Your plan sounds really good! The problem that I have with listening to my body is that I think my body is out of whack from too much S.A.D. eating all my life. When I have things like coffee or wine it makes me crave cheese, etc., (macrobiotics talks a lot about that, and yin/yang foods).
I think if I person can stick to a plant based diet at all, that is a terrific start.
Luckily I never crave meat, that is a big relief. I also have to force myself to excersize because I am naturally lazy, but it's important to at least go out jogging in the sunshine. That is great therapy.