Hey Ellabella,
I know what you mean about the "old" thing... yes, you can still be active and lose weight and be more healthy. Good for you for starting again!
I count calories in versus calories out using FitDay. I'm not good at cooking, so I rely on pre-packaged foods--which means I have to be careful to supplement what I eat with enough fresh vegetables and fruits. I take vitamin and mineral supplements.
It is possible to drink too much water. You only need to drink 80 ounces a day (8 to 10 8-oz. glasses. That's 8-oz, not 12-oz.). So, you can cut back on that and not have to get up so much...
Slow and steady... nothing too extreme... that seems to be the key.
Jay