatherinparadise on February 12, 2008
at 10:11 pm
Heather, you are a sweetheart. You have real struggles that you are so willing to share, and you give so much, it was easy to give a little back. I really wanted to do something for you. I hope you know that the healthy part is only a small bit of the whole you. You are a lovely person.
Oh, and the 8,000 steps, probably 4,000 more than me today! I should go and get a pedometer and then I would know for sure, I was a slug today!
By: Bev on February 12, 2008
at 10:57 pm
Oh – so I guess that means the plan I started hatching yesterday of sending you tons of German sweets with a mule is cancelled then……….good for you though to make that descision and very “strong” to write about it openly!!!
Have to admit when I saw the word “diet” first I cringed- as so many diets are so nonsensical from a medical point of view (as in “The don’t eat for two weeks and just live off love and air”-diet type……hello jojo), others are almost dangerous (I won’t name that ONE diet that I am thinking of esp. when saying that as many folks swear by it and I’ll get piled on or something……….).
But this diet seems perfectly alright and almost common sense- and more importantly has the goal of changing eating habits long term, which is so important- can we say jojo again?
Although I thought you looked perfectly wonderful when I last saw you I know how much the feeling of not looking good can wear one down. Heck- I have been batteling it since coming back from Mex with 10 pds extra. Although folks probably don’t even SEE those extras I FEEL them. Blergh.
I have no doubt that you will see this through!! Do keep us updated on the progress!!
HUGS
Jo
By: Joana on February 13, 2008
at 2:50 am
Heather,
Have someone mule you down the South Beach Diet Quick and Easy cookbook.
I am down 15 pounds in the last 5 or 6 weeks with South Beach – Phase 1.5 I call it now
By: Ron on February 13, 2008
at 2:22 pm
i think i’m gonna start a detox-y type thing next week… i’ve gone WAY overboard on the coffee and chocolate lately… been riding the “you look great for just having a baby” coattails too long. drat.
By: charity on February 15, 2008
at 2:31 pm
Hi Heather!
I did South Beach Diet a couple years ago! I lost 13lbs withing 8 weeks. The first two are tough! Stick with it it is a great program….and it gets easier in Phase 2! I am doing a cardio core bootcamp in April before our trip to Playa…need to rid myself of wobbly bits….well except for the good ones..;)
Goodluck!
Tommygurl:)
By: Melissa on February 15, 2008
at 6:20 pm