SB Day Seven Begins...

Good morning friends, happy....Monday?? Yuck. Mondays are not my favorite day of the week. But this Monday marks the beginning of my 7th day on South Beach phase 1. If you've been reading my blog, you'll know that phase one is TWO weeks of NO carbs. Not fun, not fun at all my friends.

I am going to tell you the truth, this is extremely hard. I don't know if this weekend was so excruciating because it was just that, the weekend, or if it's because I really hate this phase and want it to die. Either way, I had a very difficult time over the weekend. But, by sheer will power and determination, I made it. The weekend is over and I successfully stayed on the plan. No carbs for this bread loving girl.

Yesterday we went to a friends house for dinner - they had hamburgers and ribs...yummmm! I, instead, had a hamburger patty with mustard and 2% cheese on it, and steamed broccoli and cauliflower with 2% cheese on it. It was filling. And the good news is that I stepped on the scale this morning and I'm down 4.5 lbs. So my hard work is paying off at least....

If you notice I lack enthusiasm over this diet today, it's because I do. I find myself obsessing over carbs at night. Last night it was Raisin Bran. All I wanted was Raisin Bran. Sooooo bad. It was awful. When I was on Weight Watchers the beauty was that if I wanted that raisin bran, I could have it. You just watch your portions. And if you want to splurge one night, you can, because the plan allows for that. So, today I find myself wondering if this is the right diet for me. So restrictive. I realize it's just two weeks, but I am really contemplating going back on Weight Watchers (the points system) or back to just plain old counting calories. I'm just not sure. I plan on sticking with South Beach today, but I am going to seriously think about what works best for me. I don't like feeling deprived. :(

Well, that's all for now. I'll be back later to tell you about whether I'm sticking with it another week, or if I'm switching back to my old "go-to" Weight Watchers. It always worked for me when I put my mind to it....

Until next time, happy eating and thanks for reading!!

-Sommer

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I Dream of CARBS!!!

Hello friends, Happy Saturday! Woo hoo, there is nothing better than the weekend. I literally live for the weekends. It's my sanity.

Well, I am closing on day 5 of the South Beach Diet, and I have continuously stuck to the plan from day 1. I have to say, the carb cravings are supposed to go away after just a couple of days (according to the book), but that would be a NEGATIVE for me. I am STILL craving carbs! I'll even admit, there was a mild breakdown with tears today. Yes, tears. I love carbs that much. This diet is NOT easy, but I told myself I was going to do this. And I am. I am going to get through this two weeks with no carbs. I CAN DO THIS! No matter how hard or how much I just want a damn piece of bread or a baked potato, or ice cream....oohhhhh ice cream - I am going to complete this challenge. For myself. And because even though it's hard, it's working. And that's motivation enough for me.

Here is what I had to eat today:

Breakfast:

Scrambled eggs with mushrooms, bell pepper, tomato and onion, topped with 2% shredded cheddar and 2 pieces of turkey bacon.

Lunch:

Not much of a lunch because I ate breakfast really late, but I had a snack of Jell-O Sugar Free Strawberry Gelatin and a couple of 2% cheese cubes

Dinner:

I had Salt Grass baby! Oh yes, I had something other than chicken for dinner. That lean steak melted in my mouth......so delicous and such a NEEDED change from chicken. Ugh...I'm getting burned out of chicken. I had the Saltgrass K-Bob with beef tenderloin, a house salad (with no carb-y toppings) and steamed veggies. It was satisfying, but I have to admit. That awesome looking loaf of Shiner Bock Beer Bread they give you that sat on the table throughout our entire meal was awfully yummy looking. My boyfriend was sweet enough to hide it from me...but still. It was there. I am proud to say that I did not have any though! Pat on the back....

For dessert I am going to have a Blue Bunny No Sugar Added Fudge Bar. Yummy!

Well, that's it for today. I am off to watch the Texans play the Saints with my sweet boyfriend. To all of you out there who are facing a challenging diet, you can do it! Until next time, happy eating and thanks for reading!!

-Sommer

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Leeeeeeettt's Play Baaallllll!

Hello friends, happy Thursday again. LOL. That's right, this is my second post for today. But my post this morning was an update on yesterday, and this post is an update for today. Day 3 of the South Beach Diet.

Tonight I went to the Astros game. I got AWESOME seats right behind the dugout (literally, I could set my cup on the dugout) and it was a good game! Astros - 3, Mets - 2. Oh yeah!! Go back to NY, Mets!

Today was a success. I did have a few challenges but luckily with a little will power, and some help from my mom, I overcame!! Here's what I had to eat today:

Breakfast:

Scrambled eggs

Snack:

Almonds

Lunch:

Here's challenge number 1 - I had a hair appointment at lunch and didn't have time to pack my lunch this morning before work. So I was on my way to my hair appointment and was STARVING! My WONDERFUL mom offered to bring me lunch to the hair salon! She is awesome, and it really saved me. Otherwise I would have had to wait another 3 1/2 hours to eat! Here's what I had:

Mixed greens and spinach salad from Salata (delish!) with tomatoes, sprouts, mushrooms, cucumbers, cauliflower, broccoli and grilled chicken. VERY fresh and filling! I wish I had a Salata near my office, I would eat there every day!

Snack:

Baby Dill Pickle

3 - 2% Milk cheese cubes

Tbsp All Natural Peanut Butter on a stick of celery

Dinner:

Dinner was challenge two. We had to eat on the way to the game, and I knew that if I didn't eat before the game, I would be starving before it was over and might succumb to the temptation of all the yummy yet awful for you ball park food. So we stopped at Corner Bakery Cafe. Here's what I had:

Green salad with cucumbers, roasted chicken, tomatoes and artichokes. Good, but a little boring. The Salata salad was much better. BUT, I also think I am burned out on salad today. Nonetheless, it was healthy and followed the plan, SCORE!

One thing at Corner Bakery I did see was that they have Three Lentil and Veggie Soup. I want to look this up to see if its something I can eat. Hopefully Corner Bakery will have their nutritional info on their website....we'll see.

Well, I am super tired and off to have a Blue Bunny No Sugar Added Fudge Bar before climbing into bed. I'll be back soon to update you on my progress.

Until next time, happy eating and thanks for reading!!

-Sommer

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South Beach Diet: Day Two

Hello friends, happy Thursday!




I just wanted to do a quick post this morning to tell you about day #2 on my South Beach Diet adventure. But, before I do that, I had to add this to this blog. Every time I say or think South Beach Diet, it reminds me of the movie Mean Girls (loved it) where "Regina George" says "It's called the South Beach Fat Flush. All you do is drink cranberry juice for 3 days.....I want to lose 3 pounds...." This cracks me up and I've been remembering it for the last few days. LOL. Ahhh, if only we all had it as easy as Regina George and only wanted/needed to lose 3 lbs! What a life!

Ok, well day 2 went great! Except for craving yummy carbs all day, I did very well. I stuck to the plan and am feeling great this morning because I got on the scale, and amazingly I am already down 2 lbs since starting on Tuesday! Here's what I had to eat yesterday:

Breakfast:
Scrambled eggs with salsa (tiny bit of salsa)

Snack:
Baby Dill Pickles (yummmm!)
2% milk cheese cubes

Lunch:
Green salad with bell peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, reduced fat feta, baked chicken breast, garbanzo beans and 2 tbsp. FF italian dressing

Snack:
Almonds

Dinner:
My honey and I went to Cheddars for dinner and I had Grilled Salmon and steamed broccoli.

Dessert:
Blue Bunny No Sugar Added Fudge Bars (2) - 35 calories a piece

Very satisfying! Although I have to admit, at Cheddars I was seeing other people get that croissant with honey butter drizzled on top and it made my mouth water. But I didn't eat one. Hopefully the cravings will go away soon...I know my boyfriend would sure love if they would. LOL.

Well, I said this would be a short post. I'll be back soon to tell you more and how I'm doing. Until next time, happy eating, and thanks for reading!!

-Sommer

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Cake, Cake, I Won't Partake....

Hello friends! Happy Tuesday!

Well, day 1 of Phase 1 of The South Beach Diet, my new venture in healthy eating, has gone well! I have stuck to the diet all day. EVEN with the temptation of CAKE at work! Yes, that's right, we had CAKE at work today to celebrate a birthday. It looked delicious.....but, I did NOT eat any. The carb-loving fat girl in me was screaming, "Eat the cake!!!" but the part of me that wants to badly to feel and look great said NO! But just to give you somewhat of an idea of what I went through, see below. This picture doesn't do it justice though....


So, on my first day here is what I had to eat:

Breakfast:
2 pieces of turkey bacon (not that great by the way....it looks and tastes kind of like bologna...)
2 scrambled eggs (these didn't turn out good either....I took two bites and threw them away, better luck tomorrow?)

Snack:
Almonds

Lunch:
Salad with tomaotes, cucumbers, bell pepper, baked chicken breast, reduced fat feta, 2 tbsp fat free italian dressing

Snack:
2% Milk Cheese Cubes

Dinner:
Baked chicken breast seasoned with FF italian dressing
Black beans
Broccoli with low fat American cheese

I am very satisfied right now. I DID read last night after my grocery shopping trip that you can have sugar free fudgesicles or sugar free popsicles as dessert. So, I plan on going back to the grocery store tonight to stock up on those bad boys!!

Oh, I also worked in a workout today. I did the elliptical machine on a 3/5 interval. I didn't work out long, but wanted to get my blood flowing for a little while. I worked out for 15 minutes and burned 193 calories according to my Polar Heart Monitor watch. Man I love that thing! I plan on working out again tomorrow.

My goal is to lose 10 lbs during this 2 week phase. I am very excited and feeling great so far!

I want to add to this blog that I am simply a regular person who is on a journey to maintain a healthy weight for life. I am not any kind of expert in the foods people should eat, as everyone's body is different and what works for me may not work for you. Everyone's journey is different, and most people's journey is very difficult. It takes a lot of determination and will power, and I personally go through phases of having a LOT of those things, and having very little. It's a lifelong struggle, and I can appreciate anyone who is attempting to take on that struggle. Although I try not to complain when I am not seeing results, or even when I am not putting forth the right amount of effort and just think "My life sucks..." I understand that everyone needs an outlet and some inspiration sometimes. If you are struggling on your journey, remember that you are not alone.

Ok, that's it for tonight. I hope this post has inspired you! Until next time, happy eating and thanks for reading!

-Sommer

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New Week, New Diet

Hello friends, happy Monday!

Well, it is the start of another new week. I have not been feeling motivated counting points, and counting calories is not getting me results fast enough. Also, I am really feeling like I need to cleanse my body. SO.........I am trying the South Beach diet starting tomorrow! I am very excited...and really hoping that I'll see some good results and that this change will help jump-start my weight loss.

For the first two weeks of the South Beach Diet, you cannot have any high carb foods, such as breads, pastas, potatoes, corn, carrots, rice, grains, NO fruit :(....etc etc etc. You also cannot have any sugar or alcohol. You CAN have lean proteins, eggs, nuts, non-carbie vegetables, beans, low fat or fat free cheese, etc. This is going to be a challenge for me. I am a carb-sugar-loving-girl, and giving all of those things up is going to be HARD! BUT, I AM going to do it. After two weeks, you can start incorporating healthy "good" carbs, like fruit, whole grain pastas and breads. But only for one meal a day.

During the first two weeks I should see significant weight loss. I'm excited to see results! I have already gone grocery shopping and stocked up on foods to snack on. Here was my grocery list:

Boneless skinless chicken breast

Bag lettuce for salads (lunch)

cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper (for salad)

Reduced fat feta cheese

2% Milk cheese cubes (for snacking)

Almonds (snacking)

frozen veggies such as broccoli, asparagus and edamame

Fresh veggies such as squash, spaghetti squash, califlower (for steaming)

Ground turkey breast (for SBD friendly taco salad)

Black beans

Eggs (breakfast)

Fat free shredded cheddar

Turkey bacon (breakfast)

It was quite a grocery shopping session, and I am super pumped about getting started tomorrow. :) I think as long as I can make it these two weeks, I will be accustomed to this and can keep going!! Wish me luck! I'll be back tomorrow to tell you about my first day 86 carbs!!

Until then, happy eating and thanks for reading!

-Sommer

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