After getting a cholesterol test and seeing mine was high I went on the South Beach Diet. 3 months later I had lost 35 pounds and my cholesterol is in the safe zone. I bought the book and read it. But never bought any of their food in the stores.
I simply quit eating the potatoes, rice, pasta and bread. I switched to eating lots of vegetables and lean meats and fish. I also daily eat a few low-carb wheat or regular wraps like you find around the mexican food in the store. I never was a sweet eater so that wasn't the problem. But the potatoes and that sort of food was getting me.
It's been over six months and I'm still at that same weight. If I exercised more and ate a bit less I'm sure I could loose more. At some point I will. About 10 more pounds and I'll be right where I want to be. But this diet is great for me. I eat as much as I want. I just don't eat certain things I know make me fat.
That's fantastic! Maintaining it is the hardest part.