I decided on a lifestyle change 2 years ago. I switched to exercise and eating 5-6 healthy meals a day. I went from a size 20 to a size 4/6. I eat foods I enjoy. When I eat sweets I do so in moderation (a piece a cake verses half the cake ) The major trick for me was learning portion sizes. I also journal everything I eat. I love food and that will never change, so I changed how I looked at food and shed a lot of fat.