weight loss isn't really that tough... it just takes time and some dedication.  move more, eat less is the ticket.   

I don't count calories, but i do count protein and to a lessor degree carbs.  Mostly I eat what i want but maintain 1.5g of protein per kg of bodyweight.  However, i do cardio every day and weights 4-6 times a week.  

I find the crash diets almost never work because people are depriving themselves something that they really really want.  Gradual changes to diet in a nice tasting way is far more sustainable and of course eliminating processed sugar as much as possible is an absolute must.