Like you, I'm 5'8", and last spring, my weight shot up to 172. (Yikes!) Today, my weight is 159. In June I began: Running 1-2 miles every morning. Out of bed, drink a glass of water, eat a banana, and out the door. I do the run even on Michigan's cold winter mornings. One can run in snow and on ice! I detest running on a treadmill. I'm not a hamster. After the run, I eat breakfast: usually one cup of black coffee, orange juice, and a bowl of oatmeal or Uncle Sam's cereal No more fast food. I was in the habit of eating at Wendy's at least once a week. Do most of my grocery shopping from the perimeter of the grocery store--avoid, as much possible--all the processed, fattening stuff in the central aisles. Eating more frequently during the day. But only good food. No more candy snacks. Fruit, a glass of whey chocolate protein drink. A local bakery makes a terrific all natural energy granola a bar which is great if I can't eat lunch or just am starving in the mid afternoon. I believe that they ship the product all over the country.
http://www.muschiesbakedgoods.com/page5.html At main meals, I've always eaten smartly. But now, I don't allow myself to have that 2nd, 3rd, 4th helping. No white rice; brown rice. We eat salmon more regularly. Drink lots more water. Drink, drink, drink. No more post dinner, late night snacks. A piece of fruit if I really have to munch on something. This was not easy with all the post Christmas baked goods all over the kitchen. Over the holiday weekends, I actually lost a couple of pounds. I don't count calories. No fancy diet. I'm just being more prudent. I don't drink alcohol. In June, I began working with a fantastic trainer (one of the most highly rated trainers in Southeast Michigan) who has shown me how and why to exercise. And to make it fun. I look forward to exercise at home or during off moments at work. His enthusiasm for fitness is contagious. For me, this has been money well spent. Besides the weight loss, which has been a gradual thing, I've enjoyed having my clothes "let in". As a reward, I'm having a new suit made for me with a terrific suppressed waist. Good motivation to keep at it! Best wishes to you on your journey! (If I can do it, anyone can.)