Great information, Lani. That about sums up what I've been doing the past seven weeks.
I've lost 14 kilogramms (I think that's 24 pounds) during this short period just by changing my eating habits. I'm not going hungry anytime (Lani's hint about the starving problem is absolutely crucial: as soon as you don't eat at all your body will believe he's an starvation and will pack in fat as soon as he get's a little food again!).
I'm on a program called Metabolic Balance but I fear it does not exist in English. It helped me a lot.
Most important: Don't eat too much carbs, go on vegetables and low fat meat. No diet products, they ruin your palate and your metabolism. Carbs are for people who work out or move professionally. Me I'm glued to my office chair or to meeting tables. I won't burn loads of energy.
So no pasta, bread, rice or potatoes but broccoli, chicken and beans. And loads of water!
Best of all: After some weeks you get to eat your favourite soul food again. Just not all the time.
If you're intested read this: Metabolic Balance
Good luck
Val.