I am going to start south beach on Monday. I have the book and understand phase one but have some questions about phase 2. Can I use low carb pasta once in a while on phase 2 and is that better for me than regular pasta? Can I use carb solutions ice cream or do I just need to avoid ice cream and pasta forever? I could really use some help from an experienced south beach dieter. Thanks.

Welcome to the Beach! Low carb pasta normally contains ingredients that you should not have on the SBD. Remember that this is a good carb diet, not a low carb diet. You want your pasta to say 100% whole wheat. It really tastes very good. Look through some of the forums and read the Frequently Asked Questions. There is a lot of information available here.

I do not believe that ice cream is allowed although I have read about a recipe for ice cream on the recipe forum. Here is the link to the Ziplock ice cream. http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41445

Barb, you are a of good answers! :

Welcome to the beach, Wisnid! This is a wonderful place! SBD is great...a real lifestyle change.

Phase 1 can be tough, so check out the great recipes in the recipe forum. The Taco Bake and the Peanut Butter Cup got most of us through Phase 1, though I personally love the stuffed chicken recipe and the almond dijon chicken. Yum!

You are not supposed to have ice cream at all on the diet. That sounds like a very difficult change, especially for someone like me, who ate full fat ice cream every single night for over three year (how do you think I got to be so big? ), but I don't even miss it. The popsicles help a lot. If you are dying for it, try the ziploc ice cream recipe in the recipe forum. It's fun and very good. Also a great use for the SF syrups.

Welcome to The Beach.
Phase I is the most difficult but you will get through it. Be sure to check out as many threads as possible, particularly in the FAQ section.

Hi. Thanks for the info. I will check out the receipes. I did Atkins but came off and gained almost all of my weight back. I currently weigh 190 and want to lose 45. Hope this diet is the one I can stick with for a life style change.