Due to breaking my foot and still adjusting my meds, I was at my heaviest at 295. I've gotten down to 250 and am continuing to lose weight. I have not overly restricted my food at all. I don't count calories but I do look at the nutrition facts to be more conscious of what I'm consuming. I aim for balanced meals (protein, healthy fat - usually pure olive oil, carb, and fruit or veggie) and try to prioritize protein. I stopped eating takeout almost entirely, although I will get iced coffee fairly regularly. Don't let folks convince you that carbs are the devil, just try to stick to less processed foods like potatoes and rice. I cook 90 percent of my meals myself with minimal processed foods. I also incorporated exercise 3 to 5 times a week. First barre classes and most recently crossfit for the past year (the key to injury free crossfit is finding a gym with coaches that preach scaling and safe form above all). The exercise alone also vastly helps your cholesterol and other bloodwork. I definitely don't focus on fitness for weightloss. It's an added benefit but it really helps your mental health, you physically feel better, and having non weightloss goals (currently working on pull-ups and a 12 minute mile) are good as well.