I just want to know this is my 3rd week on the south beach and i've done pretty good dropped 13 pounds at the most but it varies i run every morning and only like cheated once which i felt really guilty for but anyways my question is ...is it unhealthy to stay on the first phase for as long as u can cuz i finished my first phase but i want to try and stay on the hardest phase as long as i can the only difference is i started eating strawberries but i havent ate beans,rice etc.....my brother succeded greatly on the atkins and he's the one that told me i should stay on this phase for as long as i can........so is that bad im taking all my vitamins and fiber so just want to know ur opinions...thanks.....

I think you can stay on Phase one as long as you like. Problem with that is that you will get bored with the same old foods and you will cheat. Try introducing strawberries, that's not a cheat on Phase 2. You can have some black beans (1/4 cup I think) Start introducing the low glycemic carbs slowly. If you find you are having cravings, lay off that particular carb and try something else on the list of allowable foods. Your doing great!
Good luck!
Judi

I am going to try and stay in phase I as long as possible too. Adding carbs back to my diet scares me but I like knowing that I can if I change my mind.