It's an interesting idea but I don't think it would work for me. It depends which restrictions bother you I guess. I prefer to ban a whole bunch of things completely and treat myself with the things I really enjoy - black chocolate, wine - in moderation (more or less) on a regular basis. It seems to work as I have dropped around 40 lb. I eat with the family and in restaurants but I just have to pick something that fits my woe and pass on the side dishes of potatoes, rice, pasta or whatever.
It's like when I'm running, I hate to stop because you have to make the mental effort as well as the physical effort to get going again.