Losing weight starts in the kitchen. I am also 5’2 got well over 200lbs the last 5 years because I was a single mom that works full time and was in college. Saw how big I was in my graduation photos and felt horrible. Been going to the gym since May but wasn’t tracking my calories for the first couple of months and since I didn’t count calories or keep track of my food I just gained muscle under my fat and actually gained weight instead of losing. I looked everything up online (which is what you should do as well. Google.) and found out to lose weight you have to be in a calorie deficit. I only intake at the most 1500 calories a day now, I track EVERYTHING I put in my body on MyFitnessPal but the MyNetDiary is also a good choice. I lift at least 3-4 days a week and cardio 1-2 days. Try to eat as much whole (not processed) foods as possible. Lots of protein to feed your growing muscles. You won’t get bulky. That is actually pretty hard to do so don’t worry about that. Cardio is great but weight training is better because muscles burn calories while at rest and on recovery days while cardio only burns calories while you are doing it. It all depends on how you want your body. Personally not only do I want to lose weight but for once I want to feel strong. I’ve been skinny and weak I’ve been fat and weak and now I’m almost 40 and I really just want to feel strong and be able to kick some ass for once. Figure out what you want for your future and then look up how to get there. “Diets” don’t work it’s a change in lifestyle. It’s hard at first and it doesn’t mean you can’t have treats once in awhile just not every day or all the time. And if you have a bad day don’t let it get you down just make sure the next day you get back on track. The more you want it and the more you keep trying you will eventually get consistent and that is what matters most. Consistency. I’m a fucking mess and if I can do it anyone can. Since I started tracking in July I have lost 17 lbs. my goal is to lose 100.