My name is Denise and I am new to this diet although I have lost 25 pounds on the Atkins diet in the last 8 months. I just haven't been able to get the last 10- 15 pounds off, and have read the SB diet book. I was wondering if you are supposed to avoid mayo and ranch dressing on this plan. I hate the thought of going back to low fat ranch dressings after enjoying real ranch. Also, what about butter and cream? Is it ok to use it in small amounts? These questions don't seem to be answered in the book although I skimmed most of it to be honest with you. I did see that olive oil is fine, but I really don't want to give up ranch dressing on my salads...
Thanks for your help... I know that this diet is much healthier than Atkins, although I have to say Atkins does really work and my cholesterol never went up. Thanks again, Denise

Hi Denise, I'm on the second day of phase 1 and according to my book you can use reduced fat mayo, if you want ranch you could mix some of the powdered ranch mix with the reduced fat mayo and a little water to thin it down.They recomend a little of that butter flavored spray,but butter should be avoided, no on the cream, non dairy creamer in coffee.I did the atkins thing and lost some but, I do think SB is healthier.I also like the Idea of having fruit,milk and some whole grains in Phase 2. Hope this helps.

Jackie

You are allowed to enjoy full fat dressings on the SBD, though you can find some pretty tasty low fat ranch and that would be encouraged (ex: Litehouse is pretty good). You are encouraged to avoid butter (and I actually have found that the I Can't Believe its Not Butter Spray is a pretty fair substitute). I do use small amounts of butter however, being another Atkins convert. Heavy cream is a no-no-- they recommend the fat free half and half, though I use REAL half and half in my morning coffee. I also came to the beach because I couldn't seem to lose those last 10-15 lbs. after 2 years on Atkins. I've lost 10 lbs. and am only a few pounds from a pretty ambitious goal weight.

Hey, Thanks Jackie and Kim for the helpful hints! It's nice to see other Atkins dieters on here! And congrats Kim -- that it awesome that you are so close to your goal!!

Welcome, Denise!!! JenJen

I'm hopeful reading that some others got stuck on Atkins and turned to SBD. I just got the book and read it over the weekend. I'm optimistic this will get me moving weight loss wise again.

In general, I'm opting for lower fat options whenever doing so doesn't drastically increase carbs (e.g., mayo, milk). Also, I consider the type of fat in things. Personally, if olive oil isn't appropriate, I would rather put a small amount of butter on things rather than use fake spreads. And I believe SBD says to limit saturated fats...not eliminate them. Evalute the ingredients of low fat, non-fat, and full-fat ranch dressings to make your decision.

Any success stories of SBD converts from Atkins? Looking for motivation and hope, here.

Good luck!

Jana

Jana Berghoefer

Hi again! Thanks for the welcome! I haven't officially started SBD yet (am still doing Atkins right now). Was anyone else a little confused by the book? It seems like there was SO MUCH info in the Atkins book about actually following the diet, but there isn't that much in the SBD book. OH well, I guess I will start on Monday... I am just so used to eating the ATkins way now that this is going to be kind of difficult for me. Denise

Denise -
I wasn't really confused by the book, per se, but I can see your point. It is much less regimented. You're not really counting carbs or counting fat. As a pseudo-Atkins woman, I'm not really planning to add in complex carbs until I get to my weight loss goal. What SBD has done for me is to help me be more aware of ingredients and to limit fat intake.
I had gone entirely toward high fat dairy products and this week, I stopped that. Also, I am trying to use olive oil whenever possible.

j

Jana Berghoefer