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Your e-mails: Tips in battle of the bulge

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(CNN) -- CNN.com asked users to share their success stories in their fight against fat as well as thoughts and tips to getting fit. Here is a sampling from the responses, some of which have been edited:

Cut the portions in half, eat three times a day only and exercise daily for 20 minutes. It will take time before you will notice the significant weight loss. You have to be patient and don't rush about losing your weight because using other means and listening to diet "experts" are very misleading. And don't get involved is seasonal dieting and stop looking at the mirror. It is going to happen.
Marco Fernando; West Orange, New Jersey

I have lost 60 pounds thus far and started trying six months ago. I still eat what I want, but only eat when I am hungry, taking my time at meals, and stop eating when I begin to feel full. One major change in my diet was that I cut out all sugar-laced beverages and opted for sugar-free flavored water.
Amy O'Donnell; Utica, New York

On March 23, 2003, I weighed 324 pounds; now I weigh 180. I've done this through calorie counting and walking my dog, lol. I try not too eat more than 2,000 calories a day, although I have gone over on holidays. (Most likely the reason I'm not at my goal of 130 by now.)
Donna Warnick; Wrightsville, Pennsylvania

Eight years ago I was 52 and weighed 223 pounds. I was a teacher and therefore both busy and stressed. I took advantage of an early retirement package and began to walk. I lost about 85 pounds and have kept it off. I adhere to certain rules -- no junk food, lots of fruit and veggies, within reason don't take elevators, park near the perimeter of malls and walk at least 1 and 1/2 hours daily. Someone once said to me even the Lord rested on Sunday. Yes, I said, but from any pictures I've seen the Lord didn't have a weight problem.
Sandy; Ottawa, Ontario

I lost 30 pounds and my cholesterol dropped from 220 to 140 in about six months. How? By becoming a vegetarian -- no red meat, chicken, fish, or eggs. I also became more fit, and recently scored the highest physical training score at my company at Fort Sam Houston (Army base.)
Olli Toukolehto; San Antonio, Texas

After a lifetime of being overweight and unable to stop eating addictively, I discovered a 12-step program called FA (Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous), which is closely modeled on AA's program. At 20 years old, I was absolutely miserable, and hopeless after a lifetime of dieting. I had tried everything. Diets, yoga, macrobiotics, therapy, you name it I did it. This was almost 19 years ago. In FA I was able to lose 80 pounds and keep it off for what is now going on 17 years. I no longer use food as a drug, and am no longer obsessed with cravings for food. FA members pay no fees. In this program, people are gently introduced to a way of life which arrests their food addiction, whether it's obesity, bulimia, or simply obsession with food.
Susan L.; Andover, Massachusetts

Five years ago after realizing that I was not actively participating in my life, I decided to do something about my weight. ... I started eating healthy and exercising regularly and did not make any weight loss or size goals. I have maintained an 85 pound weight loss for three years by continuing to exercise and counting calories (the most important for me!). I did not give up any one type of food, but did cut back significantly on bread and bread products and substituted fruits and vegetables for snacks. I do struggle with an occasional regaining of 3-4 pounds, but I weigh myself regularly and have a cut off point with weight gain that once I reach, I recommit myself to some new exercise or work out routine.
Meg; New York, New York

Staying healthy is not easy especially with all the fast food places that are out there, but for me it's about balance. I love french fries, cheeseburgers and pizza. But I try to moderate (that) with my fruit and vegetable intake. ... I also work out everyday, M-F. I like to do three days of cardio and some weights. I have learned that working out is boring and it sucks that we have to do it, but I think of what I do as balancing my weight. I am not allowing my self to get bigger but also keeping my self in shape. You have to eat what you love but remember that when you overdo it -- it will haunt you later.
Leon; Herndon, Virginia

I lost 15 pounds, and was 135 pounds. I ate a variety of foods, and just cut portions. If I was hungry I could eat fresh fruits or vegetables for snacks or to add to a meal. I always left the table slightly hungry, and after about a month, I did not feel hungry any longer with smaller portion sizes. I did not lose energy and really felt better with less calories. The big thing was that I drank just plain H2O at all meals. Saves a lot of calories.
Cheryl; Park City, Utah


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