Julie! I'm so happy that you are setting up your beach chair here on The Beach with us.
So many of us here share the same trials and tribulations as you, so you'll find plenty of moral support and the motivation to make this plan a success. It won't be easy, you'll have good days and bad days, but we're here for you to keep cheering you on. And it does get easier as time goes on.
First matter of business - Have you read or are going to read the book? We strongly urge everyone who starts the SBD to read the book first, as it is essential for understanding the basics of the hows and whys of this plan. We do have lots of information here, but the book explains everything in detail.
Oh, one more thing, if your trainer would only educate himself about The South Beach Diet, he'd be recommending it to everyone.