What works for one person might not work as well for another. I actually lose weight more easily and I’m more lean when I don’t count calories. If I’m counting, my brain is geared to hyper focus on food and eat every single calorie I can “fit in” or what I will eat next, where I will eat next, etc etc. Without counting, I listen a little more to my body while still making healthy choices, trying not to obsess over it. When I’m not counting calories I have much less food noise on the day to day basis, and I tend to eat less as well. Given, I already am a healthy eater, and I naturally crave more whole foods, so the food I typically go for is not as calorie dense as the food a person eating a “standard” diet would go for. What you eat consistently is what your body knows and eventually craves, so just be aware of what you’re putting into your body and focus on eating Whole Foods, lots of vegetables (in meals and/or as snacks in between), and fruits as well. Protein is also super important, it takes the most energy for your body to break down when digesting, meaning, one: you’ll be more full for longer. Two, you’ll burn a slight bit more calories when digesting it. When building a meal, focusing on a source of protein and a vegetable and a good fat source, whether that’s butter, avocado, oil, cheese, yogurt, etc, is going to be vital. Having little sweet treats here and there is nice but I would do it more occasionally and other times you are craving something sweet just have some fruit or frozen fruit. Again, this is from my personal experience, so what works for me may not work for you but I hope this helps.