Argh. I just typed out loads (helpful stuff -__-) and lost it all, ... thanks, Firefox! x_x

Anywho, I'll just get to the point:

(and thanks, btw)

You should avoid pasta. (I think I already said this, ... there may be a better type of pasta that's good for you, ... but be careful of marketing tomfoolery)

You should avoid simple carbs.

You should avoid eating too many calories a day - you want a slight caloric deficit, so, ... if you need 2000kcal a day, go for something like 1500-1800 a daykcal, depending on your activity and how hard you wanna push against body-fat. xD

You should make sure you get a decent bit of fiber and avoid too much sodium, ... keep sodium very low; one retains water and the other waste, so you don't want that!

Workout 4 times a week, or more, but don't overdo it; you need to think of your joints and perhaps muscles, too. Make your workouts at least 20 minutes, (in my opinion) shooting for 30, like I do. I generallys ee 30 as a recommendation, but I've seen results with 20. Keep that HR up. When you "rest" try to avoid motionless rest and go with light jogging as a rest, to keep that HR up. Interval training is brilliant, btw, ... hint hint. Probably a big reason why I've lost so much; it makes it harder to bail.

Be persistent. Don't give up. If you have one day in which you miss a workout, fine.. not good, but fine, but stick at it. Be sure you get it the next day. If you really don't feel up to it, hit 20 minutes and maybe don't push so hard. The important thing is that you try to do the workout that day, if not for your body, for your mind. (this stuff is a psychological thing as well as a physiological thing, if I have those words right) Rememebr what you're in this for.

Remember that you're not alone. So many of us are doing the same thing - lots of us trying to improve our body in some way.

There's nothing wrong in a little cheat snack, now and again, but you have to be strict, too. It's kinda like letting your hair down every now and again, I guess. xD (trying to think from a woman's PoV xD) What's worse, someone who occasionally has a little snack that's naughty, or someone who eats clean for ages then binges on junk for a day? I'd say the latter! xD (and apparently so would a fitness trainer from whom I got that nugget of wisdom hah)

If you find you're getting hungry a lot when you're trying not to eat because of diet restriction, then this is another reason make sure you get plenty of fibers. (note, don't go too high too soon, ... I made that mistake and it can be quite a challenge for your body) Foods that take time to process can be good for this, so foods with complex carbs, and foods like bananas are brilliant. Apparently a few nuts are also amazing, ... comes to think of it, I'd say I agree!

Normally, avoid saturated fats at all costs, ... just don't go near it unless it's one of those cheat things. (like today, I had a tub of Pringles and don't feel guilty 8) Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are the good kinds.

Rooting for you.

PS
A routine does wonders.