re: If you quickly walk 6-8 miles a day would you consider that a worthy work-out?

You'll burn decent calories with that level of activity, but it won't matter if your eating habits offset the calories burned. As you use more energy, your eating more to compensate for that, likely without even realizing it. Start paying attention to what you eat. If you clean up what you eat, you can get the nutrition you need for energy while taking in less calories. Doesn't have to be real scientific, just slowly cut back on the things you probably already know aren't good for you. It really is as simple as calories in vs. calories out for weight loss. And yes, sleep is very important for energy levels and strength.