My husband and I are just starting South Beach, almost done with week one and doing well except for when I mistakenly ate the reg jello instead of the sugar free :-( but I am down 7 pounds so feeling good.

My main question is about carb count. I know the lists of OK foods etc, but cant seem to find a definite carb count to stay under. Any thoughts?

Also once we are on phase 2 what are the best alcoholic drink choices for when out with friends? There are a few low carb beers, but as I am unsure of carb allowance not sure what is best, how many ok etc. Also something called thin ice and Mikes light are low carb lemonade drinks... anyone tried them? Is it better to just stick with hard alcohol and diet coke which is 0 carbs?????

Anyway, anyone who can help with these questions, I would appreciate it! :-)

My guess would be to pick up the book, since you will need to refer to it daily. ( I know nothing about SB) ....and congratsulations on the 7 lb loss

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http://www.livejournal.com/users/junee/

I do have the book actually, and am apparently some sort of idiot for not being able to find the info LOL Any help would be appreciated :-) Thanks!

Oh, ok, sorry I could not help

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http://www.livejournal.com/users/junee/

Welcome! I have been following SB since June and have enjoyed it. The reason you canot find the carb limits is beacuse there is no limit on the number of carbs- it is the type- no refined, whole grain only etc.

As for the alcohol question, my husband drinks a few beers a week and he has not had any trouble finding types he likes. I am more of a margarita girl myself, and I have found a couple low-carb mixes out there. As for going out, I would stick to the diet soda and rum or vodka. Just my opinion!

Good luck!

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SB is basically, good carbs, good fat. I haven't been on it long either, but I love it. Welcome!

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In the cookies of life, we are the chocolate chips.

Thanks for the thoughts. My husbands birthday is coming up, and we are planning a big party... just don't want to blow all my hard work, but want to have fun with friends too! We went to a big bbq over the weekend and didnt cheat at all, but boy it was tempting!!!

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CONGRATULATIONS

Beary :bear: Beary :bear: Good!!!!

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Carb count: This is the confusing part of the diet; the best advice I can give you is to follow the meal plans as closely and exactly as possible. After a while, you will gain a sense of what is okay and what isn't, mostly through repetition. In general, I think for most individual foods, a carb count under 10 net carbs is ideal; for most meals I try to stay around 20 or so max. It isn't so much how many cars are allowed, but more of a case of selecting the best food option available. If you have to go for carbs, go for the "smart carbs": whole grain wheat products and long grain rice products. I found that in addition you can substitute veggies for starchy things, so instead of pasta I often put a low carb pasta sauce over sauteed peppers and onions... stuff like that.

The very best alchoholic drink I've found is red wine. I have a glass with meals when I feel like it, or sometimes in the evening after dinner. It's a nice, mellow sipping drink. I prefer Merlot, myself, and find that even a cheap Merlot tastes okay.