Don't be scared, be proud. You're taking steps to make yourself healthier, and that's a wonderful thing. Remember, you didn't get out of shape overnight, so don't expect to get in shape overnight. One day at a time. 1lb will turn into 2lbs, which will turn into 5lbs and so on.
Again, just my own $.02, but I don't buy into a lot of the specific (I call them fads, but I realize that can sound condescending) diets here. To me, it's nonsense. Fasting is also not a good idea, at all. If you're trying to lose weight, putting your body into starvation mode...which is what fasting will do...will work in the very short term, but will actually hinder you long term. Slow and steady. You don't need to do a ton of research, but certainly you do need to read up on good basic nutrition. As I said before, a proper mix of lean proteins, healthy fats and carbs are key. Yes, you need fats and carbs. Certainly not in large amounts, but in the right amounts. You do need to realize and get a hold of what you eat and drink every day. I strongly suggest a daily log, at least until you get a handle on things. You won't need to do it forever, just until you get on track and it becomes second nature to you. DW and I haven't used a food log in many years, because we have a very good grip on what we're doing. I'm in the best shape of my life, and I'm in my mid-40s. I'm very lean, lots of muscle. DW is just about body building competition ready (click on my profile picture and you'll see a bit of her, and get the idea). She doesn't do any keto diet, South Beach, Atkins, etc...just common sense. Her nutrition is mostly...Egg whites, protein powder, rice cakes, peanut butter, salad mix, tilapia, boneless skinless chicken. There are a few other small things thrown in there, but that's about 95% of her nutrition. Proteins, fats, carbs, in the right amounts in the right portion sizes. And don't worry, a lot of women don't want to be as muscular as she is...and you won't be unless you lift weights as hard as she does. On that note, exercise is just as important to weight loss as nutrition. Do not rely on cardio alone. Resistance/weight training is important too. If you don't want huge muscles, then don't use heavy weights...but still do weight training.
Best of luck!!!!