You know buddy, when I went on my diet a year or so ago, I ate whatever I wanted to during the day (didn't go too overboard) and ate a grilled, marinated chicken breast EVERY EVENING for a month and a half. I know that might get old, but I love chicken, and it never really did. I biked and swam and that's it. Dropped 25 lbs. and felt like God.
Cardio is DEFINITELY your friend, and don't lift too heavy. You'll be in shape in no time.