Hmm...must be something else in the environment then. I lost weight effortlessly while living in Europe but I always assumed that was due to being cut off from processed foods and food items with unnecessary additives. It's nearly impossible for me to maintain an equally healthy diet here in the US because it's simply too annoying and it's also much easier to give into the temptation to eat junk food. I'm too lazy for things like dried beans though, I always prefer canned (as long as I can get the ones that are just beans, water and salt).