daily caloric intake and really stuck to that for the first few months. After that, I was into pretty good habits and had a pretty good sense for what I was putting into my body from a calorie standpoint (due largely to eating the same things on a frequent basis). I also allowed myself a day every 7-10 days where I just kind of did what I want, within reason.
A typical day when I was in weight loss mode: a banana for breakfast, whole wheat turkey sandwich and cookie for lunch (frequently from Great Harvest), and a bowl of cereal with fruit for dinner.
Best of luck to you. It's doable.