First off, Congrats to the OP. I have done the same ... going from 6'0" @ 250 lbs down to 182 lbs. in 1 year. I could have gotten the weight down even further, but a majority of the weight loss was due to a huge increase in muscle due to lifting.
For those who want to lose weight, I believe exercise and weight lifting is more productive than a strict diet (but a sensible diet is still important). Building muscle helps burn calories speed metabolism. Therefore, if you sit at a desk all day for work like me, your body is still burning calories at a higher rate than if you were just on a diet. For me, the first few months required going to the gym 5-6 times a week, with 4+ days spent on lifting and 4+days running/cardio (meaning on most days you are doing both). But, now that my body is in shape, I have cut down on the gym time and increased my food intake and still find that I can maintain my weight somewhat easily. Getting started was the hard part, maintaining is easy.
As the OP said, do the little things to stay active (park farther from the store, take the stairs instead of the escalator, etc.). Also, find activities that get you out of the house and away from the TV/computer. I find that on days I'm not busy, I sit at home and eat more out of boredom and convenience. I will do almost anything to get out of the house and away from the temptations. I play in a softball or basketball league at least one/two nights a week, but I'll attend the games of friends on off days just to stay out of the house. At least I'm up and walking around, even if I'm not playing. Just make sure not to hit the bars/restaurants with the team after the games too frequently.
As for a diet, I don't follow one (atkins, south beach, etc.) but use common sense instead. Now, I always eat salad with meals. You get the veggies and vitimins needed without the cals. Limit the dressing! Use half of what you normally would and you'd be suprised that it will still be enough. Grilled chicken breasts are great. Add veggies to everything. It helps you get full without adding fat to the diet. Instead of eating two burgers, try eating one burger piled with tomatos, pickles, onion, lettuce. Yogurt is your friend. For lunch I frequently eat a pint of fat free yogurt with sliced bananas or strawberries. Sprinkly with your nutrasweet of choice to add a little flavor. Fatfree refried beans are also great. High protein, low cal and no fat. Tuna fish - lots of it. No pop/soda evar! If you must, make the switch to diet.
If anyone wants tips (workout or diet), PM and I'll be happy to help. If enough people are interested, I'd be happy to post a sample of my weekly diet to help you get started.
For those who want to lose weight, I believe exercise and weight lifting is more productive than a strict diet (but a sensible diet is still important). Building muscle helps burn calories speed metabolism. Therefore, if you sit at a desk all day for work like me, your body is still burning calories at a higher rate than if you were just on a diet. For me, the first few months required going to the gym 5-6 times a week, with 4+ days spent on lifting and 4+days running/cardio (meaning on most days you are doing both). But, now that my body is in shape, I have cut down on the gym time and increased my food intake and still find that I can maintain my weight somewhat easily. Getting started was the hard part, maintaining is easy.
As the OP said, do the little things to stay active (park farther from the store, take the stairs instead of the escalator, etc.). Also, find activities that get you out of the house and away from the TV/computer. I find that on days I'm not busy, I sit at home and eat more out of boredom and convenience. I will do almost anything to get out of the house and away from the temptations. I play in a softball or basketball league at least one/two nights a week, but I'll attend the games of friends on off days just to stay out of the house. At least I'm up and walking around, even if I'm not playing. Just make sure not to hit the bars/restaurants with the team after the games too frequently.
As for a diet, I don't follow one (atkins, south beach, etc.) but use common sense instead. Now, I always eat salad with meals. You get the veggies and vitimins needed without the cals. Limit the dressing! Use half of what you normally would and you'd be suprised that it will still be enough. Grilled chicken breasts are great. Add veggies to everything. It helps you get full without adding fat to the diet. Instead of eating two burgers, try eating one burger piled with tomatos, pickles, onion, lettuce. Yogurt is your friend. For lunch I frequently eat a pint of fat free yogurt with sliced bananas or strawberries. Sprinkly with your nutrasweet of choice to add a little flavor. Fatfree refried beans are also great. High protein, low cal and no fat. Tuna fish - lots of it. No pop/soda evar! If you must, make the switch to diet.
If anyone wants tips (workout or diet), PM and I'll be happy to help. If enough people are interested, I'd be happy to post a sample of my weekly diet to help you get started.