Easy.
Eating better (both quality and portion) and more regular exercise.
I swapped out my unhealthy work lunches for salads dressed without mayonaise-based dressings (like ranch, which is my fave) or simply eating dried fruits, nuts, and/or protein bars.
If I am extra hungry, I just head to the cafeteria and make a big salad with lettuce, boiled egg, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, cucumbers, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, etc., and I dress it simply with red wine vinegar and olive oil (or I just grab a packet of fat free italian dressing...only 20 cals!).
For dinner, I just pay a little more attention to things I buy or ingredients I choose... and I use a smaller plate to try to get me to have smaller portions.
And I allow myself to splurge on the weekends. For example, I will probably make some type of nachos and chicken wings for the Colts playoff game Saturday night.
Plus, obviously, I have been exercising again - and that is a big thing for me. A big part of the reason I put on weight in the first place was the fact that I had a severely injured shoulder (college baseball injury) that prevented many types of exercise. It got to the point that I had to get it surgically reconstructed...but the rehab took WAY longer than I was told. Full range of motion was supposed to take four months. It took nearly 14.
But I am better now and it all feels good. I honestly don't feel like I am missing much. And it is worth it to feel better.
For what it is worth, this is the first "diet" I have ever done. I was always an athlete - up through college. I just want to get close to where I was then. I am already happy where I am now but I think I can do more. It should be easier when the weather improves.
My wife has already given the approval for me to join a weekly golf league (9 holes, walking) - which really excites me because I used to be pretty good at golf but I haven't been able to play for years because of my injury...that is now fixed.
I honestly can't believe I am doing so well so far. I