Slipping back into unhealthy habits is annoying. Know that from experience.

Dieting is kind of a word I don't like, because diet is temporary. The best long term results come with permanent change in eating habits. Dieting is also unnecessary hard especially if you limit your calories, because it easily sets you up for relapsing.

Anyhow, you didn't ask any advice, but one trick I recommend experimenting (that I've done recently): eat less carbs and lots of protein in the morning. Vice versa, in the evening more carbs, less protein.

This way the body utilizes it more during the day. It also keeps your hunger away longer which makes it easier to resist unhealthy foods. The most important reason for me though, is that it increases alertness. I have a tendency to have low energy and initial, so food is one way I try to optimize that. Seems to work ok for me.

I did like you writing with a personal touch. Good luck on improving your health. Keep the updates coming!