Hello dear Tara!
Welcome! I'll share my own experience with you if you don't mind.
First. As far as I understood you need to lose about 30 kg. It's quite a weight) I had to lose a lot more and I got prepared for a long-term journey. The best balance I would say to lose about 0.5-1 kg per week. But you can do more especially during the first couple of weeks, it's normal. After that the weight loss usually slows down. So, I think you need at least six or more months to achieve your desired goal. A year even.
Secondly. Exercises. For start walking if fine, just make sure you walk at least 40-60 minutes a day. Myfitnesspal and some of step tracker will do a great job. Myfitnesspal helped me calculate my calories and recorded my weight loss perfectly. Step tracker shows your physical activity and tells you how much you need to add/reduce it for the desired results. It is very convenient. Also, if you feel like you are not motivated enough for home exercises (I recommend Youtube videos), then if you have a bicycle, try to use it instead of your car for example. You would be surprised how many calories bike riding can burn. If you have small dumbbells at home - do some lifts or at least gymnastic moves.
Speaking of diet. If you will eat the same meals every day, you'll get bored. What I did: jumped to the green department, bought every vegetable I saw. Guess what I discovered new faves: avocado (here's my recipe: sliced avocado, couple of hard cheese cubes, pomegranate, lemon juice, olive oil -yummy!), broccoli, rocket salad, celery, beatroots, etc. Best way to consume fresh or boiled (frozen vegetable mix+tablespoon of cream, water and you get a tasty soup for lunch, dinner). Turkey, chicken, lamb or even little bit of duck meat - grilled or baked only. Avoid pork. What else... Eggs are great for the breakfast and even dinner. Two per day is enough. Try to drink more still water - little tea and coffee. By the way I found an app counting how much you should drink water and a reminder, I used to forget to drink)))
You can sit one day and google for healthy simple recipes and list them for the week for example then stick to your fridge or elsewhere you can see it. So you won't have to think hard what to eat the next day if you're busy. If you find your boiled, steamed, baked meals untasty, I recommend you making home-made souces, such as: plain salad dressing - olive oil, mixed with lemon juice (or pomegranate juice), mustard. #2 - low-fat yogurt, olive oil, pinch of garlic. #3 - balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper (ideal for boiled beatroot+soft white chees like mozarella or any other). Try to avoid mayonaise, ketchup from the store - they contain lots of calories and additives. Instead make your own - tomato passata, basil, olive oil, garlic, apple puree, salt, pepper - wait till it gets cold and voila ketchup!
If you love pasta - try soybean chinese one, it's healthier plus you can mix it with turkey, chicken, beans, capsicum, zucchini, etc. Avoid white bread -you know it)) Well, I guess that's it for now, sorry for that long intro, but I wanted to help and inspire you. I am sure other users will share some of their tips as well soon.
Good luck and stick to your plan during holidays! Hugs!
