Today, my friends, a momentous goal has been reached. 5 months ago I set out to change my junk food ways and drop all the extra me that had accumulated over the years. I started out at 214 lbs. and set my goal at 175 lbs.
Today the scale read 174.
To anyone looking for a healthier lifestyle, I can’t say enough about the South Beach Diet. It’s not a fad, it’s not a gimmick. It’s just plain simple science applied to your blood chemistry and the way your body absorbs foods. I’ll try not to go on too long since Jess and I have each spouted voluminously about this diet, but there are a few things I want to say.
1. I too am sick of hearing about all the fad diets and low carb this low carb that. Yes I follow the South Beach Diet, and am very glad for the influx of low carb foods making diets like this so much easier now (although, don’t be fooled, South beach is NOT just about “low carb”). This is not a diet in the sense of “something you temporarily do to lose weight”. It is a diet in the sense of “this is my usual food and drink for the rest of my life” such as “A lemur’s diet consists of fruit and insects”. As I’ve said before, it’s the only diet that actually made sense to me after reading the book (something I can’t say about Atkins).
2. I’m not here to try and convince or coerce anyone into eating like I do. I think everyone should make their own choices, and I’m certainly no diet dictator or anything. I won’t be throwing scolding glances at anyone who chooses to have a box of Krispy Kreme’s. I’m all about “to each their own”. However, if you decide to do this or any other diet, eating plan, lifestyle change, etc., don’t do it half-assed. It won’t work, and it will just make everything harder. For example, if you try South Beach, but only half-ass it, your cravings will not go away, your blood chemistry will remain goofy, and on the occasions that you do try and follow it you will find it much more difficult. For me, I honestly felt like a drug addict. If I stayed away from sugar and starches, I stopped craving them, and didn’t really crave them at all. There was an occasional psychological pang, but it was never a physical “I must have this now!” feeling.
I’ve heard so many people who slag off various diets only to find out that they either didn’t actually know anything about what they were talking about or they actually didn’t really follow the diet. Then they get discouraged and cynical because it didn’t work. That Diet Coke will do you no good when it’s washing down a bag of M & M’s, and South Beach (or probably any other diet) won’t work when you only do it half of the time. [Yoda]Do or do not. There is no try.[/Yoda]
I’ll stop being that annoying diet guy now. As I said, I’m not here to convince anyone else, but I’m extremely happy help anyone who’s interested with our experiences and tips that we’ve learned along the way.
Next step: to actually start exercising.
01
Nov
2004
7:03
my only fear of All diets, is alcohol limitations. Most won’t let me drink beer, which is bad. and while I can, have, and will, go without beer for prolonged periods of time, the idea of giving it up completely depresses the holy hell out of me.
Good Lord, that’s a fantastic achievement!
I’m afraid that I’m squarely in the half-assed camp at the moment. One day I’ll eat my fruit and have balanced meals and the next it’s chocolate and pizza all the way.
Discipline, Ball! And I definitely have to get back to exercising.
You know what? i’m sorry. I’m so wrapped up in my own bullshit I forgot to congratulate you. I suck, my bad.
dude! That’s fucking AWESOME! Congrats!
How much does the diet affect you when you eat out… like, say, at friends houses who you are staying with in December?
Oh, well done! That is brilliant.
I know what you mean about the importance of sticking to a “diet” and seeing it as a lifestyle change rather than a novelty. I’ve tried to approach eating in this way and certainly appreciate that if I had the willpower, I’d have a lot more success with my scoffing habits! But I’m under no illusions that it’s the diet’s fault I’m overweight. It’s definitely me and my love of Gluttony. I’m most impressed that you’ve managed to stick with it.
One other thing: I like Diet Coke because it tastes nice, not for its low-calorie properties (although damage limitation helps, I guess)!
That is really great! And the fact that you did it all without exercise means that if you DO start exercising and continue with your current diet, you’ll be able to keep the weight off for good.
Congratulations!