Manual commuting (biking, walking, roller blading, etc.) is a great way to expend energy, use your body, and embrace your location. I've started bike commuting and love it - lost 10 pounds of fat recently and haven't been eating especially conservative either. Eating high fiber and protein foods (whole foods) will keep you fuller longer and reduce cravings (not to mention that many need more fiber and protein to be healthy generally). For example, my friend just had appendicitis ... maybe if he ate more fiber he would've had a different outcome. Oats are high in fiber and protein and low in expense (cheap, easy, and quick). It's not one specific thing, diet and exercise - it's a whole routine, as you pointed out. Whatever routine works for you (which you can find out by reflecting on how what you eat/do makes you feel). Being diet and exercise conscious and informed (which you're doing/working towards) is the most important aspect of weight management.