I've lost weight and kept it off for years by using a similar method. Sometimes the weight just seemed to melt off, though I've had to tweak a few times to get to my current weight. I was nearly obese at one time, and am now no where near overweight. With each of these changes came some weight loss and habit changes. Basically, all I found was to learn what works with your body and build healthier food habits.

First, I started eating less meat. This was mostly due to having gall bladder surgery: Afterwards digestion of those fats was more difficult. Though this improved, the habit stuck.

I started eating more vegetables. I didn't cut fat or carbs or anything, just added in vegetables. A few formerly disliked vegetables are now in my pallet. I figured out I could like a lot of foods simply by repeated exposure.

I eventually went mostly vegetarian. I eat fish once or twice a week and meat substitutes. I don't suggest this unless it fits with you, but I feel better and enjoy foods more. I did similar things with other foods - eat fruit instead of drinking fruit juice, whole grain pasta and better breads. I still dislike milk.

I cut out soda. I didn't really plan to for weight loss, but after a while it tasted syrupy. I now only occasionally (every 1-2 months) drink it. I eventually cut out sugar from coffee, more for simplicity in ordering.

I started cooking daily, and if I want a certain food, I just plan to make it or buy it. I eat candy regularly, for example. I eat until I am very full every night. Most meals are simple, but I do make my own bread. This is more habit building than anything, but I found I enjoy food more and nearly always feel satisfied. It helped moving to a country with less ready-made foods.

I paid attention to when I am the most hungry. For me, no matter how much I eat during the day, I want a good deal of food in the evening meal, and generally want a nightly snack. I figured it was silly to eat lots during the day, and the my snacking habits just kept me going. Breakfast is usually black coffee. I might eat a piece of bread with a slice of cheese a few hours after waking, but otherwise I just eat a handful of chips, nuts, fruit, or something similar. The snacking habit really started from laziness and simplicity, but it works.

As far as exercise is concerned, I don't like it. But my main form of transportation is walking, and I gained slightly when I stopped having places to go, so I might have to actually make an effort to do this more often.