M.
The best advice I can give is not to do anything drastic, but do eliminate anything processed. Only eat whole grains, no white bread, white rice, white pasta or potatoes. These foods have no nutritional value anyway. Do not eat anything fried. No soda or juice. Limit alcohol. Drink lots of water-at least a gallon per day. I'm not talking Atkins here-we need fruits & vegetables for good health.
There is also a very good book out there called The Fat Flush.
They have a tough 2-week program to jump start your weight loss. I have found it works and you really don't need to take the supplements they suggest to lose weight. The "cranberry water" they use is a wonderful detox & very healthy. The book also details some of the hormonal reasons women gain weight & contnue to do so as we age and ways to combat nature in that respect. Give it a try...Good luck.