Yes, I think the reward thing is the key. I try to not reward myself during my regular weekly riding. On a cycling vacation, that goes out the door.
I try to choose a happy medium. For example, last night, we went out to a local Italian restaurant. We ate at the bar, so we could watch the Tour on the TV. The woman sitting next to me (who I know from the gym) ate a plain salad with pine nuts for dinner, with bread and one glass of wine. It was a regular side salad size. Her husband had a normal pasta dish. I had a piece of grilled haddock, that was accompanied by fettucini with spinach and mushrooms. I ate all of the fish and half the pasta, and all of the spinach/mushrooms. I had one glass of red wine and one piece of bread (white...). If I had to eat a side salad for dinner when I go out I would feel deprived! I love eating and cooking. On the other hand, my DH had lasagna for dinner and woke up saying it caused him to not sleep well.
I do eat salads and sandwiches for dinner at home at least twice a week. And eating eggs/egg whites for breakfast has done a lot in helping me maintain my weight.