[dyed_in_the_wool]

You're right on the sedentary lifestyle. Without movement or activity, you won't lose an ounce.
The other thing is processing. How many steps are between you and the food source? What happens in those steps?
Like it or not, that gram or two of fiber in whole grain bread is important. It's not the white bread is a culprit because it's a 'carb', it's a culprit because it doesn't provide nutrition. (I know this isn't your point, but bear with me.)
But this still gets back to the requirement of a balance between nutrition and exercise. If you eat more than you burn, you gain weight (regardless of what you eat.) If you have a negative caloric intake, you lose weight.
I'm dealing with this right now. And it sucks. But I've lost 10 pounds in almost two weeks.
Just whole grains, fruits, vegetables, light dairy and occasional fats.
Oh, and I'm rowing my butt off every morning.

[fogarty]

Exercise is key. Rowing is a great sport. Don't forget to cross-train though. Not many people can take 7-days a week rowing intensively and not suffer injuries without changing up the workout some. Maybe you're a machine and can handle it though.

My exercise program is: 3-4 runs a week (slow distance and also the occasional workout of 4-5 400m sprints) and once a week strength training. Of course I also do the Marine Corps daily 7!

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

Be careful. You are eating the diet of death.