Dieting and exercising

I need a nice efficient diet to help me lose weight. I’ve tried smoothie diet. Didn’t work because I like to eat. I’m not the best cook. I tried meal prepping that didn’t work, because the food I made was bland and I got sick of eating the same thing all week. I really like pastas. I was working out, but I’ve stopped. I am 19 and 165lbs. I would love to get to 145 by the end of the summer. I work during the week at a daycare from 11-6 everyday except weekends. So I feel like if I plan food for that it’ll help me cut back on eating out. Any pointers? Or good diets that helped you guys?