if you've been jacked in your life then you'll have muscle memory so you won't have as much trouble getting back to at least where you were at one point in your life no matter how much lean mass you lose on your crash diet.
Great minds think alike Dullboy. It's really not that difficult for me. I simply make 3 meals...and cut each in half and try to eat every 2.5 - 3hrs per day as you have suggested with eating the smaller portions.
if someone is having issues wtih eating...try Meridia....but that stuff gave me a funny feeling...so i don't use anymore.
If one wants to change their cardio routine....consider farmers walk or sandbag carries around a track. This has to be two of the most taxing workouts I have ever experienced. Skipping is another.