Ive found that calorie counting is the wrong approach and why the calorie restrictions diets don't last. Instead try feeding the body foods high in nutrients, minerals and good fats. When the body signals its hungry that's what it truly wants. Not empty calories. In that way you can eat until your full and be more satisfied longer. This has to be more of a lifestyle change instead of a diet so there's no yo-yo effect.

Although i do love food cooking baking and the likes, I've managed adopt a more of a vegan diet because meats and dairy tend to be full of nasty stuff. Antibiotics, chemicals and hormones to make them bigger and fatter in a much shorter period of time is a ticking time bomb, which then ends up in us and thus we end up getting "bigger" and sicker.

While i do still enjoy meat and some cheeses Off and on (I am down to only eating it once a month since I still have a family that I cook for that still love their meat), I try to get my protein source from plant based foods or a better and cleaner meat source.

Of all the research and experiments with diets and health, I've found that Dr Morses (he's on YouTube) work makes the most sense and works for me. He made me realize that we eat for health not dieting. Once were healthy everything else falls into place.

Note: I've also found that taking iodine for thyroid function boosts metabolism (studies have shown that most people are defiecient in iodine anyway)