I am a big fan of the South Beach Diet for many reasons, mainly that it's not a fad diet...and it works for me! SBD simply encourages the eating of non-processed WHOLE NATURAL FOODS with an emphasis on a low sugar GI diet(glycemic index based). Easy to follow because it becomes a lifestyle of eating balanced and healthy which (for me) has led to goal of maintaining a weight within normal range...yeah!! So I am on it again though and only because I gain weight as soon I fall away from the main principles. In my case, I crave and eat way too many processed high carb snacks (chips/crackers) and become less active often due to long work hours. Bang! The weight gain starts until I choose to stop it. My downfall is chips, which are my second luv after family (so bad!!) whereas, sweets I can resist much easier...except for a good slice of birthday cake...the icing does it for me...yikes!! I did phase 1 a couple years ago and continued on SBD Phases 2 & 3 and felt fab and looked fab (to me) for my 5'8" height, age, and athletic slim (non curvy) body type. Getting in regular gym workouts and walks, I maintained an average weight of 130-140lbs. Great! THEN...challenging life situations the last couple years caused weight to flux all over from 120 (too slim for me) to 170 lbs. So here's to smoother times for a while (or grasping tools to managing weight thru all the times). :) And hubby is on SBD lifestyle with me. Really helps having a true partner in this life. :):) South Beach Diet PHASE 1 started 1/7/2013. So glad to find an ACTIVE and FREE on-line SBD community via fatsecret.com. Best wishes to all...we can do it :) Stephanie (aka SKY)