Hello. Actually exercise has now been determined to be of little importance in weight loss. In toning, yes, absolutely, but not loss. I lost 50lbs last year from Christmas to May simply by following the WW online diet. I'm not able to exercise aside from walking a block or so, so exercise was not part of my diet. So for anyone who simply cannot exercise, or hates it, :), don't ever think you can't diet and lose weight simply by cutting calories. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/16/upshot/to-lose-weight-eating-less-is-far-more-important-than-exercising-more.html

Hi babygirl88 - When I first did SS(SomerSizing) years ago, I did not lost weight in the beginning. I really think that your body goes through a period of adjustment and then the weight loss kicks in. We used to call it "The Melt". SS is similar to South Beach in that it does limit carbs. My advice would be to follow the plan without straying for a few more weeks and stay off the scale. Use a favorite piece of clothing that is too tight now as an indicator and when it is starting to get loose, get on the scale. If you are not cheating and just keep eating within the SBD quidelines, you will start to lose in time. Be patient and hopefully you will experience "The Melt" before you know it. Once that happens, the weight usually comes off in slow but steady increments. Good luck! Marci

Hi Ya Gang! I should not have a head on my shoulders after last night's team night out....I drank (would not even begin to guess the points and ate italian.....). Sometimes ya just have to get it out of your system and judging by my body today - I got it ALL out! Bought a bag of prepared mixed frozen fruit on the way in today and had it during the morning - it was heaven after that heavy food last night. Funny how you can get used to lighter meals. Did have 3 slices of pizza at lunch and that is all the food I have had today. There is a GIANT GREEN SALAD in the fridge at home with my name all over it. I can't wait to get my shorts, exercise top, plug into my tunes and get shaking. Yes my waist gets sore and some other muscles on my butt....but....if I get back at the exercise I FEEL B E T T E R !!!!!! Physically and mentally. I just love tuning out and tuning into 80s pop, rock and anything with a good beat to it. I think once I get used to this I am going to look into weighted wrist bands so I can move my arms more too. Lots of work on the leg muscles and oddly enough - as much as it's a muscular workout - waist down - my cardio is not killing me - I can breath comfortably and have a light level of persperation. I am really doing something like a power walk and nothing more at this stage. I want this to be fun. Something I look forward to - followed by a heavenly shower and nice, fresh, soft PJs and a GOOD BOOK (and lots of water of course!). Okay, it's been a rough week with my food habits but a very good week shaking it - not bad overall. Now I just have to get the food sorted again and things should start toning. I don't care about the scales at this point - I will be watching where the inches move and how my clothes feel. Muscle weighs more than fat - I will be using the mirror as well to judge the difference and also how well I can cope with stairs (great measurement tool). So, lets get moving! C'mon! Don't worry about your ups and downs - you are still here posting and you will be successful so long as you don't quit. We are not in the olympics - we are taking better care of ourselves for a change. There is no clock to reach our goals - I don't use one other than a motivator and mental guide - I will persist for however long it takes and keep trying to reach smaller achievable goals - like more exercise, or adding more fruit to my daily meals. I like the grocery list planning - great tool and helps you think ahead and keeps you focussed. Would love to hear how the yogurt turns out. Mirren - don't despair! Keep posting. DeeMarie - where are you???? Yoooouuuuuu Hooooooooooooo!? Teressa - looking forward to your favourite recipes with your new toy. Kathy - one of these days I'm coming over to do some shopping with ya! Just love hunting through those shops! Yellowhair, Wildchild - HI YA!!!!!! I tell ya what - let's make a deal - or this is the offer - I will tell ya once I receive those cinnamon toothpicks. I will send anyone who has been faithfully participating for a week a pack for great effort! I am serious. Look for the Cinnamon Toothpick challenge week soon....I can't chew 160 packs all by myself ya know!!!! Cheers for now, have a fabby (not flabby) weekend! Will check in this weekend see how you are getting on! McPeg

Nonnie I personally don't consider Adkins safe..not for me at least (ducking all Atkins dieters *LOL*) I am trying South Beach now. I started with phase 2 as I didn't want to chance ketosis. They say U shouldn't go into ketosis even in phase 1 but didn't want to chance it. I have cut down on carbs but not out. I eat at least 1 slice of bread a day..1/2 a cup of beans of some kind every day.. cereal. I have at least 1 carb a meal. I try to have 2 milks but it usually is yogurt & cheese. I have a small snack between each meal. I have cut down on fats but not out. I'm not breaking any records losing but I am losing. There is lots of info on the net. Good luck on which other U chose.