[almeeker]

I use the following simple approach to this whole business:

1 hour of cardio pretty much everyday
2 servings of low cal, low fat, whole grains per day
3 servings of fruit every day
4-7 servings of low-fat, low cal protein
8 cups of water (+ 8oz more for every 10 pounds you want to lose) every day
9-10 servings of vegetables every day

The trick is to know just how little a "serving" really is.