South Beach diet.... here I go!

I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that the dreary winter brought with it more than pounds of just snow... but also some pounds on the scale. Ugh! Few things frustrate me more than weight gain. I typically go to the gym 3 times a week, which is more than I ever have in the past. But I also tend to want immediate results... As embarrassing as this is, I actually once bought an abdominal belt off of an infomercial that would literally shock my stomach, claiming to give me incredible abs! It is now on the list for "Stupidist made-for-TV products". I've obviously turned a corner by actually going to the gym. But working hard and not seeing results is extremely frustrating for me. With the summertime, vacations, and bathing suits looming in the distance, I decided that now was a good time to take action. After hearing a tid-bit or two about the South Beach Diet, I looked into it myself and decided to give it a whirl- in addition to exercise of course. I'm hoping to lose 8-10lbs (the amount I've gained since our wedding! OOPS!)  I've tried the Atkins diet in the past but always found it so difficult to stick to the 'allowable foods'. The South Beach diet is very similar, but it does allow more non-starchy vegetables than Atkins. Thankfully, I love vegetables!  I found this site online that was helpful in outlining the foods that are allowed and the foods to avoid in phase one of the diet (the first 2 weeks). It also has a short shopping list to help you get started. I have to say at first glance it appears as though there are tons of options and shouldn't be too difficult... its mainly a protein & vegetable diet. Today is my official start day to the diet, and I am already mourning the loss of bread, pasta, potatoes, dairy-dip, cereal, granola bars, orange juice, and wine!!
Anyhoo... I decided to use the blog to share my personal take on the diet as well as my frustrations and hopeful progress. :)
Here's a quick look at some of the things I got at the grocery store in preparation for the diet:

Here's hoping I last 2 weeks on it! haha. :)