Beachslim (?!) . Sigh.
To repeat. I have a medical degree and two biomedical degrees. I am a qualified personal trainer, and via my degrees, know a lot regarding biochemistry, metabolism and physiology. Too much.
So, ya know. I know my shit.
If you are similarly educated fair enough. Feel free to patronise me (although that is not a positive approach for clients, incidentally)
Otherwise don't.

I’m a bit of a fitness junky - that being said, I also realize really heavy people do a lot more workout & all day! I don’t carry a 75+# pack around 24/7 ! It is a lot of work to be overweight! Let her realize she’s doing a lot more work than those of us that only lift weights 1-2 hrs a few days a week!!

I agree @Beachslim.
I am healthy, slim and fit. I have two biomedical degrees and one medical degree (Veterinary Medicine & Surgery) including a Masters in Sports Physiology. I have worked as a PT and coach.
Sadly, I have had to study physiology/metabolism etc etc far more than is enjoyable.
I did not say or infer you recommended excess protein intake.
I simply corrected you on a minor point.
I would assume that you want the members of this group to have access to professional, informed, scientific information?

Put yourself in her shoes first.
I'm vegan, but maybe it will never be for her?
I'm a qualified PT with a Masters in Sports Physiology.
My advice would be two things:
First: Find some physical exercise she loves. Anything. Walking in the country, dancing in front of the TV to bad music - ANYTHING that gets her endorphins up and wanting to do more.
Second: Avoid processed food
Without the first, no diet will work.
Lots of luck and great that you care for her. x

When I work with clients, I don't recommend one specific diet plan (vegan, vegetarian, paleo, keto...) - reason being for most people, giving them something that is TOO different from how they currently eat is likely just setting them up for failure long-term. They have enough willpower for a few days or weeks, but at some point typically have a rebound and quit their diet.

The best way to get someone to succeed long-term is to introduce changes gradually. Start cutting out the things they know they shouldn't eat. Once that's a conditioned habit introduce more fruits/veggies. After that something else...

You can always take things to a higher level. And the actual diet plan isn't as important as we make it out to be:

Are there fit and healthy people who are vegans? Yes. Are there unhealthy and overweight vegans? Yes.

Are there fit and healthy people who do Paleo? Yes. Are there unhealthy and overweight people who do Paleo? Yes.

Are there fit and healthy people who do Keto? Yes. Are there unhealthy and overweight people who do Keto? Yes.

What's most important is for someone to find the diet they can stick to with the most certainty and confidence and consistency.