I had an epiphany this morning.  The difficulty that people (including me, by the way) have with weight control is, that they try various methods to "control" their diet.  Well, you are fighting a hard-wired, millenia old genetic blueprint that is programmed for survival.  Your body wants energy, and it wants to store it for later when there is plenty available.  You have to give it what it needs, so you stop craving stupid things like ice cream, chips, etc. Your body recognizes these as sources of quick energy.  When you want something like this, you have to "re-learn" how to satisfy your body's request.  When there is an energy source available, if the body feels the need, it will DIRECT you to obtain that energy.  If you keep your body fueled up on good, long lasting food, particularly protein, you will see a much reduced desire for the crap that you have been eating.  Snacking on carrots is a waste of time.  They provide virtually no energy.  Neither do celery, broccoli, etc.  All of those are great sources of vitamins, etc., and you should include them in your diet, but when your body wants FOOD, go for the protein.