I started with South Beach a little over 9 years ago, but have since progressed to Atkins. South Beach is fairly adamant about eating enough carbs to stay out of ketosis. One of the advantages of ketosis, however, is that it generally kills appetite, for at least a month or two, often much longer. It can be enough time to establish new eating habits with no hunger and get you off to a great start. If you are concerned about being able to recognize hunger/not hunger, this might be helpful for you.

Any particular reason you chose South Beach instead of Atkins?