I have been thinking about the two main schools of thought about losing weight by counting calories.
One says that it's best to reduce calories by a small amount in the beginning, i.e. if you are 250 lbs. you need 'x' number of calories to maintain that weight so you should only reduce your calories by a small amount from what you are currently eating. Then, as you lose weight, you need to gradually eat less and less calories till you reach your goal (as your weight decreases and you need less calories to maintain your body) at which time you will (hopefully) be eating the correct amount of calories to maintain your body at your goal weight. This method usually results in slower weight loss.
The other theory is that you immediately reduce calories to a much lower amount, say, 1200 calories and only consume more calories once you have reached your goal until you find the 'tipping point' where you begin to gain weight. The lower calorie route usually means you will reach your goal weight quicker than the above.
These are obviously diametrically opposed approaches and I was wondering which one is the more successful for long term weight loss. It would be interesting to hear from people who have tried either of these methods and been successful.