I count calories, I signed up with sparkpeople.com (it is free) and they gave me a calorie range to follow. Then I just eat what I want, when I want it, honestly. But I try to eat healthy foods like fruits and veggies, lean meats ect. 1200 calories of junk food is not as good as 1200 calories of healthy food. I have been aiming for unprocessed foods too, less sodium.
I also exercise. I buy dvds so I have a variety of different things to try. I have Cardio Max, kickboxing dvds, dance dvds and even Pilates and yoga. I also walk outside sometimes...I also go to Curves and I am doing strength training too.
When you lost weight previously, did you exercise? Strength train? I would suggest it. See when you lose weight but are sedentary you lose muscle along with fat. By exercising and strength training you protect muscle and might even build more muscle and counter that muscle loss. The muscle will help keep your metabolism up when you reach your goal...