The woman that does modeling for me (she's 42) eats oatmeal made with water and two protein bars during the day. Veggies and steamed fish for dinner a crazy protein/carb pre-workout drink, and then lifts weights, and watches t.v. for a couple hours on the treadmill. No booze, no ice cream, no popcorn at the movies, no special occasion departures, no days off.
To really make a difference, you have to pretty much give up everything. It's a radical decision. I've lost about 70 pounds and kept it off for few years now. But it wasn't until she pointed out to me how much you have to give up to really make it work - just about everything.
That's why people remain half-fat: because they only take half measures.