Doin..Doin it..an Doin it Again.


You guys..
I've gotta do something about the way i'm feeling and looking. I'm beyond the point of burnt out. I'm freakin' dried black and sticking to the pot.lol. I can't keep going like this...making myself work from 8am till 11pm or 12am at night. eventually..i'm going to collapse..for real.

I've been trying to get myself to commit to being healthier..and I just need to really stick with it this time. I don't know, I don't even have faith in myself. I haven't gotten anything right now to motivate me..except for the mere daydreams of me..being happy, healthy, and together.

It's time for me to begin ..Again. And I don't kno if i'll fail again or what. I know..i'm getting tired of it too..but i've gotta keep tryin. Please...please..please..i hope i can do it this time.

I haven't decided how to do this... South Beach or Weight Watchers?

Lets look at the Pros and Cons of both...

South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet emphasizes normal portions of lean proteins such as fish and chicken; unlimited amounts of low-glycemic-index vegetables; ample amounts of healthy fats such as olive and canola oil, nuts and avocados; and small portions of "healthy carbs" found in fruit and less-processed grains. By following this way of eating, the plan promises positive changes in markers of cardiovascular health: lower cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with increased HDL cholesterol levels.

There are three phases in this diet. Phase I is the most restrictive and lasts for two weeks. It emphasizes lean proteins, fat-free or low-fat cheese, nuts, eggs, tofu, legumes, healthy types of fat and low-glycemic-index vegetables. Phase II reintroduces fruit, whole grain bread, rice, pasta and fat-free milk and yogurt. Dieters stay on Phase II until they've lost their desired amount of weight. Phase III is for maintenance and should be followed for life. Dieters are encouraged to move back and forth between the different phases as needed to maintain their weight loss.

upside

There's a welcome emphasis on whole grains, fruits and vegetables that is often lacking in many low-carb diet plans.
• The South Beach Diet encourages three balanced meals plus snacks if necessary, and allows a lot of flexibility in food choices.
• The author, cardiologist Arthur Agatston, MD, encourages eating all the types of foods known to prevent heart disease, including nuts, monounsaturated fats like olive and canola oil, soy products, whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

downside

The glycemic index is used to encourage the consumption of certain types of grains, fruits and vegetables. Major U.S. health associations such as the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association do not endorse using the glycemic index for weight control or in planning menus for people with diabetes. Eliminating some healthy foods just because they have a high glycemic index number doesn't make sense for every person.
• Some people may follow Phase I for long periods of time (although this is not recommended), which can cause deficiencies of several nutrients including fiber and calcium.


-The most appealing to me with this diet is the fact that it has great results of helping your overall health
-the rapid weight loss of 5-7 lbs sounds like a great idea..but seriously is it healthy?


Weight Watchers (taken from ivillage)

The new Winning Points plan is based on a point system, where every food is assigned a number of points based on its fat, fiber and calorie content. Each person is assigned a daily points range designed to help them lose weight. Weight Watchers doesn't provide a list of forbidden foods or tell you what you can or can't eat. Instead, their current focus is to provide the information, knowledge, tools and motivation you need to develop your own successful long-term weight management plan.

-long term weight management is what i'm all about!! Also, i have something that says...yes...this..and no this..when often i'm not sure if what i'm eating really is good for me.

upside

The group support is often fun and encouraging, the meal plans are based on sound health principles, and the new Winning Points program allows all foods to be enjoyed as long as you can fit in their "points." Weight Watchers groups are found virtually everywhere, including many work locations and online.

- i actually not too fond of going and meeting with other people to talk about how fat i am..and doesn't this cost even more money?

downside

If you're looking for that magical diet that will cause weight to "melt off" -- you won't want this healthy, commonsense plan.
durationIndefinite

"I've been on and off Weight Watchers over the years, and the only thing about it that turned me away was the cost. The weekly fee can be high, plus all the extras like food scales, measuring cups, magazines, etc., which are all visibly displayed at meeting centers." --iVillager cahi

CONS

-Cost is the big factor with Weight Watchers..i'm already financially in debt!

-Calculating my own food everyday will be a habit that i'll have to freakin pound into my habits..i have vitamins sitting right on my desk..and I have yet to make it a habit to take them!

PROS

-There is something that allows me to calculate everything..it tells me no and yes, without my having to guess

- The food at school could be easily calculated into it, I just have to know which to say yes to..and what proportions to take them.

...So i'm going to think it through this weekend..and get back to this.