Here are, in my opinion, the 5 basic rules to follow if you're serious about your diet and loosing weight;

Firstly make sure you drink water! At least 2 litres every day. This helps keep you motabolism up and running smoothly!

Second - here's one not everyone will like - you MUST, at least start cardio vascular exercise EVERY DAY. I don't mean running a marathon or pumping iron in the gym for hours; I mean take a walk for 15 minutes or half and hour, maybe jog for the last 10 minutes of an hours walk. You need to start somewhere, and continute to build up exercise to a minimum of 30 minutes per day, every day.
Sorry to rant on about this in the very first post but (!) - I cannot stand people who try diet after diet and end up complaining 'this hasn't worked' or 'that diet's rubbish', when they haven't moved off the sofa or even attempted to become more active.

Thirdly, the word 'diet' isn't just about avoiding certain foods for a few weeks until you've lost weight. It should be about a healthy eating plan designed to change your eating habits for good. Eating sensibly, so including fresh fruit and vegetables daily should be a part of your diet.

4th -weigh out the carbohidrate portions of your meals, so pasta & rice no more than 80gms per person, per meal. Watch out on potatoes and bread.
Have you ever thought of swaping white bread for wholemeal or wholegrain bread? Brown bread is more filling, and make sure you don't buy the thick cut slices because they can provide almost twice as many carbs, per slice, as thinner sliced bread.

5th but not least! If you have a weakness like chocolate, crisps, beer or wine, whatever it is just remove it from your cuboards! It's quite simple - don't buy it from the supermarket! & as if by magic, you won't be tempted to hit the chocolate or crisp's every time you think your hungry.

These 5 simple steps could be the beginning of the weight loss you've been dreaming of. Start today!!