Sorry it didn't work out like you planned. However, you never would have known until you tried it! You did, it isn't what you want. No biggie
If you want real food then how about eating... real food?
Plenty of people stick with calorie counting. With calorie counting websites you can keep track fairly easily. I personally keep track with WW points, but there are many a people here who can testify to the simplicity and ease of calorie counting.
Regardless, keep trying! You'll find the plan that works best ^^