I think out of all low carb plans that South Beach is the BEST of them-because it only cuts carbs out for two weeks and then you add the good ones back in slowly. But-it still may be restrictive for you if you are a really picky eater.
I personally don't low carb diet-I am a calorie counter. I eat as healthfully as I possibly can-lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, skim dairy, and soy. BUT-I do have an occasional treat now and then (once a week maybe) but stay within my calorie range-like a bit of chocolate (not a whole candy bar-but a couple kisses) or a single slice of veggie pizza. It keeps me sane.
There are a lot of really good reduced calorie recipes out there-you should really try a few of them. Raw carrot sticks don't do anything for me either-but I love stir fry veggies with a little chicken breast and oriental seasoning...or cooked broccoli with a little Mrs. Dash or other seasoning to give it some flavor. There are a lot of recipes out there that are healthier "substitutes" for fattening food like oven fried chicken, and such.
I found one thing that helped me with fresh fruit was to "branch out". I tried a new fruit each week at the store-and found some I really loved. As a kid my family always bought red delicious or golden delicious apples-and when I tried other varieties I found I liked gala and granny smith much better. I also love mangoes, kiwi, clementines-and a lot of other fruits I never even experienced as a child.
I agree with the six small meals-but you have to remember that they should not be the size of the 3 regular meals that you eat now. The meals should all be really about the size of a large "snack". Like a small salad with some chicken breast or a cup of yogurt and a piece of fruit, and so forth. The key is to fuel your body more often with smaller mini meals-but you are not eating to the point of being really "full".
I still recommend the food journal-I use a small mini notebook and journal it everyday. I journal what I eat-and at the bottom I list my exercise and how much water I drank. It keeps me honest about what I am really eating.
As far as the exercise-make a "bet" with yourself. I made one with myself that I would not buy anything for myself besides necessities (food, shampoo, etc.) and would only buy clothing or dvds etc. when I "earned them". Every two weeks I buy myself something-or do something for myself for staying with my diet and exercise program for that two weeks. It is my "reward" for doing it.
Make a deal with yourself this week-do your 1 mile walk tape for 4 days this week-and if you do it then buy a new nailpolish, lipstick, or magazine-or something to make yourself feel pretty. (I often buy myself new workout or dance videos, health/fitness magazines, or a beauty product because they go along with my goals!)
The reward system works just as well for adults as it does kids!