as for your weight loss challenge, I have a few tips, based on how much weight my wife and I have lost since August.

It’s really a lifestyle change that needs to occur, dieting doesn’t work. Beans are your friend. Instead of eating, say, steak or chicken, cook up beans in a stir fry pot, maybe with corn or veggies, and shred the meat and put it in. That way you have smaller portions of high fat (meats), and more good content (beans have high protein, low calories and pretty much zero fat).

Pasta is also good. Buy natural cheeses, cheddar and mozzarella blocks, gorgonzola, etc. Stay away from Kraft singles and the like, it’s not actually cheese, but really a fatty “cheese product.” (that’s how they actually describe it.

Since August, my wife and I have lost a ton of weight. I started at 205lbs and now I’m below 190 (not even considering muscle mass gains from lifting weights 1-2 times a week). We don’t own a scale (I weighed in at my mom’s in early October, I might weigh even less now), but my wife has dropped at least 1-3 dress sizes. She’s able to comfortably wear a pair of jeans now that she couldn’t even button when she bought them.

The only major change in our habits has been:

1. No soda. I gave it up and bought a coffee pot. I realized I actually drank most of my cals, downing almost a 2 liter of Mountain Dew a day.

2. Less meat, more beans and good protein. Eat eggs, veggie stir fry, etc. You can still eat really well, don’t abuse yourself.

3. Curb ordering out. Don’t eat as much junk food, and don’t order out a lot (we order pizza or get fast food at most 4 times a month. Usually less, but occasionally you run out of groceries and don’t have time for a trip.)

As a rule, don’t abuse yourself. It’s not a diet, so don’t beat yourself up for junking out on occasion. We all do it. the point is when you start eating healthier you’ll notice the difference. Now when we do order fast food we feel lethargic, and occasionally get sick or “bubble guts” if you get my drift. Your body knows good food when it gets it.

Specifically, the beans are great for revving your metabolism, and eating more, but smaller portions helps. Eat, til you’re not hungry, not til you’re full, and when you’re hungry again, eat again. When you eat a larger number of smaller meals, your body uses the food more effectively that way.

Hope this helps you a bit. Sorry for the super long comment thread :-p