I don't remember where I read that statistic, but it has been stuck in my head for years now. So, if you cut all of your calorie filled beverages to water, you're easily cutting a sizable portion of calories.
A lot of people's hunger/thirst reflex is "broken" and people often eat when their body is actually saying its thirsty.
Also, the hydration thing is spot on. Everything just works and feels better when you drink enough water and keep your body flushed of toxins. Speaking of toxins, since you are removing, try not to add them to your body in the first place. I'd advocate staying away from processed foods or canned vegetables. Buy frozen vegetables instead - they are often more fresh than canned ones. If you do use canned vegetables, rinse them thoroughly first. I've gotten into doing some ayurvedic cooking and it really works well for me. I love Indian food so this is right up my alley.
I'm glad you found something that worked for you. I grew up a fat kid and it took me a while to figure out what worked for me. I got into great shape when I was in the Army, but it wasn't because I ate healthy. I worked out a tremendous amount, took steroids, then worked out some more after pigging out at Burger King twice a day.
I got out of the Army, stopped working out (I'm lazy) and I've basically stayed skinny because I focus on drinking enough water each day and eating a mostly vegetarian diet. I lost a lot of my muscularity, but for a 32 year old guy who doesn't work out, I still look pretty damn good (not that I'm full of myself or anything 
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