Roger that, Hibiscus09! I did start South Beach on Phase I, but those were two weeks when I wasn't able to cycle much anyway. Once I started riding my bike again, I found that I did need those carbs--if I tried to do much riding w/o them, it just wore me out. You've just got to learn to eat the good carbs, which is what SB is all about.

Other than that, I agree with CaliGirl--beans will get you through--all kinds--chili, pinto, black, navy. And you can get refried pinto beans now that are not made with lard. Or make your own, using healthy ingredients. Also, consider putting fish/shellfish in your salads--very healthy (assuming you're not allergic) and tasty too. I've even found that leftover shrimp or crab from supper adds a little pizzazz to an omelet the next morning. And salmon, yum!

An idea for someone who's craving pasta is to try making just the sauce you want (alfredo, marinara, clam, whatever) and using it to top steamed vegetables. That way, you get the flavor of the sauce and avoid the simple carbs of the pasta itself.

I wouldn't say I've had wild success with the SB diet, but I've had reasonable success, and it's a way of eating that I can live with--not some ridiculously restricted plan that drives me crazy with cravings, and that I'd never be able to stick with for more than a few days.

Good luck/WileyGrrl