dcelt73! Counting calories is a good way to go. There's a computer and phone app called myfitnesspal which you can log your food and exercise into and it will keep track of the calories for you. If you're not the type to keep track, then maybe you can start simply by cutting down your portions, not allowing yourself to mindlessly snack (you know, when you start popping food into your mouth without even thinking about it), and cutting waaaay back on alcohol, which contains empty calories and too many of them! My problem is craving sugar and other carbs (breads, cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes), so my method isn't counting calories. I am doing a modified version of the Slow Carb Diet. Whichever method you choose, good luck! You can do this! Take a look around here and jump right in. Some boards and threads are more active than others (just check the dates), but the more involved you become, the more you'll get out of it!