I'll be the voice of dissent and suggest you don't count calories, but skip carbs. I tried every diet in the book before going low-carb, going so far as to spend 6 months at less than 1500 calories per day. Not a pound. Going low carb has definitely been the best diet move I've ever made. The weight literally drops off, and, although I miss my rice (jasmine rice is my favorite, btw), pasta, bread and berries, I know it's not forever.
This study from the University of California links high insulin levels to inhibited fat burning. Carbohydrates cause more insulin release than protein or fat, so removing high carbohydrate foods can aid in weight loss.
With that said [take it or leave it], there is an enormous body of evidence that links artificial sweeteners such as Splenda [sucralose] and Nutrasweet [aspartame] to inhibited weight loss. Although sugar contains carbs and calories, it's a better alternative to these chemical sweeteners. Better yet, skip the sweeteners entirely and adjust your palate. I used to be a cappuccino fiend, but, once I got used to not having everything SWEET, I discovered whole wide world of coffee and tea.
