Don't be fooled. In contrast to what many self help books and tabloid formulas say, avoid crash diets. It's simply not effective to cut out this or that or to eat just salads or diet milkshakes to make your body fit some pair of jeans. Crash diets rarely lead to permanent weight loss. In fact, they often lead ultimately to weight gain.
Diets can even create other serious health problems.
Flexibility is the key. Pay attention to your body's cues. Eat when you are hungry and stop when you feel satiated. Don't outlaw any food. Indulge the occasional craving.