How do I go about starting a low carb diet?

[DedalusDigglesPocketWatch]

Obviously eat less carbs :o

But I wondered if I should start by cutting out all carbs, or by cutting out certain types or do it gradually?

I am 5ft3 (and a half) 32F bra size but not 'big built' naturally iyswim? I have always been top heavy, but have narrow hips and slim legs, but I carry all the extra weight round my middle. Currently about 10st4 and struggling to shift any weight. In the past I have been able to drop the extra weight quite easily, just by cutting out snacks but not this time.

I live on carbs and get the sugar highs and lows and think I need to change my whole approach to food.

I cut all snacks for 3 months then cut nearly all carbs and didn't experience any cravings after a couple of days. I have read other people cut them all straight away or just at lunch or dinner to begin with.
If I were you I would cut all bread to begin with. This would help with your middle within a couple of days. Then try cutting down on others and see how you feel. I found omelettes really good at the beginning as filling and good for adding things to.
Have lots of lean protein to hand as you will feel hungry at the beginning but it is worth as appetite really shrinks. I found cravings decreased by about 95% even when my period is due.

You can do it either way. Which is better for you depends on whether you are more likely to pack it in because you aren't losing weight fast enough or because you feel like crap/are having terrible carb cravings. If the former then go straight to something like Atkins induction which is about 20g of day and be prepared that you will feel like crap for a few days but feel great afterwards.
I went the other way and slowly cut down my carbs by reducing then removing the starchy portion of each meal in turn. Once I'd cut out potatoes etc I still had milk in my tea (milk has quite a lot of sugar in it), ate some berries and didn't didn't limit my intake of veg with 5g of carbs or less per 100g. I also allowed myself to have something carby if I really wanted it. I've been low carbing for 4.5 months now and eat 20-30g a day and honestly don't miss carby food at all - I don't see myself going back to eating starchy food at all.

Lovely, thank you.

I thought I could probably cut out bread easily enough, but once you cut out all carbs I get a bit stuck with what to eat!

I find I actually have more energy after lunch if I have a salad than if I have a sandwich. I get such a post lunch slump I sometimes get the shakes!

Do you have any good ideas for low carbs meals?

I eat a normal dinner but miss the carb bit and normally do myself a low/no carb lunch such as an omelette or prawn/tuna salad. I don't look at the carb content of everything but just don't eat bread and very rarely potatoes, rice , pasta etc. I still have loads of milk and coffee but no sweet snacks at all. Eating out can be a bit awkward and takes a bit of planning.