I have allot of questions about getting in shape?

Okay so just to begin with I'm new to yahoo answers. I have allot of unanswered questions that I need help with =]. I want to get My legs in shape. I run about 3/4Th's of a mile per day and I do 40 minuets of yoga. I have no equipment what so ever [ other than the yoga mat obviously] Tomorrow Im going to start jump roping 15 minutes in the after noons. Any exercises I can do to work of my huge ? I also want to loose 10 pounds; I drink allot of soda and have a pop belly so Im going to drink water in replacement for pop. Im trying to become vegan and count my calories. Could you shear your experiences with vegan-ism? Do you loose weight when you become vegan? should I just count my calories or everything else to [ sodium, trans-fat etc.] Im 5'3 150 lbs and just want to get an overall life style change. Any answers opinions or story's are appreciated