Good post.

I'd say all of the above can keep you feeling positive / happy. If you're miserable and trying to lose weight, I think you're going to struggle.

Where exercise is concerned, sports that are fun are obviously great - providing the aerobic element. Running is a little less fun, but it suits some, doesn't it? An anaerobic component really boosts things though. Lifting weights will give you muscle power to take to your aerobic life where with increased muscle, every breath you take will see burn off even more of your unwanted weight gain.

As for eating sensibly, variety is the spice of life. Trim excess fat off your meat (as the OP states). Avoid sugary drinks (and most definitely avoid those with artifical sweetners - false economies lie that way!). Basically, you want to eat food that you do like and if you must have an unhealthy option, go for the smaller portion.