The Dessert Method

We typically eat the worst food for dessert. Dessert is for food that you don't eat because you're hungry--you just eat because it tastes good. Desserts are typically high in saturated fat and high in refined sugars. If you're trying to reduce your carbohydrate intake, you only have to worry about one side of the equation. Still, it helps to take things gradually so you're not tempted to give up and go back to your old diet.

Week 0: You eat high sugar and high fat items. Examples: ice cream, candy, cake.
Week 1: Begin to cut out a little sugar. Eat darker, less sweetened chocolate. Skip the frosting on your cake. Eat smaller portions.
Week 2: Begin to replace refined sugars with more natural sources. Eat fruit-based desserts. Have some whole grain toast with honey, jam, or molasses on it.
Week 3: Use only minimal carbs to frame a more fat-based dessert. Have fruit with lots of unsweetened whipped cream. Wrap a thin crepe around cream cheese and berries. Have some lightly sweetened nuts.
Week 4: Continue to explore more ways of making dessert without needing the sweetness of sugar. Have a bowl of whipped cream with dark chocolate shavings. Have a cheese plate. Have some bacon!

Your methods may differ depending on the amount of carbs you want to ultimately consume on a regular basis. But targeting dessert as an axis of change means you target your weakest point. It can help prevent making excuses and cheating on your new regimen.