Good luck!!!!
One little advice (I'd wish I follow it myself), instead of cutting off foods/counting callories (which is good you don't do, but still have to maintain a normal amount of callories total), try counting nutrients, make sure your diet is ballanced, in addition make sure you eat the right mix of foods that don't interrupt with each other and everything is absorbed well... you may want to talk to a dietitian about it. I did that when I went vegan just to make sure I eat well.... worked great until my current work.
About exercises, exercising alone is good if you do it right. Basic stuff should be ok, but some flexibility or weight exercises (even simple ones) should be done under supervision, at least at the start of your journey.
Good luck on your journey!