<human>: Provide a brief overview of the text.

I've always been amazed by the progress pics on here, and I've always wanted to make a change big enough that I can contribute. So today I took the pics that are going to be my "Before" - I wasn't that pleased with what I saw, but I'm hoping I will be in the coming months/years.

I'm 20, female, 5'1", and I weigh 138 pounds; my goal weight is about 120. I've refrained from posting here in the past because I was worried that people might find 18 pounds trivial, but it makes a huge difference on my small frame, and when I look in the mirror, it matters a lot to me. I have used MFP in the past and was able to get down to around 127, but I could never get into a proper exercise routine and my portion sizes always crept back up. I'm thinking I need to try to work on reshaping my lifestyle as a whole - i.e., to change the kinds of food I eat rather than the amounts (I eat fried food whenever I can get my hands on it, and I have an enormous soft spot for sugar; I know that if I can phase most of that out, then I'm one step closer to solving the problem).

My plan is to start going to the gym two to three times a week (I currently get no exercise besides walking to class every day, and I get winded pretty easily) while watching my sugar, fat, and alcohol intake and making sure every meal I eat is half veggies, a quarter grain, and a quarter protein. As a college student, though, I want to know if anyone has any affordable, healthy recommendations for my grocery list, or any suggestions for meals/dishes (especially quick ones). I don't really like salads, so I'm looking to find some tastier recipes or some recommendations for other vegetable side dishes. This is the first time I've had to shop for myself, and I'm frankly overwhelmed by the choices. It's hard not to just get some frozen fries and call it a day. I also want to know if I should make any adjustments to my planned exercise routine.
<bot>: Took the first step toward making a change today! Looking for healthy kitchen staples/meal suggestions (especially vegetable side dishes).