Handle nutrition first, it'll make everything else that much easier. The #1 thing to do is to stop eating carbs and sugars (including fruit). I understand this is radical but at some point you just have to make a decision that you really want it. I challenge you to give $600 in cash to your roommate and tell him that if he catches you eating crap in the next 30 days, he gets to keep it and also punch you in the face. It does not take much willpower to make that move but it will definitely help keep you in line later when your willpower is faltering.
Finally, admit to yourself that every time you slack off instead of doing what you really want to do, you are lying to yourself. Say it aloud: I am lying to myself. That is one way that I stopped drinking alcohol and smoking weed, and as a result I not only almost have a six pack (Not spending $ on alcohol => improved nutrition, no hangovers => daily exercise), but I respect myself more. I still drink from time to time but as long as I admit to myself (and my closest social acquaintances) that I am lying to myself, then the habit eventually self-corrects.
Nassim Taleb says carbs are one of the 3 most dangerous addictions, besides a paycheck and heroin. Obviously some carbohydrate is necessary and good for you but the less the better.
Trader Joe's has these kickass "a complete salad" kits in their refrigerated produce section that I highly recommend. They have great nutritive value, taste great, aren't too expensive, and I feel aMaZiNg hours after eating them.
Nassim Taleb had one obvious idea that he milked for two books. I'm not sure why he's qualified to comment about anything outside of derivatives trading. (or derivatives trading, either, since his funds melted down when he was actively involved with them)
Um, I think Taleb made a fortune in the stock market meltdown, and he's also incredibly well read and intelligent, so I think you don't really know what you're talking about. My guess is that you're reacting based on my comment about sugar and carbs. I am sorry that it is challenging some of your closely held beliefs and sense of reality. To discuss food is a taboo and if this were in person I would have just changed the subject, but you asked for the truth. Watch the UCSF doctor's lecture.
I wonder why you think I haven't seen that video as it's been posted here multiple times and I've commented on it. I was commenting on why I should care about what Nassim Taleb thinks about carbs. He's not a particularly svelte or athletic looking person. It seems like he's getting plenty of carbs.
As for carbs, basically they are just complex sugar and don't add a lot nutrition value. Once they break down they will cause insulin spikes... Obviously some carbohydrate is necessary and good for you but the less the better.
Any reference for this? Pretty much everything I read about nutrition says this is total bull.
Before I edited, I originally wrote that my understanding about carbs is a vague intuition developed from listening to body building friends, etc. However, I realize that's not a good source so I deleted that paragraph. My apologies for the confusion.
Don't hit the gym until you are in basic shape. I recommend http://hundredpushups.com/ to get started.
Finally, admit to yourself that every time you slack off instead of doing what you really want to do, you are lying to yourself. Say it aloud: I am lying to myself. That is one way that I stopped drinking alcohol and smoking weed, and as a result I not only almost have a six pack (Not spending $ on alcohol => improved nutrition, no hangovers => daily exercise), but I respect myself more. I still drink from time to time but as long as I admit to myself (and my closest social acquaintances) that I am lying to myself, then the habit eventually self-corrects.