A few things.

1.- Add more veg and fruit to your day, as well as legumes. \. It is the nutrient dense food. As to a salad at 500 calories, I am betting heavy on the dressing and perhaps meats. Yes, eat your veggies, but careful with added oils. Though you need some, so try for things like a home made balsamic of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and mustard...better oils for you and it skips the added sugars in store bought dressing. Takes thirty seconds to make.

2.- The cake is processed and will not really satisfy you for long, keep those at bay or for very special occasions.

3.- Think about it this way. a banana has 100 calories, but it has a lot of nutrients, like potassium and fiber. You need that fiber. The same calorie portion of a muffin is mostly simple carbs.

4.- Once you reach your goal you will need to track, and for this to be permanent, it has to be a true lifestyle change. I could go into why you need exercise, but again, that is a lifetime thing too.