Tong and Vickie - You always exceed my expectations! Thanks for the time and calories expended on these posts.
Let me give you a profile. This was me a couple of years ago and it may mirror many on this site.
Middle aged Male
20 - 25% over ideal weight
Light weekend activities
Eating relatively healthy, balanced meals
Not much attention to quantities consumed
Had an occasional sweet tooth
Average 1 alcoholic drink/day.
Dined with clients once or twice a week
No regular exercise program
Desk job
Where should this person start and what can he expect after following your advice after 6 months, 1 year?