Before you start SBD, you need to read the book:
The South Beach Diet by Arthur Agatston, M.D. If you get the paperback version, the lists (foods to enjoy/avoid) are more up-to-date. You can always find the latest lists here in our FAQ.
You may also find reading the
3 Fat Chicks book helpful as well...they review SBD, give you pointers on how to be successful, and lots of info to help you decide if the plan (or the many others in the book) are for you. It's fabulous and, of course, was written by the three sisters who started this very website!