Didn't read the thread in it's entirety, but I tend to eat very simply due to other health issues, and it has helped me lose, and keep off about 20lbs. I'm at the point now that if I don't eat "good" foods, my body feels and responds very poorly. I'm also a very lazy cook.
My go to recipe is a very large batch of roasted veggies.
1 bunch asparagus
1 pkg brussel sprouts
2 red/green/yellow peppers
2 sweet potatoes
1 large red onion
1 zucchini/squash
2 carrots
Chop it all up, a little veggie oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, basil, parsley. Bake for 1 hour at 400 degrees. Lasts a week in the fridge (sometimes 4 days for me), goes with everything. It can also be eaten by itself, it is nice and filling.