My saving grace was cutting out soda. I was a big soda drinker, and now I drink soda like once every 2 months or so now, and I think that has helped a lot. It is also surprising how much good adding lemon juice to your water does. I lose an extra pound or two a week when I am on cutting cycles if I add the lemon juice. I don't know the science behind it, and it may be psychosomatic, but it has worked for me.