Hiya Meshelle!!
Cutting back on carbs is a great idea for most people.
Try using an alternate for your sides. You like potatos? Try using cauliflowerd instead. You can make cauliflower (potato) salad, mashed cauliflower (whip with beater for smooth "potatos") spring and summer time are perfect times for cole slaw instead of potato salad.
You can read up on Low Carb stuff
here
or here
There are tons of sites!!
And you don;t have to start Atkins, you can just cut out some carbs and find great low carb alternatives!!