I have experienced good results using Bill Phillips' Body for Life program. While I don't really do the exact program any more, the way he teaches the eating aspect is pretty easy to adopt as a lifestyle; I think this part is key.

To get going though, I'd definitely recommend following the program to the tee, especially the planning aspects. While, as I said, it is easy to transition into a lifestyle, the structure for the first 12 weeks (or even more!) helps build the foundation which makes the transition possible.