Rice shouldn't be the main staple of your diet. It is a good, healthy food, but as with everything else, should only be consumed in moderation. If you're looking to focus on weight loss, protein is your friend.
My favorites are tuna, chicken, and small portions of lean sirloin. Eggs are very high in protein and make a very good breakfast. You don't have to take out the yolk, unless you're concerned about cholesterol. I like yogurt for snacks.
The more food you can prepare yourself, the better. Things like prepackaged dinners (TV dinners, Hamburger Helper, etc) all contain processed food that does more harm to your body than good. By preparing your own food, not only do you become handy in the kitchen but you also control exactly what goes into your body.
If you have a local co-op near where you live, shop there for your food. Most local growers or ranchers won't put preservatives into their product. If you have to buy your food from large retail stores (Safeway, Walmart, Kroger, etc.) try to buy organic foods, especially when it comes to meat. Some disturbing reports have come out in the last couple of years concerning the effects of growth hormones on our bodies (I'll let you research that yourself).