This is true for me as well--first the decision was made for me to change. My habits were formed through decison making and it has now become a commited lifestyle--an absolute way of life. It effects every moment of every day actually.

I use the "it's not an option" for day to day decisions. My PLAN is to stick to 1700 average calories a day. So when I DO make a choice to eat something that I really really want I HAVE to work it into my plan or I can't eat it! Plain and simple.

ex: I am going to the movies tonight. I AM having a small popcorn WITH butter to the tune of 600 calories. I AM working it into my calories for the day. If I couldn't... I wouldn't eat it! I've done this twice in my 4.5 months of weight loss. It HAS to be an occasional thing (rather than an everyday thing) or it WILL slow down your weight loss.