While I am by no means a nutritionist, I did want to point out a few things to you. By cutting out the empty calories, your body is going to be running on cleaner fuel, so to speak. You've adjusted your body's metabolism by eating more often during the day, and in smaller intervals. By doing this, your body is more continously burning calories, which is why you can feel you're eating more and still see the weight shed. I'm guessing a lot of that first 15 pounds would be water - it is important to stay hydrated.
As for the safety issues, I don't really feel qualified to answer that, but will say that the main goal should be that YOU feel healthier, both mentally, spiritually and physically as a result of taking care of your body.
Edit: Sportswidow5 beat me to posting... so sum up, what she said
