How hard can dieting be?

I've been quite lucky really because until recently, I haven't really needed to watch my weight but it kinda creeps up on you doesn't it? An extra kilo after my first child then another after the second one...I hit my forties and boy does everything start to change shape. The heaviest I have been is 74kg which for some people may not seem a lot but you know when they say the last few kg are the hardest to get rid of? well, when you've only got a few kg to lose it seems impossible...it never seems to budge. So, I started exercising but then I realised that it's also what you eat - duh! I started by cutting sugar out of my diet, no sugar added to cereal or drinks, no fizzy drinks, no sweets/chocolate. Yes it's hard and sometimes I treat myself but the less I eat, the less I crave it. I have cut down on carbs, white rice is out, potatoes cut right down, white bread etc My diet now consists of fruit, vegies, chicken, fish, turkey, kangaroo, mushrooms and eggs. It's not as hard or boring as it sounds...stir fry's are a favourite and salads, omelettes etc. The trick is to add herbs and spices - added flavour. There is another part to this diet that I'll talk about next time... Until then, set your goals and be determined - but don't be too hard on yourself either - a small treat every now and then can save a huge binge if you go cold turkey.