First ever diet! Please help

[Lilybeto]

Hello everyone. This is my first post on this section. I really NEED to loose a stone as I have gone up a dress size and I'm generally feeling crap about myself.
The problem is, I don't know where to start. I know what the yummy bad things are, but I know that I can not just cut them out. I love food, tooooooo much.

Is there anyone out there who can give me a few pointers about where to start, or anyone who wants to lose weight at the same time?

P.s. All my extra weight it centred around my fat muffin top waist. I've read that this is really bad for organs.

Exercise. Running is good (well it is for me)
Drink water.
Limit alcohol to weekends only
Limit portion size.
Stop eating when you stop being hungry. Don't eat when you aren't. I know it sounds obvious but it's so easy for falling into the trap of eating 'because it's lunchtime' when you aren't really hungry. And finishing everything on your plate when you don't really want it.
Eat more protein - it fills you up better and for longer.
Switch from white to wholemeal.
Try not to eat after 6pm

Really want to exercise. So crap at running, have tried lots of times. Would swimming be any good?
Don't really drink alcohol, so not too bad. My tipple is vodka and orange. Is that quite fattening?
Don't eat white bread as it hurts my stomach.

Gosh, I think this is going to be hard!

I guess so. I never got on that well with swimming but as long as you enjoy it and will be able to commit to it regularly. No point in running if you hate it and will start to cheat.

It isn't hard. I find it easier to be this way than 'diet' as such. Honestly But I know there are others on here who swear by Slimming World and Weight Watchers. I've lost lots on loc-carb dieting before now but that doesn't suit everyone.