alcohol while on South Beach?
 

Okay...I know I"m only on phase 1 but I'm meeting a friend who I haven't seen for a year and would really like to have a glass or two of wine...how much will this affect my weight loss efforts?

I know it isn't by the book, but I had a few drinks (vodka seltzer) at the very end of P1 (it was my BF's bday), and it didn't really impact my weight loss at all. What DID happen though, was that my body must have metabolized the alcohol differently than usual, because I got very sick off of two drinks! It hasn't happened at all on P2, so I attribute it to lack of carbs...

I second this...you might be okay weight loss wise, but if you over indulge, the lack of carbs will have you feeling REALLY BAD.

ETA: I also make really bad food choices when I over indulge. Just my two cents...

If you really want this plan to work the way it's supposed to, then it's very important to have a clean Phase 1. If you don't give your body the opportunity to rid itself of toxins, sugars, starches, etc., you are going to continue to crave them, and that will make it difficult to follow the plan on any Phase.
You may enjoy a glass or two of wine on Phase 2. In the meantime, could you make do with a diet soft drink or club soda with a squeeze of lime?

I totally second what Cottage said. You need a clean Phase 1 to really get rid of cravings. Alcohol definitely can set cravings off.

Avoid the wine until Phase 2. Have soda or water instead.

One of the things I learned from completing Phase 1 and the resulting lack of cravings (and, thus, lack of overeating at events/parties/etc.) was that I had been missing out on the fun of connecting with other people, including my friends. I'd been so focused on food that I missed out. Now I focus on the people and the activities and away from food and alcohol, and I have a much better (and more memorable!) time. :D That's just me, but I think it might be true for others, too.