That sounds a lot like what a LOT of people here do - watch calories, exercise, etc. You may want to check out the "Calorie Counters" forum for others doing a similar plan.
I find it interesting that you said it was your fault you fell off plan, but that the plan was really strict. One thing I've learned is that, to lose weight and keep it off, you need to choose something that is sustainable, for you, for life. So if a plan is too strict to maintain, for you, it might not be the best choice for weight loss and maintenance...eventually, if it's too strict, you go "off" the diet and gain back. But if you focus on making healthy changes you can live with for life, you can lose weight and keep it off by sticking with those sustainable changes.