^^^
When I say the word "diet" - I am talking about a way of eating, not some plan in a book, though my diet may mirror some plans at some point in them. A good example of a way of eating for life is Weight Watchers. Their plan is wonderful and you do not give up any food groups. Remember, if you deny your body all food containing fat for two weeks, when your body gets a source of fat, it is going to horde it because it thinks it may never get it again.
In the end, carbs (the bad ones) cause people to store fat. So, if you are conscious of that, you can lose weight and/or prevent your body from sttoring fat.
In the end, the four most important things to remember are:
1. Portion control. If you want fried chicken, eat one breast, not five.
2. Eat regularly - five or six small meals a day is best.
3. Exercise - if you can't get to the gym, do some push ups at home and take a long walk.
4. Use common sense when eating. Make desert or your favorite fattening foods a treat/reward instead of every meal.
If you do those things everyday, you likely will not be a fat a$$
If you want to build muscle, get abs, etc. Age, determination, and a work out program will need to be considered.