I am a south beach phase one dieter as is my sister dawn. My sister has lost 15 pound and I have lost 10 in 3 weeks. If you are dedictaed it really works and is very forgiving. I did Atkins I lost tons of weight and I got really sick and found that South Beach is very similar to Atkins but a healthier way of doing it. I'm a lifer for South beach. We are a very Carb grab and go society and when you change up your eating your realize that you are missing out on some very delicious natural foods by just grabbing those carbs. Take care and hope this is helpful.