I love South Beach! But it does require that you plan a lot. Read through the sticky notes in the Frequently Asked Question section to find out what types of food are allowed and which are to be avoided. On South Beach you will avoid processed foods. That means either you do a lot of cooking or you work very hard to investigate what you can eat when you eat out.
Phase 1 IS hard. Especially the first week. But if you follow it faithfully then the physical cravings for foods will be gone. It has made a marvelous difference with my cholesterol (from 246 to 181) in just a couple of months. I've dropped two sizes in just the 20 pounds that I have lost since I started South Beach. But the big thing for me is that I have more energy than I used to and that means I can enjoy activities with my son more than before. While my husband is not really following the diet, he has lost 10 pounds just from eating the dinners that I cook for him.
Oh, one more thing. Do not get discouraged if you don't loose the amount of weight that the book says most people lose during Phase 1. I think it says 8-15 pounds. Many of the ones who do lose that much are much heavier than you are. I lost 4 in phase 1 but I have been averaging 2 pounds a week in Phase 2 so I will get to my goal weight. I didn't put it on in a few months and I won't lose it in a few months. This is a healthy way of eating. It is not a low carb diet. Read up about it, try it, I think you will like it.