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Here I go again;tl,dr
I feel like I have been struggling with weight my whole life. I figured out what works for me about a year and a half ago, and I lost 40 pounds. I was within 15 pounds of my goal weight. I got sick, hit a plateau, and over the last year, I gained back 35 pounds. I'm crushingly disappointed in myself. The good news is that I know what works. I just need to do it, and then maintain.
For me, my biggest problem is over correcting and being too restrictive in what I eat. Then, I get too hungry or can't fight a craving and binge. It's a horrible cycle.
So, what DOES work is tracking my food (I use my fitness pal, when I'm successful.) I aim for around 1400-1600 calories a day. I start at the high end and then work down. Anything lower than 1300 leads me to a crash and burn. I also worked on c25k and got almost through before the previously mentioned sick/plateau/regain. Drinking enough water is also a challenge, but I have discovered a green lemon tea that I really like, so that helps.
Here is my short term plan: for one month, I will stay at 1600 calories, before exercise. I will aim for 7-8 glasses of water/tea a day. I will try to get my calories from good places, and not junk. I will add in exercise at least 4 times a week. I alternate between walking and 30day shred. After one month, I will reevaluate and see if anything needs to be changed.
If you're reading, wow. This is more of a ramble to myself, but thanks for sticking with me.
Re: Here I go again;tl,dr
You have to find what works best for you. Many people who do a crazy diet don't stay with it long term, hence weight comes back. My suggestion, find a diet plan that works best for you, stick to lean proteins, fruits, veggies, and try to limit processed foods (breads, frozen meals, etc).
I have found that I always have the most success when I allow myself to have a cheat meal. That way I can indulge in something I don't have often but since its only 1 meal once a week, it doesn't throw me off pace. Also, on this day, I make sure I have a better workout or push myself harder than normal. Adding exercise 3-5 days a week is a great way to keep your metabolism high and keep you focused.
Weight loss is math, not rocket science, if you want to lose 1lb/week you need to cut/burn 3500 calories (i.e. if your diet is typically 1800 calories and you cut down to 1500, you have 2100 calories cut from your diet, you need to burn 1400 more in that week to lose a pound).
Good Luck
A woman with a plan- I like that!
I think you plan is great for weight loss but as PP said maintenance is about impermanent change, not just a diet and a plan. Once you achieve close to your goal weight you might want start weeing yourself off of MFP and try to live without the crutch while losing the last 10 lbs or so.