Just a city girl raised with the country spirit

Hello. I understand the Navy wants all the out-of-shape sailors to get into shape and this site is a great place to start.
First, I want you to realize that I sympathize with you. At sea, you do not control the kitchen. You're very much at the mercy and discretion of the cook. I suggest you first learn the Total Daily Energy Expenditure, TDEE, of you at your size today. It's likely to be well over 2000 calories per day. Then, and there is some math involved, figure out what your average calorie surplus has been for the past year. If you know what you weighed a year ago, and what you weigh now, you can calculate the number of excess calories per day that were needed to achieve that gain. That will probably be a small number. For instance an average daily surplus of 100 calories works out to a 10.4 lb gain in 365 days. Calories In Calories Out. CICO. Then figure out how you're going to achieve a 250, 500, or 750 calorie per day deficit and maintain it day after day. With your level of activity, this should be easy. Thank you for your service.