My Fitness Journey: Food Philosophy

Obviously, eating out often and choosing to eat lots of sweets and drinking sodas made me heavy so something needed to change.  I keep things simple:

• Don't skip meals!  If I starve myself, I know I will overeat later.
• Eat until I was only 70-80% full rather than stuffing myself.
• 80-20 rule.  Eat well most of the time, but allowing myself treats for special occasions.
• Meals usually include some source of protein, fat and carbohydrates--carbs mostly coming from fruits, veggies or whole grain source.
• Plan ahead.  I usually make food for all meals on Sundays and Wednesdays.  The meal we usually eat out is Saturday lunch or dinner.
• How I normally build my plate/meal: 1/2 a small dinner plate full of non-starchy vegetables/fruit, 1/4 plate protein source (usually baked, roasted or broiled lean meat or fish, sometimes eggs or tofu) and the rest of the plate a carbohydrate source, such as brown rice, quinoa, steamed/baked sweet potato (plain).
• Water is my favorite drink.  I drink 8 to 14 cups a day--I stay hydrated!
• If the food does not offer much beneficial nutritional value, that is the food I would consider for treats.
• Limit treats!  Watch portion sizes.
• Consider having several meatless meals a week.  There are plenty of protein packed foods that aren't meat.  It'll be more economical.
• If I get hungry in between meals, I tend to only go for fresh fruit or sliced veggies (without dip).  I think some people would disagree with me, that I should have some protein with my snack to stay full.  Honestly, I try to eat substantial, balanced meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner and rarely ever feel the need to snack anymore.
• Maintain a regular meal schedule, but if I get hungry, I'd go for the pre-planned snack.  If I'm not hungry, then I skip the snacks.
• Do not reward yourself with food.  If you feel horrible, find another activity that helps you clear your mind and reduce your stress.  If you did well, reward yourself with something that is not related to food such as a spa treatment, a new piece of workout gear, a cosmetic product, etc.

I know eating out can be a problem, but since I mostly only eat out once a week, I pretty much allow myself to eat whatever I'd like, but a reasonable portion.  I do consider the following ways to make the treat a little damaging:

• Drink water instead of soda or other soft drinks.
• Order only an entree or a salad and an appetizer.
• Order salads with the dressing on the side.  (And likewise, sauces for meat entrees on the side as well.)
• Avoid fried, creamy, battered, crispy, etc.
• Skip fattening additions such as croutons, mayonnaise/spreads, excessive cheese and such.
• Choose a steamed vegetable side instead of fries, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and the like.
• I'd never have a cocktail, appetizer, bread basket options or dessert all in the same meal like I used to.  Either avoid all, or pick one.  Since I have a major sweet tooth, I usually pick the dessert option.  I stick to mini/single serve options, or share.