Lynnie your so cute !
Cathy, I know you can do this, but go slow, sudden changes suck and are hard to stick to, so make suddle changes, like whole wheat products when your going to eat pasta's or breads, brown rice, etc... you know the routine. These carbs don't stick to you like white products do. Try sugar free jelly's in the am. Fresh fruit is wonderful, stay with that. Bananas are great source of potassium but loaded with sugar/carbs and high calories...be careful, how about 1/2 a banana instead of a whole one.
I am just like your mom described, my calories have to be real low or forget it.
You know, I feel like I'm preaching and I hate that so please tell me to shut up if you want, I won't get offended
Good luck !!! Lets all be losers at the end of next week