I’d like to recommend “The Anabolic Diet” which is low carb for 14 days to kickstart adaptation and then low carb 5 days with a weekend carb up. I posted a link to a good thread on it from 2005. It is worth a try even if you don’t plan to do it long term.
The studies about low carb vs high carb with calories held equal (deficit) suggests that your suspicion is correct… That it doesn’t matter long term for fat loss, it’s the deficit matters.
My experience on low carb:
Pros: higher satiety, more vegetables, initial water flush then less weight fluctuation, eating tablespoons of olive oil and fish oil is fun, better skin/hair, No dandruff, steady energy throughout the day (no lunch crash). Better sleep after adaptation. Joints feel better.
Cons: That first two weeks you will hit a damn wall. You will feel dazed and confused literally. Eat more fat and your body will adapt. You have to eat more fiber & water or constipation will ensue. Can be annoying eating with family and friends. The Dumb ones will warn you about how unhealthy your being WHILE drinking a Pepsi.