Key things that worked for me:
Build muscle with strength training (more muscle=faster metabolism, and more fat burn)
Do not wait until you are so hungry to eat (starvation mode=body thinks your starving and will actually increase your fat storage), eating a little all day works for me.
Whole foods, once I made this switch I was full with smaller portions and eating much healthier
Accepting genetics, even though I am fit now, my percent body fat is high (fat will not remove itself from my thighs, no matter how hard I try)

Also loved all of Dr. Weil's books!