What has worked for me (so far).........
No processed foods
No white flour
No sugar (occasional dark chocolate)
2 quarts of water/day
Nothing but water or herbal tea after 7 p.m.
Fasting one day per week
Cardio every morning....even if it's only 10 minutes
If you cut out processed food, white flour and sugar, you can practically eat as much as you want of anything else and you will get to an optimal weight. I didn't mention meat, cause I'm a
vegetarian...I guess that probably helps too, but not the most important thing by far.
One more thing....buy an article of clothing you love one size too small....hang it somewhere highly visible to you and try it on once a week. The best part is when it becomes too big.