Scenes from South Beach, Week 1

How did things go during my first week on the South Beach Diet? Not too bad, actually. Under Husband's watchful eye (and even under my own less watchful one), I didn't cheat once. It's true that when Husband offered to make the kids a batch of chocolate chip cookies over the weekend, I collapsed whimpering onto the floor. That maybe wasn't my proudest moment, but, hey, you've got to expect some crazy behavior during rehab. (To Husband's credit, he did not proceed with his wife-torturing scheme.)

I knew breakfast would be the hardest meal of the day, and indeed it is. I wake up famished and late for the bus every day, so breakfast has to be quick and substantial. Here's what I keep falling back on.

Breakfast:

• fried egg with salsa
• low-fat cottage cheese with lots of black pepper, glass of diluted V8
• fried egg over leftover garlicky greens
• bacon (yes, unlimited bacon is allowed. why do you think I agreed to this diet in the first place?)

Snacking is important. If you let yourself get too hungry, you're going to cave. Come three o'clock, I would kill for a Triscuit, so I just have to keep packing my maw with the good stuff like:

Snacks:

• cheese
• almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pistachios
• snap peas dipped in hummus
• pickles
• sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• marinated artichoke hearts
• more cheese

Lunch and dinner aren't too bad because you can just omit the carb and double up on veggies. My winter CSA keeps us well supplied in that regard.

Lunch:

• slice of turkey and cheese wrapped around a pickle x2
• green salad with chicken salad on top
• Peruvian beef and lentil soup with a side of 1/2 avocado sprinkled with salt
• green salad with flaked smoked mackerel, cheddar cheese, and chopped almonds on top

Dinner:

• roast chicken, turnip gratin, salad
• Husband's chili with cheddar chunks and salad
• roasted bluefish with mustard glaze and garlicky greens
• bratwurst and cabbage braise
• sausage, onions, and peppers (no roll)
• pulled pork and coleslaw (no roll)

I will admit that on pizza night last Friday, I was sorely tempted to cheat. That is, until Husband suggested that I peel off the cheese and pepperoni from atop the carb-filled pizza crust and just eat that. Which I did! Without a moment's hesitation! I'm not sure which is worse in the real world, eating a giant pile of Butterfingers on the sly or a giant pile of oily, congealed cheese and pepperoni peelings in plain view? I think it's a draw. But as far as this diet is concerned, I'm right on track!

No change on the scale, yet, but I feel lighter somehow. It's unclear if the sugar cravings are getting better or worse. I still want a Snickers bar real bad. Also, I can't tell if it's the absence of sugar or a factor of hunger, but everything tastes so much brighter and more intense to me. So that's a bonus! (Makes me think a Snickers bar would taste EVEN BETTER right now!)

So, in the absence of concrete evidence, let's call Week 1 a success! We'll see how Week 2 goes. (Spoiler: I already know how it's going and it's not good!)

Comments

[NancyB]

Thanks for all the food choices! I may have to give it a try - carbs are a killer for me.

[Jen]

You are a brave woman, far braver than me! I was such a cranky witch after my first few carb-free days on it several years ago that even *I* found myself insufferable. I had to quit after day 3.

Hope this week goes well! You're at least halfway through the hardest part, right?

[MichConnors]

When I did SB (just posted on your earlier thread) I did a frittata for breakfast. Beat together 6-8 eggs, plenty of shredded cheese, 2 cups of veggies of your choice, 1/2 cup of milk and diced bacon or sausage. Bake in a 10" cast iron skillet or round pan at 350 for 25 minutes or so.

I would make this every Sunday night and slice it into 5 big pieces. Take one to work every day and microwave to heat up. Pretty easy!

[Tammy]

MichConnors: Great idea! My husband made a small one a few times, but I like your idea of making a big one and portioning it out for the week.

Jen: Week 2 is definitely seeing a rise in crankiness among other things. Only two more days left!

NancyB: Before you decide, wait for my Week 2 report!