@Jeri, thanks for explaining — and that does make good sense. I’ve got absolutely no self-discipline when it comes to food — not if it means going hungry!! — so usually just try to muddle through some kind of approximation of Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating, with the aid of exercise to balance out all those temptations!

Veggies are my friend, my friends… but no matter what Neena says, broccoli ain’t chocolate.

The first two weeks are quite low carb, no grains, fruits or starchy vegs. But it also focuses on reduced saturated fat, so, white meat, reduced fat cheese, etc.

After that, the main agenda for the diet is careful carbs and moderate healthy fats. It adds small portions of fruit and high-fiber complex grains back in. The only portion control focus is on carbs, the rest is just a general moderation approach. I am also MSG – and maybe nitrite – sensitive, so by avoiding processed meats and shelf goods it ends up a super healthy eating plan.

It just strikes me as a long term healthy eating approach, something that I could (and should) live with for the rest of my life.

Four or five years ago I successfully lost 80 lbs on a pure low carb/Atkins approach, but I didn’t keep it off because it’s not an approach that’s very easy to sustain in the long term. I think this will be.

Okay, now, I really need someone to explain the South Beach diet to me. From what I hear, it’s one of the few popular diet plans that the family doctor would give a thumbs-up — what’s the basic concept?

Thanks for the inspiration!