Basically I have to agree with you, although knowledge and awareness play a role as well. I have just experienced success in whittling 20 pounds off, returning me to the weight I possessed as a college sophomore.

My wife introduced me to a very simple system - simply record the caloric value of everything you consume each day and monitor your weight consistently. i have been dropping about a pound a week using this system, without depriving me or starving, or, indeed, changing my habits to any marked degree. It sure feels nice.

It is clearly a matter of priorities. I can now go right past the doughnut display at the local market. I would rather have a banana (100 cals) than a doughnut (300 cals).