coffee & beans & V8 - clarification, please

[kleoni]

Back to South Beach after many years. I will admit I have a "Latte" addiction. Pretty much any diet says NO - at least in the beginning. Since NF or 1% milk is allowed in P1, can I have a NF SF (splenda) latte a few times a week? I don't want to blow the induction period, but that would sure ease the pains!!!

Also, I have only recently acquired the "like" of beans. Is there a limit to the beans. I have so far added several beans to the various dishes I have made (ex. 3oz Salmon with 2TB salsa & added kidney beans; or added to a chicken salad). Is this OK. I love to eat so if I can add something to increase the portion a bit, I am looking for the answer (and salad just doesn't cut it). Also, HUMMUS! Any limits on this since it is really nothing more than chick peas, garlic & scant amt of olive oil. It is a great afternoon snack with veg. sticks.

Finally, about V8 juice. Is this only a substitute for vegetables or can it be in addition to. I see it has a lot of sugar in it. For me it is a great mid morning snack on days when I am on the run, but like today, I had vegetables with my breakfast.

Sorry for so many questions. Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Karen

[Magna]

A latte made with nonfat or 1% milk is fine, and you can have it every day if you like. The limit on dairy (milk and yogurt) in phase 1 is 2 cups per day, so be sure to count the milk in the latte towards that. The official recommendation is to limit caffeinated drinks to no more than one or two daily, but some of our members drink more than that with no problem.

There's no particular limit on beans, but the serving size is 1/3 to 1/2 cup. In other words, try to limit it to that amount at one meal or snack. You can have more than one serving per day, though, so you could end up eating several in a day if you like.

You can substitute a small V-8 (the vegetable juice, not fruit juice blends, etc.) for a 1/2 cup serving of vegetables if you like. Most people who do that do it at breakfast, but you could also have it at snack time or even with a meal. The sugar in V-8 vegetable juice is from tomatoes and other vegetables - it's not added refined sugar. It's healthy, and will help keep your energy levels up without causing cravings or blood sugar spikes and crashes, like a sugary drink would.

[kleoni]

Thanks for the quick reply!!!

[Magna]

Glad to be of help! (I just happened to be on the site right after you posted.)

[missyprissy]

I noticed that when I have v-8 without without protein it makes me more hungry! Maybe i am more carb sensitive but today is my second day on the diet (phase 1) and i already feel better sleeping! Since i work the swing shift (3-11p.m.) My dinner is usually 10 p.m. so is that fine to eat that late if i am going to bed by 2 a.m.? Also if i am eating my legumes in soup how much can I haev in one serving?

I make lentil soup by boiling lentils till they disappear and add black pepper and onions. No oil
And do i have to have legumes everday or can i have them every other day?
Only reason I ask about the legumes having them every day is because i am a vegeterian but I eat alot and alot of veggies ( 2 large salads a day greek) steamed 2 cups steamed Broccoli and otherok phase 1 veggies! So i feel that i should get more than recommended carbs on those. Thanks Melissa

[Kimboroni]

You're encouraged to have beans/legumes daily, especially in p1-- they are much more carb dense than the other p1 veggies like broccoli. Plus since you are vegetarian and beans/legumes do provide some protein as well, that seems beneficial for you.

[Magna]

Consider adding some healthy oil to your lentil soup - you need some good fats, and you might find it improves the texture and flavor.