South Beach Diet

Overall the South Beach diet offers a lot of positives as far as diet goes.  It was created by Dr. Agatston and is a more heart-friendly version of the Atkins.  In the first phase that lasts two weeks one must say good-bye to potatoes, bread, cereal, rice, pasta, fruits, carrots, beets, and corn, and most of those are strongly discouraged after the two weeks. South beach diet does promote low sugar carbs and healthy fats.  It is structured in that healthy snacks are essential and it does not leave out any major food group.  Dieters do not have to count calories or fat grams, just be conscious of portion sizes.  It does emphasis a move away from processed foods and the last stage is eating right for the rest of your life. 

Some downfalls of the South Beach diet is that is does not put enough emphasis on exercise.  It recommends ingesting artificial sweeteners as a way to get your sugar fix.  During the induction period much of the weight lose is water weight and losing this much can throw your electrolyte balance off.  Also the water weight usually comes back when dieting stops and losing weight that quickly can be unhealthy. 

Connecting to Inspiration

I get my inspiration from being in touch with my inner self. It comes from finding that place of peace and stillness within.  I do a lot of reading as well as use positive affirmations which help me connect with my authentic self. My yoga and meditation practice is also very important to me. When I am able connect with my true being, allowing ego centered thoughts to escape me I find inspiration. I become focused and centered and my true passion comes alive.  In this place of quietness I find my inner knowing and I believe in myself and the infinite possibilities of the universe. I can absolutely apply that inspiration to my writing. When I find my inner connection the words just flow freely.  My writing becomes a reflection of who I really am. It is about being open and attracting what you want and not forcing it.  It is not about becoming something or turning into someone else.  Some days I feel more inspired than others and those days I feel a sense of calmness and awareness.  It just comes to me.