Southbeach "Diet"

Does anybody know if this is safe to follow while PG? Isn't it just a change in eating habits, more than an actual "diet"?

p/s - asking for a friend -- not for me.

Re: Southbeach "Diet"

I have a friend wo had to follow a low card diet while she was pg, so I guess it was similar to South Beach.

As long as she is getting enough food and nutrients, why not?

Let me rephrase....

Ask your doctor!!!!!

Message edited 4/24/2007 4:01:01 PM.

Re: Southbeach "Diet"

Tell her to ask her Dr. Depending on her eating habits before she might detox if she alters her diet too much, which some Drs strongly disagree with while PG.

Re: Southbeach "Diet"

Unless she has serious weight issue, most dr. will not agree to ANY diet during pregnancy. Even one as safe as WW.

Re: Southbeach "Diet"

Re: Southbeach "Diet"

I think it would be healthier for her to go to a nutritionist or dietian that works with pregnant women. Pregnancy isn't really the time to diet. I did WW before my wedding and they are adament that you not follow it while you are pregnant.

Re: Southbeach "Diet"

Its probably similar to the diet of a diabetic, however you feel like crap during phase 1 so maybe she should start with phase 2. Also I was told you can do WW unoficially while PG by following the nursing mother guideline. That might be a more balanced choice.

Re: Southbeach "Diet"

Article--Low Carbs & Pregnancy


Exerpt from article:
The Body’s Immediate Reaction To Very Low Carbohydrate Diets
When there is a severe deficit of carbohydrate, the body has several immediate reactions.
With no glucose available for energy, the body starts using protein for energy. Therefore protein is no longer available for more important functions: the making of cells, tissue, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies; and the regulation of fluid balance.
When carbohydrates are lacking, the body cannot use its fat in the correct way. Normally carbs combine with fat fragments for energy. When carbs are not available, there is an incomplete breakdown of fat that produces a by-product called ketones. These ketones accumulate in the blood and in the urine causing ketosis. During pregnancy, ketosis can cause brain damage and irreversible mental retardation in the infant.
However, ketosis does cause a loss or decrease in appetite. Why? It is a protection mechanism. It is to the advantage of a person in a famine area to have no appetite because the search for food would be a waste of time and additional energy.
Due to the lack of energy and the accumulation of ketones, low carb diets can also bring on nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, bad breath, and dehydration.
Because of dehydration and the lack of fiber in the diet, constipation can result.
Exercise and fitness performance is reduced on a low carb diet. Do not be surprised if your energy level is so low that you cannot make it through your normal workout routine.

Message edited 4/24/2007 3:22:02 PM.

Re: Southbeach "Diet"

Its a no no during pregnancy...I lost 20lbs on it before my wedding and even though its a great diet it is NOT good to go on it or any kind of diet when you're preggo. The article that Sweetie just posted is a perfect example of dieting side effects and how dangerous it could be to the developing fetus.

Message edited 4/24/2007 3:29:08 PM.

Re: Southbeach "Diet"

Thanks so much for all the great info everybody! I knew I could count on you ladies to have the answers!

Re: Southbeach "Diet"

I have to say, when I was pg I got gestational diabetes and had to give myself insulin 2x a day and now starting the south beach diet this week, it is EXTREMELY similiar to the diet that the diabetic center had me on. The only difference I am seeing is the snacks, while pg I had to have more snacks than phase 1 however phase 2 the snacks are comparable.

edited to say and fruit or fruit juices I was not allowed during my pg so is phase 1 of south beach.

Message edited 4/25/2007 11:05:00 AM.