"I'd like my hamburger without the bun, and vegetables instead of my fries!" With the new low-carb craze sweeping the country, requests like this are not as rare as they once were.

In the last year, the explosions of diets like Atkins and South Beach have become increasingly popular. Men and women of all ages are jumping on the carb-counting bandwagon.

When Dr. Robert Atkins introduced the Atkins diet 30 years ago, people laughed at the thought of carb-cutting as a means of weight loss. Contemporary research though, has found that diets such as the Atkins plan, do in fact have an advantageous effect on weight-loss.

The food-service industry has eagerly taken notice of this trend, and is now providing their customers with low-carb menu options. Even fast-food chains, such as Burger King are offering low-carb options.

James Pritting, employee at Ruby Tuesday's in Paramus, N.J., said that he sees the effects of this new craze while he's at work.

"Our low-carb menu is definitely attracting a lot of attention," said Pritting. "Dieters enjoy the fact that they can still go out to eat, knowing that they won't go off track with their diet."

The low-carb craze, although it is not for everyone, does seem to be growing in popularity. There aren't many foods that can't be purchased in some low-carb alternative. People can even enjoy happy hour with low-carb beers.

Anthony Meyers of Hawthorne, N.J., has been counting carbs on the South Beach Diet for three months now and boasts of his success.

"I have lost a total of 22 pounds and have really learned a lot about portion control," he said. "I don't even crave bread and pasta the way I used to."

It seems as though this diet craze is here to stay, at least for the time being. Low-carb diets offer quick and easy weight loss - for many, they're a welcomed alternative to traditional dieting and exercise.

Despite the high notoriety of such diets, their long-term effects on one's health has not yet been determined. Just because something is low-carb, doesn't mean it is low in calories. The FDA states that there is no legal definition of what low-carb means, and therefore, any food or beverage product that says low-carb is technically breaking the law.

Sueanne Angulo of Englewood Hospital in Englewood, N.J., warned of some of the potential health risks involved with a carb-free diet.

"It is important to be cautious of what you are putting in your body," said Angulo. "Although something may help you lose weight, it may not be healthy for your heart."

Some foods that are labeled low-carb often contain high levels of saturated fats and calories. Experts say that it is important to read the label when comparing low-carb choices to regular foods.

Many experts predict that like many fad diets, the low-carb frenzy will also eventually die out. But for now, it has made its way into the homes of many people and is continuing to be a major selling point in the marketing of food.