Doing South Beach And Weight Watchers Together- What A Doctor Often Recommends

I wrote about a conversation I had with a doctor friend recently and started to think about how different diets could work together. I wanted to find out what diets were best for short term as well as the long term.

I knew Laurie tends to recommend Weight Watchers, South Beach and now Eat For Health. So I asked her what she thought about this question and what she has done in her practice:

"I have found that South Beach diet is as successful as any other diet...if it is followed it is very successful. However, most people have difficulty sticking to any diet for very long. I often recommend doing South Beach and Weight Watchers together. I like South Beach for the types of foods that everyone should be eating and Weight Watchers for helping teach portion control. 

Even w/South Beach diet, it is possible to overinduldge in "good" or "healthy" foods. If one would go from South Beach to Weight Watchers then the food choices open up to include almost anything on the planet...just in smaller quantities. I like that South Beach keeps food choices to healthful ones. It is a particularly good diet for those with metabolic syndrome."

The first key point that is made in the comment above is that the combination of portion control and a high nutrient diet is the correct and effective one.

For those of you doing the new PEERtrainer Cheat System, you'll see that this is exactly what you are guided toward in the PDF you downloaded. The "Cheats" are the portion control, and your incentives really help ensure your nutrient quality is high. This combination is the reason people are having success.

Especially those who have been through the traditional programs, and know the basics of portion control.

The second key point made is that most people have a hard time sticking to traditional diets. For those of you who are big Dr. Fuhrman fans, you'll know that his ideas has really helped to change this. A high nutrient diet, once you get up to speed on it, will help to reduce the traditional food craving cycle that throws most people off traditional diets.

One drawback that we have seen is that many people have a hard time going "full Fuhrman" out of the gate. We designed the Cheat System almost as a "gateway" where we teach people the basics of nutrient density, which will then put them in a position to take the next, often more aggressive step in their eating overhaul.

It does look like in addressing some of the past weaknesses of their program they get a side benefit of better competitive position vs South Beach. Given the perception of South Beach as something that is hard to stick to, it would be interesting if WW was able to essentially make a SB type diet doable for the long term. We will keep you posted!

 

And if you have any experience with doing these two diets together- or any other combination of diets, let us know in this discussion thread. I am also interested in learning more about the South Beach Diet being especially good for metabolic syndrome. This is not the first time I have heard that.

Comments

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[Lisa]

I will say this: I was on the South Beach Diet 5 years ago. At the time, my total cholesterol was 250-something; my triglycerides were 534, and my LDL was around 200. After 5 weeks on the SBD, my total cholesterol was under 200, my triglycerides were under 150, and my bad cholesterol was lower, although I can't remember the exact number.

I've also tried WeightWatchers -- very recently, in fact. Because of the type of person I am, SBD works better for me. Some things just need to be off limits for me. If you tell me I can eat anything I want, just in a good portion, chances are, I'll eat anything I want, but won't stop at a good portion, especially if I'm stressing.

[sherley]

I HAVE follow the ww few years ago..
i don't really like it. bored...

i should try the south beach diet, it should be fun..

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[Andrea Zimmer]

I was very successful two years ago with WW (losing 30 lbs in 6 months) but gained it all back by reverting to my old ways / protion sizes. I just started South Beach 3 days ago and see what you mean about this diet helping you make healthier choices. I think that after Phase 1 of South Beach I will do a SoBe/WW hybrid diet and - like Joanne - keep my points under 21 (3 points below my daily allowance) by continuing to eat more vegetables and whole grains. I'll be interested to hear what is said about the Momentum plan.

[Joanne]

Yes, I've had success in the past with combining SBD & WW. I'd keep my points under 21 and eat mostly vegetables. I did eat some carbs but mostly whole wheat, brown rice, quinoa, and other healthy carbs. I was pretty successful at losing the weight. The only problem is I've since gained some weight back, and now I can't seem to get myself back on that regimen.