1200 calories by 8 PM is not exactly a lot. You need more! And if you are cycling, you will need to have some of those carbs. And I don't think there is any other way to say it, but there has to be a certain degree of will power when you eat out. I go to restaurants a lot, too. I also ride a lot, and do other sports, but not at an extreme level (I rode 3,000 miles last year, mostly in rides of 15-50 miles). Tell the wait staff not to bring bread to the table if you think you can't stop at one piece. I have found if I order a steak or fish, as opposed to fancier things with lots of fattening sides, I'm better off with the protein. Mexican-- 2 chicken enchiladas, no sour cream, no cheese on top. Black beans instead of refried, unless you know the refried are not made with lard (most are). Or find a Mexican place that does REAL Mexican, not Americanized stuff. You will find lots of fish there, with pretty healthy veggie sauces. I used to eat Chinese once a week; I can't do that anymore. The salt and fat will make me gain 2-3 pounds overnight. Go for Japanese instead; much healthier. And no dessert except for once in awhile. Instead, eat one piece of really good dark chocolate after dinner every night. It pretty much takes away any cravings. As far as the junk food goes (chips), just don't buy them. If there's nothing like that in the house, then the worst that will happen is that you'll eat a bowl of cereal or have a piece of bread, which pretty much takes away any cravings.
Not trying to lecture, but I lost about 30 pounds when I was in my mid twenties by just eating healthy, balanced foods, not changing my going out habits, and exercising. I weighed more than I did when I was 9 months pregnant! Two pregnancies and 28 years later I weigh what I did in high school. I don't believe in fad diets or starving yourself, but I find that I do have to be vigilant and to take into account times when I am going to be at restaurants as opposed to at home.