I been found Harley Pasternak's book, five factor fitness, to be quite
useful (quick, easy, and effective), and the Body For Life by Bill Phillips
but I am thinking that it would be good to get a good diet book.

I have been using Access® Performance bars, (you eat one 15 minutes before
you work out [and here working out means weightlifting to gardening] and
then when you do the workout the bar helps your muscles to take the energy
they need from the fat you have. They also help to keep you from getting
tired and avoid soreness) but I need to be able to eat more than just those.

Besides my son always trys to steal them.  It's amazing how can have a tiny
mouth when you are trying to get him to eat dinner, but can shove half a
chocolate bar in their mouth.