I think the most important piece of weight loss advice that is never given is; FIGURE OUT WHY YOUR BODY IS STORING FAT.  Not everybody's body is the same.  We all have different blood types, different metabolisms, different nutrition and exercise needs and there is a growing  number of people who are over weight with medical issues like hormone imbalances.  I have followed every diet under the sun but it wasn't until I started listening to what my body is telling me it needed did I start to get a hold on my cravings and on my weight.  Sure things like calorie restriction and intense exercise does work for most people to get the weight off, but it seems to always come back as soon as you "relax."  To lose weight and keep it off with ease, one must determine the underlying cause for weight in the first place.  For me, it was constant stress on my adrenal glands, eating the wrong types of foods for my blood type and metabolism, my addiction to sugar (caused by not having enough vegetables in my diet) and not enough out door activities.  After I changed those things, weight loss is effortless.  I am focusing more on what my body needs everyday instead of a number on the scale.  The results are fantastic!  If you are interested in more information like this just search for "Dr.Berg" on YouTube and he has a TON of videos that can help get you educated about the right things.  And as always, make sure to eat at least 7 cups of fresh, organic, green vegetables a day!