In both diets, I would like to see some high quality, low fat protein at every meal, e.g., chicken or fish. Even snacks should have something that resembles protein so that your blood sugar stays level.

Another caveat - muscle weighs more than fat. You both say you're gaining weight, but how do your clothes fit? Scales can be misleading.

Finally, writing everything down helps. It makes you think twice before you pop a couple of chips in your mouth (just a couple really add up).