The plan that has worked for me is SugarBusters--I always tell people it was South Beach before there
was a South Beach. The plan is
very simple. It emphasizes real, whole foods, little to no sugar (thus the name), whole grains, etc. You can find the book at a used bookstore very easily, or at the library--it's on the old side.
The bottom line, though, is you need to find a plan you can stick with. SB was/is it for me because it's so simple and it's pretty easy to stay on plan even if you eat out.

It's not low-carb, it's low glycemic index (good carbs), and so I don't want to go out and wrestle anyone for bread!