Protein powder is good. I wouldn't be able to reach my target protein intake without it so if you're like me then go for it. My go to's post workout are yogurt parfaits with fruit and granola or cereal, nuts, eggs and my personal favorite is homemade beef jerky.
Jerky is actually probably the best protein snack out there if you cut down on the spices and salts. It's easy to make with a dehydrator (everyone should get one), relatively cheap and it's very low fat and carb. Get a huge roast at Costco, remove the fat, cut it lean, mix the cure and dehydrate on the lowest setting for 24 hours.
Without knowing more about you and your current diet, it's hard to tell what would be good or bad for you but theirs tons of really tasty, high protein snacks out there if that's what you're after. Healthy doesn't have to be bland.
As for exercise, I always recommend cycling for those who are out of shape. It's a low impact exercise that works your cardio, legs and core (upper body too if MTB). Mountain biking is also a bunch of fun, it's social and cheap after you make the initial investment so you won't get bored and you'll stay motivated which is the real key. If doing weights, go low weight high rep initially.
I use to eat and drink a lot of pop and junk food.
I drink pretty much only water now (with mio, or mio like and try to put a little less in each time).
Switched from white bread to whole wheat.
I enjoy yogurt with Oatmeal Crisp cereal mixed in as a snack. Trying to stick to grapes and other fruits.
For lunch, it's usually the bad meal where it could be hot dogs, pogos, and sometimes soup.
We eat a lot of meat and most of that is chicken. Pasta is always quite common, but with the nice weather it will be burgers.
I know pasta isnt the best and I've heard chicken isnt even that good for you, but then another one says it's fine.
Cutting out pop and trying to eat a banana, or something healthier I've noticed a difference already. I figure once I eat a bit healthier consistently it might help me sleep better.
Some of the protein shakes smell like they would taste really good, so it could be like a treat that's healthy.