South Beach is not for everyone, but if you are dedicated to making a change in your life, it can be incredibly rewarding.

Several years ago I was diagnosed with PCOS, and my doctor suggested I try the South Beach Diet to manage my insulin resistance. The first two weeks were incredibly difficult (though I did lose a great deal of weight) and I thought my husband was about to give up on the recipes - I put us both on the diet! - because they were pretty bland and repetitive.

Phase 2 was much, much easier, and I was able to experiment a bit more with the recipes as I learned from the book what did and didn't work. My insulin was soon under control, without medication, and I was able to get pregnant without fertility drugs. I was sold!

This became a lifestyle for us. Phase 3 is the "forever" phase. You are able to have whole grains and fruits, and it is a very livable, positive lifestyle change that can improve health and prompt weight loss.