Usually, you can still use family favorite recipes and just make a few modifications. Use lower fat versions of diary items, cook with olive oil, or healthier oils, and watch your portion of the main dish and especially processed carbs. Try to shop the perimeter of the grocery store where all of the FRESH items are kept...the less processed, the healthier for you. Also, use smaller plates (not the huge dinner plates, but the salad plate) when you and your family sit down to dinner. You can fill them up, which makes it seem like you're eating a lot, but you really aren't. Also, try to get in as much water as you can during the day so you don't retain water, and as many fresh veggies and fruits as you can (not too many fruits).
I would also recommend thedailyplate.com to help you with tracking what you're eating, and they have great forums with healthy recipes...and it's free.
Sample Diet:
Breakfast--whole grain cereal, skim milk, egg white omelet, grapefruit with splenda
Snack--string cheese and apples, or cottage cheese and fresh fruit, or celery sticks with cream cheese, or yogurt (fruit and dairy)
Lunch--veggie salad, sandwich or left overs, baby carrots, piece of fruit
Snack--snap peas, carrots, celery, broccoli, and low fat dip (veggies)
Dinner--veggie salad, 2 veggies or 1 starchy veggie (corn or potatoes), meat/entree
Snack--low fat milk with a small treat (banana bread, cookie, small brownie or slice of cake, bowl of fruit)
By pairing you carbs with proteins, it helps to even out your blood sugar and insulin levels, which helps with weight loss. Good luck.