Don't eat after 8 p.m. It's one of the most fattening habits. Your body's metabolism is unlikely to burn these calories. Plan your meals and snacks each day and week ahead. Have a healthy snack with you in your car when traveling instead of pulling into McDonalds.
Planning means success.
Focus on eating your meal. Select fresh when available, buy organic if possible. You tend to overeat these foods. Use soybean products whenever possible. They don't contain animal fat and are more nutritious.