looking for helpful tips and motivation

you don't mention your goal - and i find it very helpful to have a goal. not just a long term goal like "lose 100 pounds", but a shorter term goal.

weighing my food made everything easier and clearer for me, and using MFP with that always lets you know how many calories you have left in a day.

treat yourself to foods you like in moderation. potato chips? ice cream? weigh your portions and treat yourself to tastes you love so you won't feel deprived.

maybe if you told us more about yourself, it would be easier to make suggestions.

Forget the goal! You've already officially started your new outlook on life! And a positive one at that.! Initially seeing that you've eliminated most sugars ( carbs ) in the first couple of days & weeks you will lose water weight. Keep well hydrated especially now you've started Zumba. Eat at a calorie deficit, don't go hungry

I'd first say to make a more immediate goal - say your first 10 lbs in 6 weeks to keep you motivated. Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of veggies whenever you can. For motivation sometimes I like to read the posts in the success story message board section of the MFP community. For me, if I go to bed a LITTLE hungry, I know I'll lose that week, but it needs to be sustainable so do not cut your calories too much. Try not to eat back your exercise calories for a little while, if it doesn't make you overly hungry. Good luck!!

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1235566/so-youre-new-here

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101