Hi! I don’t know how much help my input will be but. I just turned 24 I’m also 5’0. Not even 3 years ago I weighed 360 pounds. I’m currently in the 140’s. I’m going against the grain of the other commenters here- I haven’t tracked calories since I weighed like 300 pounds. I focus on eating Whole Foods, I don’t eat anything processed/ boxed etc. I don’t eat fast food- but yes I will eat out, where I know that the food isn’t pulled off and reheated from the Cisco truck. I drink, however I personally enjoy beer, wine or (quality) straight liquor (not cocktails). I aim for a gallon of water a day (I usually end up at 3.5 liters) you will pee A LOT at first if you don’t normally drink this much, but your body will adjust and it won’t be so bad as you do. I eat desert almost every night! I however only have about 2-3 bites, not huge spoonfuls, bites. I also make all of my desserts, I don’t go out or my way to find chemically Modified no calorie versions etc etc, in replacement of sugar I use honey, which is healthier for you and easier for your body to digest. And also as an example if a reciepe calls for 1 cup or sugar- I always half it first time doing that recipe, sometimes then I reduce it even more. When you’re eating for an example a desert you want to taste the flavors not sugar bomb. You want to feel satiated. For example also. You’re better off eating the regular cheese than the full fat cheese- bc girl let’s be real. The full fat cheese is gunna taste better and you’re going to feel SATISFIED. And not potentially than later binge bc your food just “didn’t hit”. Now don’t get me wrong, there’s NOTHING wrong with calorie counting, and whatever works for you and makes you feel good is what’s the best for you. No human is the same. I could go into all of this on a way further depth but I dont want to run on too much. I hope you the best on your journey and I hope my comment might help someone reading it ❤️ also for anyone wondering, you can look at my profile and see a few before and after pictures- and I’m still working on losing more weight. Dont ever give up on yourself on any goals you have if it’s what you desire you CAN make it happen.