I do not think that one is better than the other....they serve different needs in different people.

South Beach worked well for me as I do not have metabollic issues. Those with health issues may need a stricter plan to start out with, as Atkins is stricter than South Beach when it comes to carbs in general.

What are your particular needs, likes, dislikes?...thats what would make a choice possible. In the end, they are very similar in maintenance. Its about learning to eat this way for the rest of our lives...so that we do not ever have to go on another diet.

You can take a look at the food lists in the South Beach forum...there are also meal plan guides there so that you can see how we eat at each meal and snack.

Hope this helps!!