I love Phase Zero ...

I think that is time that I let you in on the living hell that AP and I have willingly placed ourselves in since Monday, February 5th. Among other “patterns” that we are working on in our life (working out 4 times a week, be at our own home two nights a week, drinking more water, and sharing our spiritual growth with each other) we decided to change our eating habits for the long term benefit of our own humanity. So, we started the South Beach Diet. It was recommended by Dr.Jeff, and in general we try to take his advice because he’s a better doctor than he gives himself credit for (most good doctors are).

AP checked out the book from the Oakley Library on Sunday the 4th, and we began the next day. The diet is divided into three phases that have distinct rules. Phase One is the most strict, and you slowly regain food freedom with each phase. At the Peters’ house, we took it upon our selves to add Phase Zero. It is the “I start a diet tomorrow, the Super Bowl is on tonight, and I am going to stuff my face until my jaw is so tired I begin to chew like a cow” Phase. That was my favorite phase of the diet so far.

In Phase One they give you a deceivingly long list of “foods you can enjoy”. Half of them are foods that I personally, never enjoy. They should just say low fat meat, eggs, low fat cheese, and green vegetables. Because friends, that’s it! No milk, no fruit, no bread, no pasta, no potatoes, no corn, no yogurt. It’s abysmal! I had no idea how much those things are “staples” of the American diet.

Last week was much harder than this week. There were a few times that I thought that I might assault someone in order to stuff the bagel that they were holding into my mouth. AP got very cranky, but he has been SO diligent about sticking to the rules. I, on the other hand have cheated approximately 5 times. Last night I cheated twice. I had bread at Outback, and half a cookie when we got home (friends gave us valentine cookies). This morning I woke up with a terrible stitch in my side. It was the same feeling that I get when I run too much (therefore, a very rare feeling in deed). AP’s stomach was totally messed up all night after having the other half of said delicious cookie. Can you believe that? Ten days later we get sick if we have sugar! That’s crazy!

Now, you all may be wondering one of two questions:
1. Rachel, why are you on a diet? I’ve gotten this a lot. The truth is I want to be ultimately healthier, I want to change my bad snacking habits, and diets don’t work if just one person in the house is on it. I have no interest in sabotaging my husband.
2. Have you guys lost any weight? The second most asked question. Yep, we sure have. The book says that you will loose between 6 and 12 pounds on the first two weeks of the diet. It’s true. I’ve lost 6, and AP has lost 12.