So commented a dear friend recently.

For me, some of the keys to losing weight have been:

1. Regularizing meals – I eat the same breakfast 99% of days (oatmeal, protein powder, cinnamon, dried cherries, skim milk – see below).  I came to this by trial and error.  It works extremely well for me when I travel – I carry it with me.
   

   Broccoli and plain chicken breast from Whole Foods salad bar

2. Avoiding added sugar/fat/salt.  Once I got used to this (2 weeks), I fully enjoyed my simple foods – steamed/nuked, with minimal added healthy oils.  Spices/mustard/hot sauce add taste.  Fruit tastes great by itself (fruit, rather than sorbet).
3. Food is not a reward for me.  I try to find other ways to reward myself – a massage, say, rather than a meal out.

What has worked for you?

Travel pack of oatmeal, protein powder, cinnamon, dried cherries

One bag of oatmeal, protein powder, cinnamon, dried cherries

Powdered skim milk to add to oatmeal

Adding hot water to oatmeal