South Beach Phase 1 is virtually identical to Atkins Induction.

After two weeks "de-tox" period, on SBD, you can introduce 1 fruit item, LC cereals, many more veggies with low GI. Dr. Agatston recommends meats that are low in fat, low fat cheeses, low fat dressings, etc.....provided that the fat wasn't replaced by carbs.

I have volleyed back and forth between Atkins and SBD.

When I really felt like I was stalling, I went to a strict 20 grams of carbs (or less) per day.

On South Beach, my starting cholesterol was 240, it's now 180 after 3 months.