Continued adventures in dieting

Here are some things I knew gave me blood sugar fits even before I started this diet:

--white potatoes

--alcohol on an empty stomach

--fruit juice sweetened yogurt plus granola sweetened with honey and maple syrup

--waffles with maple syrup

I've also recently learned that eating fruit at breakfast is likely to make me hungry much sooner. Sticking to a protein heavy breakfast seems to work best for me.

Since I started this diet, I've lost 5 lbs. I'd like to think I've gained a bit of muscle weight in the past week, since I've been doing some circuit training along with the "30 day shred" DVD. But who knows? The important thing is that my pants are no longer tight!

South Beach Diet, Phase 2

I started adding grains and fruit to my diet a few days ago. I've had apples, nectarines, pears, rye, popcorn, and today I tried wheat (for the first time in over 2 weeks).

Wheat is the only thing that threw me a little. I ate a Phase 2 friendly muffin (made with wheat bran and whole wheat pastry flour), and suddenly wanted another. Even after 2 I was still hungry in a weird way. Later in the day I ate a third muffin, and had this "ick" I didn't need that feeling.

So I don't quite know how to explain it, but I have this feeling that wheat doesn't quite agree with me, even when it is whole grain. But the effect wasn't hugely bad, so it's still worth testing some more.

South Beach Diet, Day 13

I guess I must have moved into Phase 2 today, because I went to a Mariners game and ended up eating some popcorn. Later at Gorditos I had a few corn chips.

Tomorrow I am planning to get some apples. So slowly, I'll be adding back fruit, grains and sugars in limited quantities. I'll keep you posted if there's anything worth mentioning!

South Beach Diet, Day 11

I have gone through 1 liter of olive oil in less than 2 weeks!

I feel pretty good, but do miss some of the things I'm not eating, like apples, corn chips and wheat bread. I don't miss candy and sweets though (after all, I am getting my chocolate fix from sugar-free chocolate, and chocolate has always been the only candy that matters to me, (as an adult at least)).

Although I feel pummeled by the amount of cooking (and dish washing I have been doing), we are not eating out hardly at all now, and Troy has gotten in the habit of packing a lunch.

I'm not paying super close attention to the actual weight loss, but I think it has been 4-5 lbs. so far. Last I checked, I had lost about 1 inch to my general circumference. Not bad for just 11 days.

Perhaps one of these best things about this is breaking free of the tyranny of simple carbs. I am no longer shoveling crackers in my mouth or just because they are there, or eating candy and ice cream simply because we have it in the house. I have learned to plan meals around veggies and proteins, not around bread, tortillas and corn chips. Having a garden full or spinach and lettuce helps on those days when I haven't gotten to the store and am short on greens. I snack on mint and parsley, and enjoy it!

Stay tuned for future updates.