I just read through your post, and find it amazing that I did just about the exact same thing, only I counted calories. You’re are so correct about not skipping meals and watching the portion size.
I’ve found it especially helpful to come up with about three choices for breakfast (1 cup of cereal/ fruit/ milk; 2 eggs/ two dry toast; or a McMuffin- yes!), three or so choices for lunch (sandwich and apple; small hamburger and soup or salad; or a lean cuisine meal), a 4 PM snack everyday (100 cal popcorn) and one reasonable portion of whatever the family’s having for dinner. If I stick to the plan, I don’t really have to count calories.
When I eat at a restaurant, I ask for a take out box when the meal’s served, or just use an extra plate to put the excess food on, leaving only a proper portion on my plate. In fact, my whole family does this now. We also like that all the leftovers are “clean”, meaning there’s no kid spit on them. LOL.
That way I don’t really have to think much about food, which is half the battle.
I have with me a Fiber One bar as a rule just in case. On Saturday I play a game with myself in that I have a window for my adult beverage. I can have it only between 4 and 6pm and if for some reason I don't have it by 6, my bad...have to wait until next week.
One thing I have noticed...my shoes are getting large...that is my feet have even shrunk. Oh and my wife is getting tired of buying me new pants, gone from size 42 to 36 and now looking at 34's.