[jodi]

South beach worked great for me. You lose 7-13 lbs. in the first two weeks (Phase 1), then lose about a pound a week after on Phase 2. You can eat as much as you want, so long as it's the right foods. There's a big emphasis on no sugar/white flour - actually, no flour or fruit at all in Phase 1, but then you add back the whole grains and fruit in Phase 2. I lost 20 pounds the first time I did this, but then gradually went back to my old habits (LOTS of dessert) and gained 5 back. I've went back to Phase 1 for a week and a half (lost 3.5 lbs) and am now in Phase 2.
I have to respectfully disagree with having a hungry feeling in the pit of your stomach - for me, at least, that would never work. I would always feel deprived and likely binge. I prefer to eat until I am full and have two snacks and dessert every day (doable on SB).