wyllenn, you and others have said what I feel
I look at this as a lifestyle change and am always working with multiple variables- calories, fat and fiber grams, nutritional content of foods, exercise, amount of water drank and so on.
In general, I stick to 1200-1500 calories daily and if I go over this, I make up for it by eating less the next day and/or exercising more to keep within an acceptable range for the week.
I plan on a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio daily and am now integrating days where I do 5 minutes of cardio, 30 of weight training and then 30 of cardio.
I start and finish each day off with a large glass of water. I never drink water with meals, as this dilutes the digestive juices and has caused problems for me and so I drink a large glass of water 30 minutes before each meal. I get in at least a gallon of water.
I aim for as fiber-rich a day as possible, usually between 45-65 grams daily.
I get in 60 grams of protein daily, the amount recommended for me by nutritionists and nutritionally-savvy doctors.
I eat a plant-based diet (not as in "dieting" but as in this is what my food consists of
) and therefore take in *zero* cholesterol and minimal saturated fats.
I eat a very low fat diet, usually between 15-25 grams daily.
I do all these things not only because I am losing weight but to be as healthy as I can be. My plan will contain a bit more calories and a few more fat grams on occasion when I am in maintainance because this is a livable plan and a lifestyle choice.