as for the diet, the only diet i've found that truly works over the long term is lower fat and moderate exercise. since you can't afford a gym, you could go running or something. but, if you're just interested in the short term, atkins definitely works. i just don't think its a long-term healthy lifestyle choice. but, you will lose weight quickly on it.
If It Makes You Happy
Frankly, I don't know why anybody listens to actors about anything other than acting. Since when does the ability to fake emotions on cue like a sociopath make one an expert on anything?