Here's another vote for Weight Watchers. It really is rated one of the best programs consistently and one of the healthiest.
The basic premise is to eat the following EVERY day: at least 5 servings of fruit and veggies a day, two teaspoons of oils a day (olive oil, flax), two servings of milk/dairy, take a multivitamin each day, drink at least 6 -8 glasses of water, protein at every meal, eat every 2 - 3 hours.
These are the guidelines that are included in your daily points they give you. (Each food is assigned a point.) If you eat all the stuff I just mentioned first during the day, you will not crave the other stuff as much. But....you can still have snack, cookies, cakes, as long as they are in your points range for the week. And you can still plan to dine out or save points for a party.
I truly never feel as good as when I am trying to do Weight Watchers. That's because I make sure I get everything I need before I eat what "I want". And I really don't feel deprived.
The other benefit is that you can eat all the same food you serve your family.
I'd highly recommend it.
Good luck to you!!! I know how hard it is to lose weight. Not half as much fun as putting it on!!!
HeatherC