Well, considering all the advice, I chose to just lower my carb intake and try to keep it healthy (fewer processed foods, lower heavy fats, more chicken and fish and cut out potatoes and sugar). So far I've dropped about 10 to 12 lbs slowly and I've got my running up to where I'm able to cover 5 miles without much difficulty. I'm trying not to let the diet be the focus of everything and if I have a bad day I don't let it ruin my plans to continue in the long run. Does that sound sensible?
Thanks for asking. :)