M.G.
DO NOT DIET!! That's what I did to lose the weight I had gained. I gained 45 (and stopped counting there), and I lost almost all of it and am now at a healthy weight. Honestly don't diet because all that means is that you lose the weight (maybe) while you're on it and just gain it back. Here's what I did:
Little things like taking the stairs instead of elevator and parking a little farther from the door. I cook almost 100% of the meals we eat. I get low fat or no fat everything, and it tastes the same. I use fresh/frozen and never ever does canned food come into my home except for cream of chicken or mushroom soups to cook with, and I just found a recipe to make that home made. Also, if you don't take your food to the table and have you and your family make the plates in the kitchen and then take to the table, you'll find that you eat less. Don't watch tv while you eat because you tend to eat more. In my home, we only drink water (this is what I have almost all the time), 1% organic milk, and 100% juice (for my son, and it's the Honest Kids brand that doesn't have extra colors or sugars). You can do it. It is really a lifestyle change and not a diet. We had to stop going for fast food and out to eat all the time. That was our biggest. Good luck to you!!!