I have learned a few things about myself and my attempts to diet:

1. Do not eat after 8pm. No matter what. It always ends in disaster.

2. Do not get something you can snack on "just in case." You will eat it all right away, even if you are already full.

3. Only eat what you plan, but be sure to plan enough. A deficit of more then 700 calories for the day will lead to certain failure. This also means it is crucial to have enough calories throughout the day, not just at night.

4. Never eat anything unless you have a bottle of water next to you.