Need some ideas on cutting back on food and eating healthier

As you've said you wanted to lose weight and you would start to do that through foods. Then that's great! Make sure that what you eat in a day doesn't exceed 1200 calories. That's the trick. Try to monitor what you eat.

As a beginner, try adding more fruits and veggies to your diet. Also, for snacks substitute it with fruit or yoghurt. This has worked for me, and you will feel more full with the veggies that you will then cut back on meal portions. I have noticed also when you lose weight that you tend to be hungry less often. The explanation for this is that contrary to popular belief, fat people have faster metabolism so they get hungry more often. When I lost 30lbs. that's what I first noticed. It wasn't because I was too conscious of the weight I lost, but rather I really did not feel hungry.

The way I try to look at it is that I'm not restricting my diet I'm just adding new things to it. I know that may sound bizarre but in my head I feel better when I know I'm not restricting myself. I would start off small. Make sure you get 5 portions of fruit and veg every day. Adding extra green beans, peas etc to an evening meal can all help. I cut down on sugary drinks, I let myself have a coke or something like that with a meal out but not in my house. Drinking 2 litres of water a day is important but I flavour mine with a low sugar squash. I find not having unhealthy foods in the house means I'm less likely to crave it. I don't have any biscuits or crisps but I have thinks like carrot sticks and dip if I am peckish. I hope this helps I don't do this to lose weight just to make sure I'm getting the right things my body needs.

I suppose you want to lose weight right? And not just maintain your weight right now? If yes then calorie counting I think is the best. don't deprive your self of anything. Eat chips, chocolates or whatever you like still but choose the healthier option if it is available. The worst thing that you can do in dieting is to completely eliminate a certain food or food group. You will just get miserable and quit. I don't believe in the no or low card diet. So for example you like chocolate, instead of eating a whole bar just eat 3 or 4 kisses. A whole bar of chocolate will probably be 300 calories while 3 pieces of kisses will only be 75 calories. Check your BMI online. Limit your calories for 1400 calories a day to start with and go from there.