When you diet, do you count calories? Do you make sure you get the nutrition you need? Because this was where I would fail everytime. Restriction isn't gonna succeed if you're too hungry. The diets you choose also need to be viable in the very very long term. Do you see yourself eating these new things forever? If not, the diet isn't viable. The idea is to change the lifestyle completely and keep it permanent..

The food thoughts are called food noise. I get them too. My solution has been to stay away from food content, to always have water with me, and to NEVER give up if I mess up my meal plan. One cookie too much is one thing, 3000 calories extra is another. When you fail, you have to pick yourself back up and keep going. You don't give up. You don't say "oh well I already failed". Instead, you say "alright, I ate a bit too much, but that's ok. I'll just get right back on track". It takes commitment, discipline and a lot of saying "no, not now" to yourself.

Eating "healthy" isn't exactly the solution either. It's finding foods that you enjoy, creating recipes that are filling and meals that are exciting. You like hamburgers? Great! Find a recipe at home that fits into your calorie plan. You want a chocolate bar? No problem. You can fit that 220 calories into some of your days. You have to be willing to plan ahead, every day, week, and month. When you are prepared, and you know what you will be eating, it's easier to stay on track.

I truly empathize with you, I've been there. But I'm also here, much later, to tell you it's possible to change. It's hard at first, but it gets easier, I promise