In reply to TheDrunkenBakers: Hmm, that is a lot to give up !
I am female, 43yo, 5'8 and recently went from 10st4ish to 9st and change.
No change in activity level; run 3-6 times a week, 3-10 miles, mtbike maybe once a week, climb twice a week and fairly active job [Teaching SpEd]
I feel healthier and def can see a change in body shape [like none of my trousers fit now !]
The 'secret' ? I changed to a mostly raw diet on the encouragement of a couple of friends who also run/mtbike/climb and adventure race.
I read up on it, plenty of sources of calcium, protein and beloved carbs in my new routine. Basically raw till dinner; half a melon for b'fast [after run] smoothie made of 3-5 bananas, 2 apples, 2 oranges, few grapes/pineapple/mango/berries/whatever I have that needs using up for my morning break, makes to a nalgene bottle full. Lunch is a large bowl of salad with all sorts of stuff in it. Takes time to make in morning, but worth it. Dinner is 'regular food' as I have 2 kids to feed too; wholegrain pasta/rice, pizza [home made], roast veggies, omlette etc. We are veggie and usually eat as close to unprocessed anyways. No dairy anymore and dont really miss it. I do lapse, esp at weekends and can tell, but after a couple of months really do feel better.
Best parts, wine and dark chocolate are allowed too.
Alternatively I would recommend getting as close to unprocessed, good quality, whole food, mixing it up, lots of different colours on your plate and not taking it too seriously !