South Beach Diet Success Story

Steve D.- South Beach Diet Success Story

"With the success I'm having on The South Beach Diet™, I have to think of a different New Year's resolution!"
- Steve D., Phoenix, Arizona

South Beach Diet Success : Last year, my family and I visited a theme park in southern California. I had finally worked up the nerve to go on a ride I'd never been on, and as I lowered the safety harness, I realized I was too big to fit in the seat. They had to stop the ride and let me out. I had to walk in front of everyone. I was so embarrassed. That was it — that was the breaking point for me. When I got home, I weighed myself. I weighed 365 pounds. I have struggled with my weight since I was 10 or 11 and had tried to lose weight before, counting calories and going on Atkins — but had no success.

I was serious about losing the excess pounds, so I sought the advice of my family doctor. First, he ran blood tests to make sure there was nothing physically wrong. Once that was done, he recommended that I try The South Beach Diet™. I got online, signed up, and printed out the list of foods I needed to avoid and those I could have. That was the beginning of my journey. This was going to take time. It took me over 20 years to pack on the weight, and I knew it was going to take more than a few months to lose more than 100 pounds.

At first it was tough. I wanted so much to eat the foods I ate before, but after the first two days, I realized it was not going to be that bad. The first two weeks, South Beach Diet phase 1, flew by, and I lost 20 pounds. I couldn't believe it! I was enjoying my meals, and I was even trying new dishes that tasted great. Eating and cooking fish was a big step for me. Before the South Beach Diet diet, I really didn't know how to prepare it. But with the recipes that I found on the Web site, I found fish meals to be a nice change from my regular steak and potatoes. Now I really enjoy tilapia and salmon, South Beach Diet food, marinated in balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil. I started working out and riding my bike. Five months later, I had lost over 60 pounds. For motivation, I took pictures of myself once a week so I could see the change in my body. It was so exciting. I also made smaller goals for myself, weekly weight-loss goals that were attainable and not far out of reach. I have missed my goals a couple of times, but for the most part, I met or exceeded them.

The support of my wife and family has been a big help. It is so easy to pick up fast food, but my wife reminds me of how much success I've had and how proud she is of my accomplishments. Then I know I shouldn't ruin it with a stop at the local burger place. Today, I am halfway to my goal of losing 120 pounds. I have more energy, I sleep better, and people are amazed at the amount of weight I've lost. I have reached plateaus, but I stick to the plan and the pounds start falling off again. January 1, 2005, is just around the corner. With the success I'm having on The South Beach Diet™, I have to think of a different New Year's resolution!

Favorite South Beach Diet snack: Sugar-free, fat-free chocolate pudding; sunflower seeds; and string cheese.
Favorite exercise: Working out with a personal gym machine.
Best compliment you've gotten: "I didn't even recognize you."

Most effective South Beach Diet strategy when facing temptation: A good friend taught me the phrase "I'll have some later." By the time later comes, the temptation has passed.

Best advice for other SB Dieters: It took years to pack on the weight — it's going to take months to get it off. Be patient, find someone to encourage you, and encourage those around you.