I have done, it requires more work and when I get depressed I tend to let it go which in turn makes the depression worse.

When I avoid sugar, and processed food for those I cook at home not just shove into the microwave I have always lost weight without trying. It is hard at the beginning cause the processed foods are designed to make you crave them by having salt, sugar and fats in a combo that setts your body up on an addictive cycle, so you eat even when you've taken in enough calories. They also often are low in fiber which gives you a full feeling. Eating raw fruit does have fiber, as to whole grains.

My favorite non processed food is quinoa which you can buy in the bulk section for less. It is high in protein and so versatile you can do either sweet or savory with it. Yum.