Calories and weight loss

I've been on the weight loss track for 2 years with not a great track record. I was always told restrict calories for weight loss. I work with a trainer 3 days a week, but didn't think food and calories were really important. Boy was I wrong. I now eat to fuel my body and feel great at 1700 calories a day. The weight is slow to come down, but is coming down. I also eat frequently before "I'm starving". This controls my impulse eating.