Yesterday I completed the STRICT two-week Phase I. It’s strict because during this phase no grains, potatoes or fruit are to be eaten. Only lean meats, low-fat dairy, veggies and healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado passed my lips. South Beach creator Arthur Agatston, M.D. states that people can expect to lose between eight and 13 pounds during this phase. So how did I fare? Drum roll, please…
I LOST TWELVE AND A HALF POUNDS!
This means I lost the six pounds I recently gained plus 6.5 “new” pounds. I’m currently 76.5 pounds below my highest weight.
I have to say it was a tough two weeks. In the book Dr. Agatston discusses exercise, but he recommends walking for about 20 minutes per outing. I attempted to continue training for two upcoming triathlons and two half-marathons. I’ll post about that in the days ahead, but for now I’ll tell you the feeling of light-headedness never left me. By the end of the day yesterday I was a total space cadet. I missed a department meeting and I’m the head of that department! I teach English as a Second Language on Tuesday nights and last night I showed up without my lesson plan. I could really feel my brain starting to shut down.
I’m transitioning into Phase II slowly vs. going hog wild. Today I had a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and a piece of fruit for lunch. That’s how I’ll roll for the next week. After that if I continue to lose weight at a good clip I may add one serving of a grain for lunch. More than likely I’ll continue to limit dinner to lean meat and veggies.
I can’t tell you how glad I am to have Phase I behind me. Folks who wrote testimonials for the book stated they felt great after three days. That wasn’t my experience. I think it’s because of the amount of exercise I was attempting. Phase I felt like a diet and I HATE diets. I’m hopeful Phase II will feel like a lifestyle…a healthy lifestyle.
482gr8 
What an amazing loss! Really amazing! WOW!
As far as training for all of your races, I would be careful if you’re not eating grains. Carbs are what fuel your muscles, and if you’re not giving them enough fuel, it’s going to be hard. I’m sure you know that, but I’d hate to see you end up injured 🙂
Good luck with Phase II. I can’t wait to hear how it goes 🙂
Christy! Thanks for visiting from the Sisterhood! I’m really enjoying getting to know your site. (Readers, the site I reference is Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans. Check them out.)
I appreciate your feedback about the importance of grains. Believe me, I learned that truth first hand this week! I’m happily reunited with oatmeal for starters. After a week of that, I’ll re-introduce brown rice for lunch.
Wow, what a big loss! I agree with Christy, carbs are essential – glad to hear you are incorporating them in your diet again.
Thank you, Renee. Yes, I can ASSURE you carbs are back in. I missed them!
Congrats on getting through phase 1. I never understood the restrictions on fruit that he has. I never made it past day 2. You’re a strong woman! Good luck with your training. Hopefully it will be easier now that you can add in some fruit and grain.
Thank you! I think I’m more stubborn than strong! Seriously, I had to take it one day at a time.