I agree with other posts that weight loss has to involve a lifestyle change, rather than adherence to any particular diet. I try not to buy snacks like cookies, crackers, chips, because I know I will just eat them all in a couple of days and wont be able to successfully ration a reasonable amount. So I just don't have them around. A friend of mine wrote a really nice series of blogs about this subject a while ago - he lost a lot of weight and has been able to keep it off (well, until he married a cupcake baker, that has made things a bit harder!). Starting with the idea that "If you want something to happen, you have to create an environment in which it can happen," he makes the analogy that losing weight is like starting a fire, kindling, tipi, etc. He is a great writer, so check it out if you have time: Here