Yes, you can do it from the beginning IF you have some self control on portion size - for instance crumpets are on healthy and filling list - one or 2 would be fine, but if you tend to eat a whole packet, then you need to be pointing, not F+H, it all depends on the type of person you are.
I sit at my computer/iPad every morning dealing with emails, facebook, maybe playing a game or 2 etc etc so I also think about my food for the day - I do the points, I do it all with the online planner - so will put in my breakfast, lunch and probable dinner (let the computer do the looking up and pointing) - see what that leaves me and whether I want to change any of those meals for something lower.
After 2 weeks of pointing, most of my "usual" choices were in the computer on my list so you just click on your list and move it to your day's planner. Now - 5 weeks in - it is easy peasy, I am losing weight at a 1-2lb weekly rate, which is sustainable because I am not hungry.
You just need to give it some time. 2 weeks is not unreasonable to "get-it" when starting a diet.