I didn’t read the responses after this, and I’m sure you got a lot, however, I am always happy to share my experience!
Please don’t count calories - I know, this is counterintuitive to everything we have ever learned up to now about losing weight. Eat three meals a day to start, even if you never did before. This will eliminate hunger and cravings for things you don’t want to get into.
Once you get acclimated and your body doesn’t want to eat as often or as much, then you can go to two meals a day. No snacks; your meals should be ample enough to sustain you more than comfortably until your next meal. Keep the carbs under 20 and lower, if you can. Meet and/or exceed your fat and protein macros a day - don’t be afraid of this. Drink plenty of water and get enough salt. Don’t weigh yourself compulsively. Read dietdoctor.com for more information. Trust that it will work.
Eat clean food and make your meals any combination of these: meat, pork, chicken, mayo, full fat salad dressing (home made is best - very easy), eggs, heavy cream, pepperoni, bacon, sausage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, salad greens, tuna, etc. This are just some of the main foods I enjoy, but you get the idea. If you aren’t sure of the macro values (protein, fat, carb grams), look up a single serving on google.
The most important thing is to eat and keep the carbs under 20g/day.
Good luck. Trust that it will work. If you like these food choices and rich food, you are well on your way.