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I think John E has given some excellent advice above. I haven't been trying to lose weight (I'm about 6'3, 200lbs with an athletic build), but at 38 with two young kids, I have tried to get the junk out of my diet. My biggest weakness was Dr. Pepper. Until I give it up this past January, I used to drink at least 2 litres of it a day, not to mention all the stuff that went with it - chips, popcorn, crackers, lots of salty foods that I really didn't need. Because I'm fairly active, I got away with it weight-wise, but I got concerned about the long-term effects, especially given my family history (my dad recently had quadruple bypass, despite the fact he doesn't smoke, and is not overweight).
In January, I decided to stop eating all "non-nutritive" foods. Not just for my own health, but also for the example I will set for my kids (apparently the best predictor for how children will eat is how their parents eat). Giving up the Dr. Pepper basically eliminated my desire for salty snacks. What worked for me also was finding good foods that I really liked, such as 100% fruit juices (grape and apple), whole grain breads that taste good (yes, they're out there), and lots of fruit for snacks(I'm still not big on vegetables, but I'm trying). Other than that, I continue to eat "normally", but I do find my tastes for high-fat food is declining and my portions have gotten smaller. I have lost about 10lbs, although weight loss is not my goal.
It is difficult at times, and I still get the cravings (especially late at night), but I try to remember why I'm doing it, and yes, I do slip on occasion. One way I try to manage the cravings is I allow myself to "cheat" when I'm out of the house (at restaurants or bars, for example), but the junk is never allowed in the door. Since I eat most of my food at home, this works for me.
Also, I never go grocery shopping when I'm hungry!
Good luck everyone!
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