Hello, Tiggie.

I was doing Atkins, then I switched to Schwarzbein because I was impressed by her case for balance at each meal. She is less restrictive on carbs and stresses that each meal should have something from the four groups: carbs, protein, fat, and nonstarchy veggies. Her chapter on ibalancing nsulin and glucagon makes a lot of sense to me. Here's a typical day's menu for me:

Breakfast:
Vegetable juice (V-8)
strawberries, 1/2 cup
blueberries, 1/2 cup
(or a slice of cantaloupe)
natural peanut butter on a ricecake
1 egg (some days)
coffee

Lunch:
Sliced roast beef or turkey or can of sardines
salad with olive oil and vinegar
1/2 avocado
half a nectarine or whole plum
rice cake or one slice of whole wheat bread

Dinner:
Chicken, beef, pork, or fish
salad with olive oil and vinegar
small amount of brown rice or whole wheat bread
fruit (nectarine, plum, berries, etc.)

Snacks:
Plum and almonds (or walnuts) or
Piece of mozarella cheese or
peanut butter on rice cake or
Cream cheese on celery

I'm losing two pounds a week on this, which suits me fine.

I hope that helps. Good luck!

Sheldon