Hey good luck with the new diet, just think of every saved calorie as a frequent flyer mile that will add up to a few first class trips towards the end of your life!

Good luck and thanks for reminding us how important it is to stop taking in sugar.

I don't think people are vicious, I think they are concerned about you.

I have to say that when I saw Gary's photo in the lavatory I thought this guy is all about consumption.

I personally would love to see people more responsible in every aspect of their lives. It is about our diet, fitness, finances and this planet we are part of.

Good luck. You will feel great and love the results! I love you and your blog!

Best of luck! "The Best Life" Diet by Bob Greene is similar and has great recipes. I dropped 45 lbs of pregnancy weight in about 3 months and have stuck to it for 3 years. Rather than a diet, it is a habit-changing guide that eases you into it.

Hooah Rick, good luck with your SOS diet…please, tho add what I believe is the absolute center of gravity ingredient of any life long eating plan (note I did not say diet)…complement your eating plan with an exercise plan. Make your daily exercise fun not torture (ie. take long walks with Katy). After almost 32 years in the Army, where the Army (as a Commander with over 5 1/2 yrs command time, by Army regulations, I signed paperwork leading to discharge of a few Soldiers) discharged overweight Soldiers, those that were on the overweight program that succeeded in losing weight added exercise to their new eating plans.

Speaking from personal experience (growing up in California where physical exercise required from Secondary school thru Cal Berkeley; and then further reinforced in the Army (for combat readiness) daily exercise for me is part of my daily life habits. Now, in retired life I exercise 80-120 min daily (jogging, walking, swimming, biking) leading to a happier/healthier life (lives) as my wife joins me at least once a week in our exercise…enuff–I will step off my exercise soap box.

You can do it, Rick! Way to go!

You can mix in some terminal walks with your mileage runs – why hustle to pre-board and sit for so long, the plane will still be there 20 mins before departure.

Rick,

Good luck with your new diet. 5 lbs/month is a good and realistic goal. Don't forget about exercise, if you're not already doing it. If the latter, try a 30 minute walk around town each day. It will help you achieve your goals.

Oh … while I don't know the author, I suspect he may be a colorectal surgeon.

Atta boy!!

Good job and good luck. Don't forget to add exercise. While this diet seems like it will get you to your goal, we all need to mix in physical activity. The trifecta is eating the right stuff in the right portions while keeping active.

PS – I agree with your comment – why do people have to be so mean? Life is too short…

Eating real food (less processed) helps. Not going too low on carbs or too low on fat helps. Fats help you feel full, so result in less eating, but are more concentrated sources of calories.

As others have noted, exercising helps – burns calories, but more important prevents your metabolism from slowing down. A slower metabolism burns fewer calories, defeating the purpose of a diet.

In addition to cardio exercise, weight lifting helps build, or maintain, muscle. The goal should be to get rid of fat, not muscle. Lose weight is not a good goal, because losing muscle doesn't help you get slimmer or healthier.

Good luck!

You mentioned Diet Soda has no sugars … does that mean its "ok" to drink? You should be replacing ALL soda, diet or not, with water. Soda is the root of all evil.

I lost 1/3 of my body weight(#70) 9 years ago and have kept it off. If you become complacent after you reach your weight goal, it will all come back, and then usually even a few more pounds. What I realized fairly early in this journey was that I would be changing my diet and exercise for the REST OF MY LIFE. I found Weight Watchers worked for me. Very similar to what you are doing, it sounds like. Sometimes when I think about the fact that I cannot even lift #70, it is hard to comprehend that I actually carried it around on my body at one time.

Awesome, sir. I'll add my support the South Beach Diet. The Wife, almost a chiropractor now, picked it as the right combo of delicious and sustainable. By all means though, go simple if that is what calls you. Reading labels was how I started my healthy eating pattern too.

If you're craving sweets, check out the wonderful world of YAMS! 1g sugar, 5g fiber/serving. They can be as simple as fry-cut and baked with cooking spray and salt. Tasty enough for even non health nuts.

Friday is the first weigh in. I'l report my two week success. Anon thanks for the utube on Diet Coke. It all makes sense now and qith a compromised thryoid (none) it makes it even more critical to keep my metabolism up.

Andrew: Dad's ponytail is coming along just fine

Dear Rick

I read the article, when you focus on sugar, it is also important to focus on low GI (glycemic index) foods. Sweet potatoes (Low GI – regular potatoes – not so good) Fruits – good, Fruit juice not so good. You get the idea. Also Brown rice – same thing – better than white rice.

Good luck Rick!! You can do it. Add some extra steps for walking daily…and you will reach your goal faster! Hugs to Katy