Well, Bronwen and I are through the first five days of South Beach Phase 1. For the most part, I have been good and stuck closely to the plan. However, to paraphrase Jimmy Carter, I have lusted in my heart. There is temptation all around, and I frequently have an internal struggle going on (“It’s just a cookie. It was made to be eaten. Eat it.”)

So, here’s what has sustained me over the past 5 days:

10 eggs
5 pieces of ham
5 chicken breasts
10 salads
15 shrimp
8 turkey rollups
Assorted veggies and cheese
85 almonds

Yeah, sucks to be me.

This really is a stupid diet. I’m not asking for a triple Whopper, but c’mon, would it kill you to include an apple or an orange?

By the way, if you’re interested in South Beach at all, Indigo.ca has the two books on sale for 80% off. I think that’s a clear sign that time has passed this fad by.

For most North Americans, the arrival of the new year heralds the beginning of a new diet, and I’m no exception. Beginning tomorrow, it’s goodbye sweets and hello celery sticks.

I’ve always struggled with my weight, and right now I figure I’m about 10 pounds over my goal. My pants have slowly been getting tighter. As I spent hour after hour in the car over Christmas, I was all too aware of how my gut cascaded over my belt. Don’t even get me started about man boobs…

About 3 years ago, Bronwen and I needed a change in our lifestyle, so we tried the South Beach diet. Over 5 months, I lost about 25 pounds and felt great. It was difficult at first, but after a while we just got used to it.

So, for the next two weeks I’ll be on Phase 1. For the uninitiated, that means no carbs, sugar, fruit, caffeine, alcohol, or anything else that’s fun. Just lots of eggs, ham, chicken, salad, and almonds.

I know South Beach isn’t the long-term answer – I can’t commit to a diet that restricts something as delicious as bread. The only solution that works is a balanced diet, regular exercise, blah blah blah. However, South Beach is a good way of regaining some restraint and self-control. And if this doesn’t work, then I can always turn to Atkins, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Suzanne Somers Weight Loss Plan, Dr. Phil’s Ultimate Weight Loss Solution, the Zone, Body for Life, L.A. Weight Loss Centre, Dr. Bernstein, Slim-Fast, Eat Right for Your Type, the Sonoma Diet, New Beverly Hills Diet, Personality Type Diet, or my old stand by, water and crackers.