Dr. Judd's Diet Talk

[JBSLJames]

Hello my fello "Magicians". On another thread there was a little bit of discussion on diets. How about using this thread to discuss diets, diet tips, etc. in a truly encouraging way.

I'll start with the South Beach Diet. My wife and I started this last week and so far so good. I am weighing in on Saturdays so nothing really to report yet.

The South Beach Diet is similar to Adkins as it is a low carb diet especially during the first two weeks. It is different because it really encourages carbs and fats that are 'good' for you. Some of the menu suggestions are not practical so we are starting out more bland (grilled chicken, grilled beef, grilled pork: notice a treand here).

I am also hitting the YMCA 4 to 5 times a week. The eliptical and various weight training are in the scehdule with some sauna time as well.

 

[Erika]

I have heard good things about South Beach.

I'll repeat what I said in the other thread. We exercise but we are very anti-diet. We love food too much :lol: -any attempt at dieting would end in utter failure. We have made small changes, like substituting baked for fried on some items, but mostly, we eat everything we van get our paws on :lol:

I am vegetarian so that does help cut out a lot of fat. Even John has discovered that he likes soy products. He buys soy stuff that I don't even like which is the true test! He's a huge fan of the "chicken" nuggets and the corn dogs.

Last year we bought an eliptical trainer and a weight machine. John's lost over 30 pounds. We have it all set up so we can watch movies/tv while we work out. That's a huge help, especially if we're watching something with a lot of skinny people in it :lookaroun

 

[JBSLJames]

Originally posted by Erika
especially if we're watching something with a lot of skinny people in it :lookaroun

:lookaroun :lookaroun

Now we are not going to lapse into the "Pimpin in the World" thread.

I realize that exercise is a vital part of any weight loss plan. I really like the eliptical trainer and used to do free weights extensively in highschool (football). How does the vegetarian lifestyle work at a place like WDW?

 

[barnum42]

By and large I ditched the big carb offenders - pasta, rice, spuds and bread. I still eat bread and cerial for breakfast.

I bought a used Noridic ski track and do three hour long sessions on it during the week whilst watching the goggle box. I wear a heart rate monitor so that I work at the maximum fat burning level - which is not that heavy a rate, you can easily carry on a conversation. The no pain, no gain mantra does not work for fat loss.

I've lost about twenty pounds since January doing this. Last year I lost about the same when I was on something a little closer to Atkins, but I came off it after three months as I was losing energy. I returned to normal eating for about five months and maybe put six or seven pounds back on then hit the current regime. Some weekends I will have carbs, but tend not to through the week.

However on the WDW trip next month, anything goes :lol:

I will just do double pennance on the ski machine when I get back

 

[Erika]

Originally posted by JBSLJames
How does the vegetarian lifestyle work at a place like WDW?

It's way easier than you would imagine. I'm not vegan, which means I still do dairy and egg products. I'm not strong enough to give EVERYTHING up! John is a meat-eater who also enjoys vegetarian dishes. So he gets the best of both worlds, really.

The hotel food courts have vegetarian options, as do the sit-down restaurants. If we want to spend less we'll do counter service somewhere that has pizza, like Pizzafari at Animal Kingdom.

I don't go insane if I order veggie and get meat by accident. I figure throwing food away isn't going to help anybody, so usually then I will just eat it. But I am one of those freaks who won't wear fur or leather. Personal preference. Plus, I save a LOT of money on shoes that way :lol:

 

[wdwhoneymooner]

Some co-workers and I have been on the SB Diet for a little while now. I'm still only on stage 1 and am craving my breads and pasta! I've trashed all the muffins for breakfasts and have begun eating the "Omlettes to Go" recipe in the book. Surprisingly good.

I've lost 3 pounds in the first week and plan on losing a total of 15 when I'm firmly in stage 2.

My co-workers have lost 18 and 20 pounds, respectively.

As for my workouts, I have my ol' reliable Healthrider which I use 5 times a week for 30mins. and a TotalGym 3 times a week. With the new addition to the family, I don't have the time to head to a gym and must carve out what little free time I have for workouts. Usually I start at 4am or so........yup, 4am!

Oh, and Dr. Judd: All's cool between me and you.

*Hands over a peace pipe with the "good stuff"* :wave:

 

[tigsmom]

I'm on a modified Atkins diet. (105 gm carb/day). When I first started 2 years ago (because of a dx of diabetes) I lost 30 lbs in 4 months! Diet & daily walks really helped. Since then I have put some back on because 1: I've learned how to manipulate the diet & still keep my blood sugars in check, 2: stopped walking daily.
When I was really sick I was afraid to cheat, now I've kinda fallen back into my old habits again.

My dietician recommends The South Beach Diet for the recipes, but it still has too many carbs in their menu for me (for now).
We have a Super WalMart by us & they have begun to carry many Low carb items. At one point they were all grouped together, but now they are spread throughout the store (forced exercise :lol: ). I tried going vegetarian, but I started to crave hot dogs of all things. I don't mind meatless meals and WDW has great salads & veggie plates and I've always been able to get hard boiled eggs. I have trouble staying to one slice of pizza (30gm carbs...my entire lunch or dinner allotment) so I tend to stay away from that if I can.

I live in a great little town that has twin lakes right in the center. There is a path around them that is shared by walker of all ages, cyclists and skaters. A local Eagle Scout mapped out 4 different paths (with milage) and made beautiful markers that are placed around the lakes. Now that the weather is nicer (most days) I plan on walking again.

Years ago we bought a Nordic Track. I've never really liked it, but my DH uses it now & again.

 

[JBSLJames]

Tip #1

The most common thread in any diet plan is the consuption of water. Some plans call for as much as 120 ounces a day (where's the bathroom) but nearly all call for at least 80 ounces.

Here at work I consume two 1-liter bottles a day and hame more at breakfast and dinner. I probably get close to the 120 ounce number.

 

[tigsmom]

Originally posted by JBSLJames
Tip #1

The most common thread in any diet plan is the consuption of water. Some plans call for as much as 120 ounces a day (where's the bathroom) but nearly all call for at least 80 ounces.

Here at work I consume two 1-liter bottles a day and hame more at breakfast and dinner. I probably get close to the 120 ounce number.

The more weight you have to lose the more water you are suppossed to drink. On average I drink 80 ounces of water a day. Thats not counting the 2-3 qts of Iced Tea I consume.

side note: you really only feel the effects of extra fluid consumption for the first few days. When you don't drink enough your body tends to hold onto whatever it can. When it realizes that it will get adequate fluids daily it "lets go" of the extra buildup. Thats why you have a diuresis ($5 word) when you start to increase you fluids. (who said my education was a waste of time? )

 

[barnum42]

Originally posted by wdwhoneymooner
I'm still only on stage 1 and am craving my breads and pasta!

Whilst I'm not on SB (never heard of it in UK) I know what you mean about craving the bread and pasta - or anything that is dry and crispy!

However after a couple of weeks I found that I no longer crave the stuff. The same is true for chocolate - whilst no chocoholic by a long shot I would often be tempted by them. Now, I can look at a whole display and not care :sohappy:

I also used to eat a lot of rice, which is also on the no-no list. Now I eat petit pois peas insted!

 

[MouseMadness]

Good thread! *thumbs* :lol:

I'm working on those RAZZA FRAZZA last 10 pounds!! :brick: Funny thing is, as soon as I stopped "dieting" I lost 5 pounds! LOL!! So I'm just trying to eat within reason now, and workout as often as I'm able. (Usually 4 or 5 times a week)

:wave:

 

[tigsmom]

It takes about 2-4 weeks to rid your body of the carb craving.
It was really hard for me because I was addicted. If I had a sandwich I wanted another. If I stay away from carbs all together I'm much better. Dinner is my biggest challenge because the rest of the family has to eat, too. Katie has a problem with carb metabolism so we have to be very careful. (its harder when you're a teen, I think).

There is so much low carb stuff out there now that it is becoming easier to substitute. Dannon has a new low carb yogurt; just 3 carbs/4 ounce serving. Peaches & cream & Vanilla cream are :slurp: . They also have Raspberry & Strawberry, but I don't care for them so I can't offer an opinion.

ps. Hershey minis = 5 carbs/piece & taste much better than the "low carb" candies. Blue Bunny Carb Freedon Ice cream (3 net carbs/ half cup) is a must in our house. Splenda is the best sugar substitute (made from real sugar so no aftertaste) and you can cook & bake with it.

And Barnum...The South Beach Diet was developed by cardiologist from South Beach in Miami. Its very popular here. Her worked with many famous chefs in the area's restaurants to develop recipes for his clients. They can get them at the various restaurants, thus staying on plan when they dine out.

 

[tigsmom]

Originally posted by MouseMadness
Good thread! *thumbs* :lol:

I'm working on those RAZZA FRAZZA last 10 pounds!! :brick: Funny thing is, as soon as I stopped "dieting" I lost 5 pounds! LOL!! So I'm just trying to eat within reason now, and workout as often as I'm able. (Usually 4 or 5 times a week)

:wave:

Remember Eat More, Weigh Less? Seems it really works. (again the body realizing its not going to starve if it burns fat). We just have to remember to eat the right things...in moderation.

I find that all the dieting in the world will not work for me if I don't get some exercise daily. I have a great walking video set by Leslie Sansone (have you seen her informercials) and her program really works.

 

[JBSLJames]

Got to give a shout out to the makers of Cool Whip - Strawberry Cool Whip has only 2 carbs per serving. Make a parfait with alternating layers of Cool Whip and Sugar Free Jello and you have a guiltless dessert. :slurp:

 

[FanofDinsey1981]

my friend dana has lost a ton of weight on the south beach diet, along with different aroebic and weight lifting regiments.

I for one, can NOT do diets.

My problem stems from my younger years when I was an athlete, and I was swimming over 5 miles a day and running a few and having 2 hour practices. now, I sit behind a desk, and I have a hard time changing how I eat. I pretty much ate what I wanted then, and unfortuantly now.

So here is what I am doing. because of some injuries stemming from swimming, I have to watch what I do in any workouts. my rotator cuffs are torn, so I cant do a lot of arm movements. So I have picked up yoga and pilates, and it has helped in both losing weight and tones very well. I am very much a beginner for yoga, but pilates is much easier for me, so I have moved on to a more intermediate session. an i do it all with DVD's. I am self conscious about what I look like in front of others, so the comfort of my own home is very nice.


and as for food, I had made a conscious decision to not drink any more coke. (as of yesterday.) and cut out the sugars. I cant cut out potatoes, since I LOVE them. and bread is the best thing in theworld. but I have made a decision just to simply eat less of whatever I am eating. no more biggie sizes, no more extra helpings. and it has worked.

and good luck to everyone on whatever diet you are on!

 

[barnum42]

Originally posted by tigsmom
There is so much low carb stuff out there now that it is becoming easier to substitute.

Despite all the publicity Atkins has in the UK, the supermarkets have still to catch on. I have only seen ONE sticker stating something is low carb - on a pack of saussages in Asda.

Generally I look at the info on the box, if it's 5% or less carb then I buy it.

 

[barnum42]

Originally posted by FanofDinsey1981
So here is what I am doing. because of some injuries stemming from swimming, I have to watch what I do in any workouts. my rotator cuffs are torn, so I cant do a lot of arm movements.

Would you be OK for a ski machine? I have a duff right knee that does not like impact or cycling, but it's fine on the Nordic. The arm movement is smooth too - no roating.

 

[tigsmom]

Originally posted by barnum42
Despite all the publicity Atkins has in the UK, the supermarkets have still to catch on. I have only seen ONE sticker stating something is low carb - on a pack of saussages in Asda.

Generally I look at the info on the box, if it's 5% or less carb then I buy it.

Its really just starting to hit the mainstream here. More & more stores have Low Carb sections. Out of all the grocery stores by me WalMart is the best.
One word of advice...forget about the percentages. They only work if you eat a 2,000 cal/day diet (thats what the calculations are based on). My dietician told us to look for anything that is 15gm or carbs or less/ serving. (calculated by subtracting the fiber from the total amount of carb Gms). Of course you could go higher if you want to, but that helps me to stay within my range of 30gm/lunch or dinner.

A good carb counting book is the way to go. I have a pocket one I keep with me when traveling( it has fast foods & ready made foods listed). The good thing is, after awhile, you automatically know the carb counts of the foods you regularly eat.

 

[tigsmom]

Originally posted by FanofDinsey1981
my friend dana has lost a ton of weight on the south beach diet, along with different aroebic and weight lifting regiments.

I for one, can NOT do diets....

So here is what I am doing. because of some injuries stemming from swimming, I have to watch what I do in any workouts. my rotator cuffs are torn, so I cant do a lot of arm movements. So I have picked up yoga and pilates, and it has helped in both losing weight and tones very well. I am very much a beginner for yoga, but pilates is much easier for me, so I have moved on to a more intermediate session. an i do it all with DVD's. I am self conscious about what I look like in front of others, so the comfort of my own home is very nice.

and as for food, I had made a conscious decision to not drink any more coke. (as of yesterday.) and cut out the sugars. I cant cut out potatoes, since I LOVE them. and bread is the best thing in theworld. but I have made a decision just to simply eat less of whatever I am eating. no more biggie sizes, no more extra helpings. and it has worked.

and good luck to everyone on whatever diet you are on!

Think of it as an 'eating plan"...something that you will be doing for the rest of your life. Word games I know, but it works.
My "tricks": Use low carb or low calorie breads. The Arnold's Atkins bread is firm and makes great toast & sandwichs & only 6 carbs /slice. BeefSteak Rye has a "diet version" that I flound when I was on Weight Wtchers...yummy.
Cutting out soda is one of the best things you can do. The amount os sodium in that is unbvelievable. If you need a soda fix try DietRite. Its made with Splenda & has no aftertaste. Never had sodium or caffiene & tastes great. It also comes in many flavors. I had a very hard time giving up potatoes. I'm part Irish & its in my blood. :lol: Now I just do with less (a hard transition to make).

I know what you mean about working out at home...I find that when I'm alone I do better. I have some great tapes by various "gurus" and I use them. Pilates is a killer for me.
Walking is really the best way to go. Its gentle on all joints and you can speed up or slow down as you like. Many people walk with hand weights & work out their arms at the same time.

 

[tigsmom]

Well its lunch time & all this talk of food has me starving.

Here is today's lunch:

2 oz shell steak (left over from Sunday) 0 carbs
1/2 bag asparagus stirfry (Walmart brand) 5 carbs
1/4 c small shell pasta (cooked) 10 carbs
4 tbs Ken's Lite Northern Italian salad
dressing with basil & romano cheese 2 carbs

Stir fry meat in 1 tbs olive oil. Add veggies & 2 tbs water. Cover & steam 2 min, stirring occasionally. Add pasta & salad dressing. Mix well & heat thru (about 2 minutes). Serves 1 (large serving)

carb count: 17gm Cal: approx 310