What changes did you make?

I eat breakfast every day now, whereas before I almost never did. I don't really subscribe to the whole "eating breakfast will help you lose weight" idea, but for me, eating that nutritious breakfast every morning keeps my structure in tact, and prevents me from being so hungry later in the day that I'd be likely to eat something really unhealthy.

Exercise 6 or 7 days a week. This has made a dramatic difference in my life because I used to be the laziest person on earth, who shunned any sort of physical effort.

Cooking at home almost exclusively now; whereas in my fat/unhealthy days I would eat out almost every day.

Educating myself about fitness and nutrition. Treating my body with respect.

The education part has affected how I shop for and think about food, so my fridge and freezer are full of good stuff.

i've done my best to cut out diet soda. i feel like it makes me hungrier and i've heard that it can actually cause you to gain weight. i've done pretty much the same things as you with cutting out red meat and drinking unsweetened tea and water. i drink a TON of water haha.

I don't eat low fat/no fat diet anything ever. They just replace it with sodium, sugar and chemicals. I'd rather eat smaller amounts or not eat the item at all. In fact, I cut out processed foods in general. I'd say I probably eat 90 -95% clean. I avoid refined sugars, flours (gluten) and dairy. if an item has more than 10 ingredients or I need a chemistry degree to understand it, I don't eat it.

I don;t drink sodas.

I eat breakfast everyday and always have some form of protein in my breakfast.

I kicked coffee as a matter of health, I find herbal teas are a better swap for me. The bonus is they are often flavorful enough that I can drink them without sugar.

Switching to leaner cuts of meat is a smart idea. I am vegetarian so that's not an issue for me. I have heard of people doing meatless Monday's where they eat vegetarian for 1 day a week.

I work out at least 3x's week.

I try to start every morning with a good breakfast with protien of some form incorporated. No white breads, pasta, sugar. I eat ezekial bread (but I still love rye bread and dempster's cinnamon raison - just enjoy them with much less frequency). I use splenda and agave necter, applesauce instead of oil. And honestly........I can't say enough good things about Tosca Reno's "Eat Clean Diet" cookbook. There are so many good recipes in it. The other thing - use a food scale and weigh my portions - so helpful and you can't fool yourself with that!

An oh ya edit - agree with the OP - will not give up coffee. Everyone around me deserves to have a good day too

For your diet to be successful, you need to change your eating habits! It’s just not diet and be done, you have to change how and what you eat.

Well, for starters think of ALL the foods that got you here!
Soda, chips, ice cream, cakes, cookies, cinnabon, pastries, snack foods, brownies, candy and NO FRIED foods!

I personally try not to eat ANY processed foods any more and try to eat as healthy as I can. I cut back on my alcohol intake. I don’t eat red meat and only chicken, pork, and fish. I eat any vegetable and fruit, fruit has actually taken the place of candy. I have an Granny Smith apple every night as my late night desert.

I also go to the gym 5 to 6 times a week!

Here are some good links.

A good sight on nutrition.
http://nutrition.about.com/

A good site about diets and nutrition.
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/frequently-asked-questions-about-diet-and-nutrition

Low carb diets
http://exercise.about.com/cs/nutrition/a/lowcarb.htm

Good luck in your goals

I tried to increase more vegetables and/or fruits..Eat more often, Exercise more..lay off the Edy's Ice Cream and Mickey D's...I still eat red meat occasionally..I still drink coffee every day (never really liked sugar in my coffee to being with)...Switched to whole grain rice/pasta; watched portions...I didnt realize how much cereal i was REALLY putting into the bowl..