My wife and I had the advantage of having spent a lot of our lives in Europe which made it easier for us in the U.S. When we began putting on 'American weight' we just leaned back towards the healthier foods we'd normally eat in Europe. More veggies, legumes, fruits and grains. Less red meat, processed sugar, etc. or what my buddy calls 'plant slant'.

We don't worry about meeting any specific targets or what was or was not this or that diet. We don't consider anything really off-limits but just try to consume less of the not so good stuff. Except stroopwaffles. Stroopwaffles are special :-). I have one or two each week warmed over a coffee.

The most difficult part for us is eating out. U.S. eateries are quite awful in food prep, portion size, and overall quality. We've been encouraging those we frequent to offer better options that are essentially 'mediterranean'. This has made life better for us as well as friends and neighbors.