dieting...

Dieting in the summer is probably one of the most difficult times of the year to diet, what with all the barbecue parties all summer long. But, because I like a good challenge, I started a diet this past Monday. What's most helpful is that my husband and I are in it together. We can support one another in good snacking choices, are required to eat the same good dinners, and can help each other resist temptation. What diet are we on, you ask? Well, this is a diet that has worked for us in the past, we've just sort of neglected it for the last few years. We're on the first phase of the South Beach Diet.

What's so great about this diet, you ask? Well, for people like myself and my husband who love carbs and sugar, this diet does a great job of helping you stop craving such naughty food choices, so they can be enjoyed in moderation. In phase 1 of this diet, all fruits are eliminated, due to their high sugar content, corn, carrots, and ALL carbs: no pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, baked goods, cookies, candies, or ice cream. These items are eliminated due to their high sugar content or placement on the glycemic index.

It's not as challenging as it sounds. It's only for two weeks. In those two weeks, the body is detoxed of all these carbs and sugars and will crave them less. They're slowly reintroduced, so you don't feel deprived and inevitably fall off the diet wagon. I've had to be pretty creative with my cooking, being that I cook a lot of pasta and potatoes. We've been eating a lot of steamed cauliflower and broccoli, mashed cauliflower, hummus, celery, cabbage, salads, eggs, pepper sautes, and lots and lots of meat.

I've lost a few pounds this week, although I think it's mostly been water weight. There's a chance I may have strayed a couple of times this week, which may impact the diet's impact. We'll see what next week holds. My husband's lost 5 pounds already. This diet works really well if you've got at least 20 pounds to lose.