Hi Melissa,

I'd suggest reading the "which low carb diet is right for me?" section - the link is over to the right. There are many different plans and some have more carb allowances than others. You might consider The Zone, Protein Power or CAD.

I wince at the thought of slim-fast, though. Not only is it loaded with sugar, but it's a rip-off: you could buy Nestle Quik and a bottle of vitamins for half the price.

I actually "eased" myself into low-carbing. I started eating less and less of the carby stuff, then I started hanging out on this board. I've picked up some fantastic recipes, so now I'm at the point where I don't miss the stuff I gave up. For other people, it works better if they go cold turkey. It is a lifestyle change, after all.

In general, yes, reducing refined carbs would do everyone some good.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

*edit: sorry, didn't mean to sound like a broken record: we all posted at the same time.