I had gained weight over a long period of time and just really didn't seem to notice it.
Then one day I realized my weight had gotten out of hand.
So I started to diet, but did it my way. I cut back on foods, particularly very fattening foods. And I refuse to weigh myself but I know I am losing weight because I have to buy new clothes (if I weighed myself I would go crazy if I found I had gained a pound or two, and probably eat something to make me feel better).
I am a person who just cannot follow a regimen, such as a printed diet, no matter what.
And so I have my own rules that seem to be working.
And one is not to go too crazy about the thing.
When we go out to dinner (which is not that often) I usually order an appetizer and a main course without thinking about the calories.
When I am full I take the rest home.
For me, and let me stress, for me, it is working.
To quote mudbug:
"The only thing Mr. Meat Potatoes and Bread has done for himself is Atkins, which works for him."
My advice is that the only diet that works, and the only exercise regimen to adhere to, is the one you will follow. Have owned exercise machines that work great, and can give fantastic results, except I didn't like to use them and did not.
As far as food for DH, all I can suggest is that you try to figure out what relatively low calorie and healthy things he likes, or at least will eat, and make those. Alnd make a meal with the stuff he loves, in smaller portions, and the healthy stuff.
Nothing works like success, and if he starts to lose weight he may decide to cut back on the fattening stuff himself.
Just an idea, good luck and God bless.