I have a steady routine. I set my alarm clock for 4am (yes, you saw it right), get up and am working out at our local YMCA by 5am. Home by 6am. That way I have the whole day ahead of me and I already did the workout, which I hate...lol. I try very hard to eat healthy--lots of yogurt, fruit, veggies, turkey patties--I do count calories, but have days I slip. I was 180 lbs. two years ago. I'm about 125-130 now. I did it all by calorie counting and working out. I feel much better and ten years younger. In fact, I can run up and down the stairs with no hands and not get winded...lol. I love to show off! Part of the secret is I never smoked. I think that really matters, especially as you edge over 40 and especially 50. I don't do "fad" diets because it has been proven that their effects don't last. (Or so I read)