I don't believe in diets...or do I?

For years, I have stated that I don't believe in diets. And really, I don't. I know that dieting usually leads to losing weight and then gaining it back twofold. Therefore, I have always resisted dieting. Unfortunately, some bad eating (and drinking) habits recently led to a less than desirable weight gain over the summer for both Grant and myself.

I was not unduly concerned. I didn't feel like I was all that heavy; mainly I was annoyed because my clothes didn't fit quite as well. But Grant was edging toward what looked to be an unhealthy weight. He convinced me that he needed to go on a strict eating plan, but one he could manage during all the lunches provided during his meetings at work. After some searching and some recommendations, I decided the South Beach diet was the one most likely to succeed for him. In order to help him stay focused, I decided to join him in the diet.

Two and half months later, I can report, this is the best eating plan I have ever been on. Both Grant and I have lost weight. More importantly, we like the way we are eating and are convinced that we can stick to the ideas behind this plan long after the weight issue is past. This diet doesn't feel gimmicky; it just focuses on foods that are better choices. It allows things like red wine and dark chocolate, while emphasizing lean meats, vegetables and whole grains (things I already love!)

One thing I really like about the South Beach diet (aside from the weight I have lost, and how great I look) is the recipes. I've bought diet books before and many of them have recipes, never used. For some reason, the South Beach recipes are different. They use ingredients that I have in my kitchen, ingredients that I like. I often modify them slightly, while still keeping to the rules. That's not unusual; I modify recipes all the time, mainly because I don't have quite the ingredients on hand that the recipe is calling for or because I think I can make it even tastier. I have gotten very good at using cookbooks as a guide rather than an absolute. Would that some people would use the bible in the same way...

This diet has got me cooking more, too. Because of our busy schedule, I had gotten into the habit of just boiling some pasta and making a quick salad. Many of my various kitchen utensils and pans had been gathering dust. Since South Beach, I have re-discovered my food processor, my lemon reamer and my garlic press, along with many other toys I have accumulated over the years. I realize, to my horror, that I had become a lazy cook.

Now I have to plan my meals. I am creative. I am using better ingredients. I get to drink red wine. I eat well and I look fabulous! What's not to love here?