Dieting is a struggle for me. I have never been able to lose weight without a struggle. The last diet I was on - under 800 calories per day and a minimum of 2 hours of exercise per day did help me to lose weight, but I had no life. You don't eat much - and while on that diet I was under the watchful eye of my dr. Also if "hubby" is on a diet that I know about, I gain weight with that knowledge even though I am watching my diet carefully. That has happened for years. Now with my body aging, I am really struggling. I know how to take smaller portions, avoid starches, and eat more fruits and vegetables. I have cut back on the meat portions for quite a while. I know the food chart quantities - they are too much for me in many categories. However, if I want to see my grandchildren grow up, I know I need to be healthier so I will keep trying to get a grip on my body.