Muffy,
Although I agree with you about not taking speed (ephedrine) to lose weight (you are doing more damage to your body than being overweight that's for sure), I would have to disagree with you about the no carbs, as my fiancee (who is a bio-chemist) has told me a number of times it is purely a matter of "energy in=energy out"
As far as carbs, only unrefined whole grains and fiber...no refined sugars, white flours, white breads, whtie rice, potatoes, etc. (basically anything white
) Not eating carbs entirely is very unhealthy for the body in the long run and in the short run can cause all kinds of imbalances. But, as I said, the vast majority of people consume the wrong kind of carbs, so if you aren't willing to eat the right kinds than it IS probably better for your body to not eat them at all.
Bottom line...burn more than you eat.
Drink water, stay away from alcohol (which is the worst thing for gaining wait, it's a double whammy, body processes it as pure sugar..raises insulin to where your body immediately stores it as fat AND your liver holds on to the fat and makes it harder to burn than the fat you would get from a big mac) moderate daily exercise and keeping calories at a minimum.
Having said all that, even though I know that this is how you do it...I don't
I'm pretty good with the carbs part and eating healthy and semi-low cal, which is the only reason I'm not as big as a cow. I didn't start drinking until I was 25 and have noticed a big difference, I used to be as a thin as a rail effortlessy, no longer (oh and being 5'8'' helps, the fat kinda distributes itself better LOL)