I do a version of a low carb diet, except I just stay away from the starchy carbs. Basically I avoid bread (which includes cereal and crackers), potatoes, pasta, and rice. I still eat lots of fruit and veggies (even the ones that are a no-no on the Atkins diet).
If I eat pasta (which is rarely), it's a very small portion of whole grain pasta, as a little side to go with the rest of my meal. And,
if I eat rice, it's a very small portion of whole grain brown rice, again only as a small side.
My diet consists of proteins (mostly lean, but sometimes no so lean

), some dairy, and all the fruits and veggies I want. I snack on items like regular buttered popcorn, a few nuts, celery with a little cream cheese, fruit or veggies of anykind, pickles or pickled asparagus (which I love), sugar free jello, light yogurt, etc. If I really fall off the waggon for snacks, I eat a few baked Lays or something similar, but that's a no-no to get in a regular habit of doing.
I've lost 20 pounds since October.

I have about 30 pounds to go.