I've been moderately successful with few limiting factors:
1) Log and track everything you eat, every day (I use an app)
2) Set macro-nutrient goals (I don't do Keto or other restrictive diets, but I set to 25% carb 35% fat 40% protein)
3) manage micro-nutrient goals (I set my overall daily sugar goal to 20g, which is super low but do-able - I don't currently track/manage sodium or cholesterol in a meaningful way)
4) Set intake goals for your weight loss objective (I want -2lb/wk, so my intake goals adjust as I weigh in weekly)
5) Breakpoints for added effort (e.g. hit a specific level of whatever objective, add in another step like weight training or additional cardio)
I cut out almost all alcohol not related to cocktail parties or whatever, which really cuts the superfluous calories.

Just by KNOWING what I'm doing and having a history and log on a daily basis, over time I've learned to make healthier choices, manage intake and limit sugars.

In the past, if I've gone off the rails my brain essentially says it's over, then It's over. A benefit to this strategy has been that if you want to blow-out on a weekend BBQ pool-party, do it. Log it. Know what you're doing and get back to it the next day.

Anyway, it's working for me.


Edit: I also drink what is, frankly, an obscene amount of La Croix now.