Diets and other Nonsense

I have looked at and tried multiple diets.  I think a lot of them are hooey.  I have never been able to last very long on any of them.  I think it is ridiculous to cut something natural out completely.  If you are completely cutting all meat out of your diet, I don't think it is a great idea.  Same goes for milk, carbs, fat, etc.  This is personal opinion and I am in no way a nutritionist.  But, I think a healthy balance of it all with heavy emphasis on whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to go.  Also, I heard recently that a study showed if you eat 60% of your calories before 3pm, you are more likely to lose weight than those who don't.  This makes sense to me since your body is still moving about and can burn off those calories easier.
Personally, I have cut out soda completely.  It does not make me feel good after I drink it, so I don't see the need.  I will use some lemon-lime soda in a recipe I make about once or twice a year, but I have cut out drinking it.  Water works.

Diet is such a negative word to me.  So, that being said, this is my "Eating Plan":

Breakfast is a choice between: Oatmeal and fruit, a Green Smoothie, or a Veggie/Egg Scramble.  On the weekends, I also allow myself one day with Hasbrowns or some form of pancakes or waffles--but they are smaller portions and are accompanied by fruit or veggies.
Lunch is a small portion of whatever is on our meal plan.  We have tacos, veggie burgers, casseroles, pizza, you name it.  The trick is to only eat a decent portion size and always eat fruits or veggies along with it.
Dinner is a choice between: Soup, Salad, or a Smoothie.  This works for me since my hubbs is usually at work during dinner time and home for lunch.  Plus, it is easy to make a large batch of two soups on Saturday and eat a bowl during the week.  Less dishes at night?  Yes, please.

If we get hungry in-between meals, there is always the option of eating. . .you guessed it!  Fruits or veggies.  :D  A handful of nuts is also a good option--they are just higher in calories, so try F&V first. 

This is what works for me.  I lost 3.4 lbs the first week of doing this because I was eating so much healthier.  I felt like I was able to eat what I wanted still and it is extremely liberating.  Find an eating plan that fits your lifestyle, though.  When we graduate from college and Hubbs gets a full-time job, we will have to adjust this a little, but we will make it work for us.
Small changes will make the difference.  Good luck!
-Julie