Day 1: No Sugar - Everyone's Alive

Why no sugar? I've decided that Weight Watchers requires far too much attention to "counting" than I prefer. Between my job as a Budget Analyst and my obsession over my personal finances -- I'm pretty over counting. I've opted for a "diet" that seems like a more manageable lifestyle. I've never been the "skinny girl" -- nor do I want to be. I want to be healthy -- and in order to do that -- I need to drop some pounds, change my eating habits, and get a little more active. I went from being athletic in college to a sedentary desk job... uhhh... not working out so well at all.

I took time to read the South Beach Diet book and realized I was sorely mistaken when I thought this diet was 'low carb'. In fact, this diet isn't low carb or low fat. The whole purpose of the South Beach diet is to learn the difference between good carbs and bad carbs/good fat and bad fat. I've also vowed to myself to not get in the routine of eating the same thing every day simply out of convenience... I need to venture out.

During Phase 1, which lasts 2 weeks, I can only have food from this list. I've also had to cut out all sugar.

Here I am - Day 1 of Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. Lord Help!

It's a true story - I've gone an entire day without one gram of sugar, and everyone around me has managed to survive it. Now, that's not to say in five days I won't be a creature from the pits of hades... only time will tell.

I'm hoping to share this "South Beach Diet" journey -- be that a success or a failure -- and to use my blog to help keep myself accountable. (And to share the good recipes I find!) Not to mention -- it helps that I'm not going at this alone.. My mom is doing something similar, and Joe's on the South Beach wagon with me. Accountability and support.... check.

Here's a quick run-down of today's menu:

• Breakfast consisted of two egg muffins (egg beaters, green peppers, feta cheese, cheddar cheese, spinach, salt, and pepper... YUM!) and a large unsweet tea with extra lemon from Sonic!

• Snack #1 consisted of a pepperoni stick and 6 cheddar cheese cubes. hellooooo to my new favorite snack

• Lunch was a large lettuce leaf filled with shredded cheddar cheese and thin sliced deli turkey, homemade cheese crisps, unsweet tea, and sugar free jello.

• Snack #1 was a 1 oz back of whole natural almonds. I must admit the first two were sort of really bland -- but after a while, they grew on me. No complaints!

• Dinner -- by far the best -- I had a grilled round steak seasoned with Paula Deen steak seasoning paired with grilled zucchini and onions (made with 4 tsp olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning)... OMG... YES! Please. I'm pretty certain I'll be indulging in this again this week!

Surprisingly, I've felt alot better today than I anticipated. I figured I'd be sluggish and starving. I've been neither. I've been happily satisfied all day -- and I'm actually looking forward to the repeat tomorrow.

Keep up the good work, Me.....
Only 13 more days go without sugar. EEK!