Losing and keeping weight off are constant struggles for me. Five years ago, I needed to lose 50 pounds or more, and I got an app for my phone called "Lose It!" I set my goal of "losing a pound and a half per week," and it set my daily caloric intake goal. I enter what I eat and make an effort not to go over the limit most of the time or to limit the "overage" to 100 or fewer calories on those occasions where I don't stay under.
I've found there are three things that are really important. (1) be honest when entering and do it every day, every meal; remember, not putting something in or saying I only had a small order of fries instead of a medium order of fries only costs ME, not someone else... and (2) limit portions: have one piece of toast instead of two, have half of that chicken park sandwich (without the bun) today and have the other half tomorrow with half the bun... and (3) try to add in SOME kind of exercise 3-4 times per week: walk the dog for a couple of miles, do a half hour on the elliptical, or (my favorite) ride your bicycle for half an hour to an hour and a half--actually fun to do and really burns off the calories. All the calories you "burn" on exercise come off your daily limits, so that means I *can* have some popcorn later, etc.
CONSISTENCY!!!! If you aren't consistent, then just don't start. You'll get depressed and will start eating more. Don't go for the "lose a bunch quickly" diets. They always end up with "I made it! Now I can eat again!" attitudes, which result in re-gaining all the weight you lost PLUS a few extra pounds. Eat what you want, but make it smaller portions. Don't cheat the app; you only cheat yourself. Do some kind of exercise. Keep a positive attitude.
Best wishes as you move into a new and healthier lifestyle!
