[puppyluv]

I am new to vegetarianism and new to the veggie boards. I have been trying to lose weight using the vegetarian version of the South Beach diet. There are a few semi-vegetarians on the South Beach board. I am finding it hard to give up rice and bread though. But if you want to go low carb, South Beach is great--very healthy. I wish they had more vegetarian recipes in their cookbook though. It was published before Dr. Agaston came up with the vegetarian version. South Beach has a 2 week quick start period but it is NOTHING like Atkins. You can eat lots of veggies and nuts and it is low fat. You can also substitute vegetarian/vegan soy and veggie products for meat. I lost 5 lbs. this week since starting on Sunday. After the first 2 weeks I can begin to start adding back carbs like whole wheat bread, bagels, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, potatoes and fruit. I need a lot of encouragment with my weight loss as well as my new vegetarian lifestyle. Right now I am a lacto-ovo, but am aiming at becoming vegan someday.

 

[jzt83]

Be weary of fad diets.

 

[*Cringe*]

Welcome to VB! Everybody here's got their opinion on fad diets... but most agree that a diet low in animal products and high in fresh fruit and veggies is good for you. Congratulations on becoming a vegetarian, and good luck!

 

[karenlovessnow]

Hi and welcome! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[puppyluv]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>jzt83</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Be weary of fad diets.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
Just beacuse it is a PUBLISHED diet doesn't mean it is a fad diet.<br><br><br><br>
It is not low carb even though its been lumped in with the Atkins diet.<br><br><br><br>
It is nothing like Atkins or any other fad diet.<br><br><br><br>
It allows all the food groups after the first 2 weeks.<br><br><br><br>
During the first 2 weeks you can have lots of vegetables and meat substitutes.<br><br><br><br>
I need a structured program for weight loss because after having eaten a fatty diet of meat all my life, I need to lose about 100 lbs.<br><br><br><br>
I am new to vegetarianism, but did not choose to become a vegetarian to lose weight.<br><br><br><br>
I would love to try the McDougall program but it is so strict I don't know if I can do it or not.<br><br><br><br>
Anyway, I may or may not stay on South Beach. I am not too crazy about the fact that the main diet is NOT vegetarian, but like I said, I just turned to vegetarianism and I am in an "adjustment" mode right now.

 

[puppyluv]

ps: Here is a sample days menu on the Vegetarian South Beach Diet<br><br><br><br>
Breakfast: Scrambled tofu with diced onions & bell peppers, V-8 juice<br><br><br><br>
Snack: Hummus & celery sticks<br><br><br><br>
Lunch: Sugar Snap Pea Salad, smoked tofu<br><br><br><br>
Snack: Cherry tomatoes<br><br><br><br>
Dinner: Roasted Zuchinni Spears, Vegetarian lasagna

 

[ketivnilloc]

*gasp* no fruit? i would be miserable (and sick) without my fruit.

 

[anatta]

Well, peppers and tomatoes are fruits, and there would presumably be fruit in the V8(at least tomato). So that's a little confusing.<br><br><br><br>
But how are you liking it so far? A 5-pound loss is quite a lot for less than one week.

 

[puppyluv]

The no fruit is just because of the high sugar content and it is only for 2 weeks, after that fruit is allowed.<br><br><br><br>
So far I am liking it. I have one more week on Phase I and then it is not so restrictive.