You can definitely learn something valuable from lo-carb "dieting" without sticking to that kind of strict and limiting eating plan:
Use protein as a staple during meals.
The goal should be to just eat as you want but to learn moderation. Eat every 2-3 hours in a day because
eating often trains your metabolism to work more efficiently and faster rather than training it to reserve and hold. Most people skip meals and wait too long to have their next meal. If you work and can't get to something, prepare in advance and put your food in plastic ware.
I've found that if I have, in a
main meal, a sizable salad and a
good portion of protein (preferably baked, broiled and the like) from some source (like chicken, fish, beef, turkey, pork, nuts, soy, eggs be you vegetarian or omnivore), although I prefer everything except for beef and pork with a main meal, I will not experience many cravings, if at all.
What also helps is to snack on citrus fruits or raw pineapple between and during meals. They make me feel energetic and refreshed and help with digestion. So for example, with that main meal which includes a salad and side of protein, I'll also have a Clementine or half of a lemon with either sea salt or honey or both.
So again the "trick" with each
main meal (
which will be something with grains) is to have:
- a small serving of salad (of your choice) with mixed lettuce
- a citrus based fruit (or any fruit) with sea salt or moderate amount of honey / make sure to really take in the juice and pulp
- a good portion of protein of your choice (should be sizable)
- a glass of tea, yerba mate, fresh fruit juice (made from scratch), water (lots of water throughout the day)
This creates a MAIN MEAL altogether. I find that when I eat like this, my eating habits naturally regulate, I experience less cravings, feel more satisfied and feel balanced. This is good for an active lifestyle too because you are really getting a lot of nutrients and lots of balance.
A small meal should just include a salad, a piece of fruit and a serving of protein.
I also take vitamin B complex and a multivitamin tablet daily.
I don't limit myself. I indulge but I try to allow myself to really experience what I am eating rather than gulping it down in ecstasy which is pretty easy to do if you are a big foodie like me...and adore pastries.
Food can certainly be addictive and have opium-like qualities...so it's good to try to let yourself NOT feel guilty for indulging because it creates a negative and dysfunctional relationship with food in the long run.
Have a slice of cake or a few medium-sized cookies and really take time to enjoy and be conscious of what you are eating which means don't indulge while doing something that will take away your attention. We tend to eat very fast when we are occupied during a meal.
After that leave it alone. Don't get anymore. Wait for awhile to let the message set in. Then drink a full glass of water...and wait again to see how you feel. That should take away a craving that lingers after having dessert.
If you
still have a craving for something sweet, get a citrus fruit or have a
small light bowl of salad with a light Asian dressing or vinaigrette.
I think another thing to do is explore the world of fruits and vegetables. Most people are so conservative and plain when it comes to the realm of vegetation. Learn about a lot of exotic fruits and vegetables. Visit health food stores and farmers markets. Try things you never have before. Look up the nutritional information about various vegetables and fruits, read about their history and cultural references and experiment with eating them in many different ways at home. You'll eventually develop an appreciation that turns into a very healthy and stimulating way of eating.
And of course easier said than done but don't focus on weight loss. Focus on just feeling and living better and developing a brand new and exciting relationship with food and everything will take care of itself. I find that focusing on weight loss puts my mind into a "quick fix", "urgently competitive" or "temporary" context. That's one of the reasons why most people find it hard to keep weight off when it is lost.
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What I try to do and live by...
When you go to sleep all the workings of your insides slow down because you are in such a complete state of rest. For example, the rate your kidneys work at slows down and then when you wake up again suddenly it all goes into overdrive to cater for lost time which is the reason most of us have to use the restroom so much in the mornings. Going for 12 hours without food isn't unhealthy at all. If you ate a dinner of one lettuce leaf and a glass of water and then tried to go for 12 hours without anything else then no, that wouldn't do you a whole lot of good. If you have a good, hearty meal before hand though then it won't be a problem. 
