If you've decided you want to lose weight, then finding a diet plan to suit you can be very confusing. Some of the most popular diets almost seem to directly contradict each other. Still, if you're determined to get back into those clothes you love that just don't fit any more, you know you need to do something.

One very popular diet that has stood the test of time is the South Beach diet. Its focus is on low carb meals, as well as reducing your intake of saturated fats and sugar. It takes a little while to get the hang of preparing low carb meals, but once you master it, you'll be amazed how many delicious meals you can cook.

For example, why not try a cheese topped chicken breast served with steamed cauliflower? This is very simple to prepare: flatten the chicken breast, place it in an oven dish and splash with oil. Cover with foil, cook for 20 minutes in a moderate oven. Finally, top with cheese and return to the oven until the cheese melts. Meanwhile, steam your cauliflower, and serve with a little butter and grated pepper for flavor. Done!

That's only one example of a tasty, simple meal that's low in carbs. And it's not only the South Beach Diet that focuses on low carb meals - the Atkins Diet also recommends reducing "stodgy" foods, which often are full of carbohydrates. Unfortunately, most Americans eat far too many stodgy foods, such as bread and potatoes.

Of course, there's no point eating low carb meals if they're also high in saturated fats or sugar. You need to keep a careful eye on these elements of your diet as well. Saturated fats are well known for causing heart disease. It's also important to make sure you get adequate levels of protein, and many nutritionists suggest that a moderate level of carbs is better than none at all.

Some of the most popular ingredients for low carb meals include:

• Eggs
• Biscuits
• Cereals
• Muffins
• Yoghurt
• Ricotta
• Tofu
• Cottage cheese
• Salad
• Pasta
• Chicken
• Fish

Again, make sure you look for low fat options, particularly with biscuits, cereals, muffins and dairy products. Most people find that the first couple of weeks on a low carb, low fat and low sugar diet are the hardest, because it's such a bit adjustment for their taste buds.

The good news, however, is that once you’ve last a couple of weeks, you will start to find you enjoy these types of meals, and will find it much easier to stick to your diet plan. Once you start to lose weight as well, it becomes much easier to stay focused.