Year 3, Day 48: I just go crazy

From the South Beach Diet Newsletter: The Word on Water

Contrary to popular belief, it's not necessary to keep track of how much water you drink each day. Instead of following the frequently recommended guideline (eight cups daily, which turns out to be an arbitrary amount), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggests drinking when you're thirsty. By using this gauge, studies show that most Americans do a good job of keeping themselves hydrated throughout the day — without keeping track of water consumption.

Even better news: Other beverages — including caffeinated ones, like coffee and diet soda — can help you meet your fluid needs, according to the IOM. Low-fat and fat-free milk are other South Beach Diet®-friendly beverages that can help you meet your fluid requirements. Foods that contain a lot of water, such as vegetables and fruits (Phase 2), also count.

On average, women require 91 ounces of water each day and men require 125 ounces, though athletes and people who live in warmer climates may need more. It's worth repeating, however, that you don't need to keep track of your fluid consumption. You can tell you're not getting enough water if you develop increased thirst, dry lips and mouth, headache, fatigue, and darker urine. Consult with your physician if you notice any of these symptoms.

Breakfast
2 Slices of Balthazar Bread (3 oz.)
Super Chunky Peanut Butter
2.5 oz 50% Jalapeno Cheddar
Coffee

Snack
5 Sticks Beef Jerky
1 Cameo Apple
Green Tea

Lunch: Russo's ($5.75)
Romaine, red pepper, red onion, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Dinner
Brisket
Broccoli

Dessert
2 oz. Brownie
2 Handfuls of Almonds & Cashews
about 8 chocolate chips

About 10 years ago I was with my friend Wick at a party. He had slimmed down considerably and we were talking about it. He told me that he had made a bet with a work-friend of his. They bet each other $50 that they couldn't lose 25 pounds in about three months (I think it was January to March, but I forget). He won the bet, but they both lost a lot of weight. He came away with an important rule to live by: If it's not in your house, you probably won't eat it. By that rule, my eating of the brownie should come as no surprise to anyone; when they are just sitting around the house, staring at you, and you have to resist, resist, resist, after a while you can't do it. You just give in. Even those who consider themselves in control find themselves groveling at the feet of the amazing chocolate dessert every now and again. Gone crazy? Absolutely.