Dieting - YUCK!

Well, I'm dieting. I know that the politically correct term is "lifestyle change," but it still feels like a diet -- no matter what I tell myself. I'm not sure my lifestyle will ever be happy without chips, dip, and ice cream, but some sacrifices will be required along this journey.

A few years ago, after Sister was born, I followed the South Beach diet (SBD) and lost over 50 pounds. Then I got a bit too comfortable and have now managed to gain 35 of those back. Since I never met my goal in the first place, I really need to get serious about this! Why is struggling with my weight going to be the burden I bear for the rest of my life? I wonder if I will ever feel successful in this.

SBD has 3 phases. The first is the most limited. Its purpose is to eliminate any cravings your body may have for sweets. For 2 weeks, the rules are no sugar, no fruit, and no bread/grains. I will faithfully suffer through this phase, knowing that my body needs to be shocked into reality. The second phase is the true weight-loss phase. Its purpose it to learn how to eat a balanced diet of protein, "good" carbs, and veggies. It really is the fum part of the plan because you lose weigh, while trying new foods. The final phase is 3 - maintenance. I've never achieved this part, so I cannot telly you anything about it, but I'm sure it is wonderful, but challenging in its own way (or is it weigh?).

So, now that the holidays and birthdays (yes, my kids both have January birthdays) are behind us, I will move back into the dieting phase of my life -- contemplating every bite that is to enter my mouth, weighing the pros and cons of each cheat. I will keep you posted on my progress, and share some helpful tips (if I find any) along the way. I am actually looking forward to it -- so I can feel better - both physically and emotionally.