Over a year ago I tried The South Beach Diet and I lost about 10 lbs. in the first 2 weeks or Phase 1 of the eating plan.  The first two days of going carb-less where nearly impossible.  If you can just get past those first couple days then you can easily make it the rest of the 2 weeks.  Unfortunately, I’ve gained the weight back due to poor eating choices and stress.  It’s not the diets fault, its my fault for turning to sugar filled foods to make myself feel better.  In order to be successful there are so many factors to plan ahead of time.  Here’s my list:

1.  Don’t start the diet if you have a lot of stress in your life.  Stress leads to poor eating choices…enough said.

2.  Participate and commit to a regular exercise routine before you start the diet.  Its easier to keep the weight off once you’ve lost it if you are already in the habit of exercising.

3.  Plan your meals through all 3 phases!!  I can’t stress this enough.  Part of the reason I failed this diet was because I didn’t plan my meals once I was finished with Phase 1.  Big mistake.  

4.  Follow this diet with a friend or online forum or chat group for support.