pardon my crash ladies, but I have found that keeping a "food journal" has really helped me shed some lbs.
I didn't realize until I started keeping track of everything how random stuff I ate all "added up"... I didnt feel like I was really eating anything until I started writing everything down.
For each meal, including snacks, I track the amount I ate, calories, fat, protien, fiber, & carbs. For this particular phase of my diet, I am trying to keep my caloric intake at around 1300 calories per day. I also make sure I eat fruits & veggies each day. Instead of even baked chips with a sandwich I usually eat 8 of those baby carrots that you can buy at the supermarket.
I've also found drinking at least 8 8-oz glasses of water each day helps keep me hydrated. Sometimes I will add the single-serving of Crystal Light or Propel to my water to give it flavor. I STAY AWAY from drinks like Vitamin Water because there is at least 100 calories in a single serving. The powder mixes like Propel and Crystal Light have vitamins, and are only 5-15 calories each.
Desserts like Sugar Free Jell-O Pudding snacks only have 60 calories. Animal crackers are also a favorite because their calories are low compared to other snacks.
Last but not least, I stay away from food that has more than 30% of it's calories from fat.
It can be time-consuming to keep track of everything but it really has helped me.
Best of luck.