Simple: calculated the number of calories I needed at that body weight and activity-level (3600), and came in about 1000 calories less. I was mildly hungry most of the day, but not starving (in fact, getting too hungry was always a bad idea -- I'd chow too hard when I got home). I'd always carry an apple or two for if the hunger pangs got too severe. But otherwise, I'd eat ANYTHING I wanted. Chicken wings, hot fudge sundaes, steak, whatever.
So long as I never exceeded my calorie budget.
After a while, you start viewing your calorie budget as money to spend. You start to get reluctant to spend all your calories on a plate of wings! You might, instead, just have 2 or 3.
I coupled that with a rigorous workout schedule, including walking and LOTS of weights. A friend told me that doing anything for 21 days makes it into a habit. It's true. Force yourself for the three weeks and then you are used to it and you miss it if you don't do it.
Summary: Cut calories and excercised.
"So long as I never exceeded my calorie budget...."
I think that's basically Richard Simmons' "deal a meal" principle. I had a friend who did that, and she'd be done eating for the day by 10.30 in the morning. :)
Posting this on my fridge right now!
That's exactly what works! Thanks, it's easy to forget.