There are trade offs that work for weight loss, or more specifically for weight maintenance. The only thing that works for weight loss is starvation. You have to quit eating. That’s why I like the Cat Food Diet. It’s portion contolled, very low calorie, and it works. But for weight maintenance, there are tricks and trade offs that help. The issue is damage control. Instead of a 440 calorie chocolate croissant, have a 200 calorie chocolate candy bar. Instead of an 800 calorie ham and swiss submarine sandwich, have a 600 calorie sub by throwing away the top bun, or a 500 calorie sub by substituting mustard for mayo. Instead of a 600 calorie Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino, have the 200 calorie lite version. Instead of additng 100 calories to your ice cream with a waffle cone, add 25 calories with a wafer cone, or add no calories and have it in a cup. Instead of adding 200 calories of chocolate sauce to your Dairy Queen, add 50 calories of strawberry or pineapple topping.