So far, our six dieters are holding onto their New Year's resolution -- lose weight in 2008 -- despite a few speed bumps. Collectively, they've shed more than 100 pounds the old-fashioned way, by eating less and moving more.
• Dwaine Simpson, 74
Starting weight: 205
I'm at 190 and I'm hanging in there, but I picked up three or four pounds a month ago. I'm walking six days a week and I'm satisfied. I had to put my boxing workout on hold because I pulled a muscle in my back. I was really in pain. I could get down to 185 by not drinking any liquids. That would just fake people out, and it would take about 48 hours to get the liquids back in my system. I've had a couple friends say, ''Gee, you've lost weight.'' I don't want to get lower than 185.
• Glenn Terry, 60
Starting weight: 223
I lost nine pounds by eating a little less and taking ice cream off my menu. I am happy, but I hope to lose more. Portion control is key for me. Knocking off weight is getting tougher now. It seems I'll have to make a few more ''diet sacrifices'' to reach my goal. I camped in North Florida during spring break. Damn those carrot sticks. Dieting on the road is another story.
• Janet Carabelli, 48
Starting weight: 166
I'm still at 156, but people are starting to notice the change, and it certainly shows in how my clothing fits. I'm down one full pants size now, from a 12 to a 10. My ''spare tire'' is now bicycle-sized vs. scooter-sized, and those ugly bulges near my bra straps are gone. Between Feb. 7 and March 31 I've been working with Matt Pack, a personal trainer, lifting much heavier weights, working far more intensely and doing cardio intervals. I also added lots of protein to my diet and began eating more frequently. Though I lost only three pounds during this time period, I lost at least nine pounds of body fat! And I gained at least six pounds of lean muscle!
• Thelma Kirlew, 50
Starting weight: 184
My weight now is 173. I haven't been walking as rigorous because it's been raining in the morning, but I do the StairMaster sometimes. It's easier to walk than to unfold the StairMaster and then put it back away. At work I'll walk up and down five flights of stairs a couple times. I still try to eat well, but I've been slipping. I haven't cheated too much with all the chocolate around for Easter, but I did eat a little.
• Gustavo Lumer, 38; Marina Lumer, 35
Starting weights: 260; 180
Marina has lost 19 pounds and Gustavo has lost 37. We could not be happier, Gustavo says. My blood pressure is doing great, we are much more productive and our lives are changing by the week. I am much more alert and effective in everything I do, from my work to my free time to my family time. We are eating out 20 percent of the time, eating diet program meals 40 percent of the time and cooking 40 percent of the time. We are going to Argentina to see our families and over there the food is absolutely delicious so it's going to be a challenge for us to do this trip. Also, over there the average person is thinner than here, so that might help.
