I have been watching my calories, keeping it below 1200 and trying for above 700 calories a day, with no more than 65 carbs grams, 20 fat grams and aiming for 65 to 125 protein grams for the day, and trying to row at a moderate pace for at least 30 to 50 minutes a day, sometimes more ( but my rower is wearing out so until I can get new parts, I will now have to make it only 30 minutes a day to prevent breakage) in in 40 days, I have lost 33 lbs. Still a long way to go, but this time I am determined and the holiday will not deter me this time.
(also, I make sure my carbs are from a fiber source (mainly raw veggies) and not from starches.)