—Yasmin Castro, 29 (lost 100 pounds over two years)

When I started out, I had chosen a two-mile loop, and it was my goal to conquer that loop. Starting out, I would run maybe 20% of it, and walk the rest. But each run I would challenge myself to run a little bit more, incrementally, until I could run the whole thing."

—Andrew, 31 (lost 160 pounds over two and a half years)

I feel so much better every day. In the beginning my body felt sluggish and tired. But after a few weeks I had more energy and was able to do more. I could also put more into my gym routine after cutting all of that out. Now I even prefer to eat something healthier for myself."

—Rachel Silski, 29 (lost 42 pounds over 10 months)

It was in therapy that I learned I use food as a crutch to escape from the present, so I worked to channel that energy elsewhere. Since the beginning of my journey, I now run three to four times per week and am conscious to not rely on food to escape from my personal issues."

—Arya Roshanian, 25 (lost 125 pounds over five years)

         He became my amazing workout partner. I lost about 50  pounds just by eating healthier and working out by hiking and running with my dog. This is the healthiest I have been in years and I can't wait to see what 2017 has in store for me."

—Nikki Gibson, 34 (lost 49 pounds over 10 months)

—Greg Hirtzel, 30 (lost 50 pounds over six months)

I prep, cook, and pack my meals the night before (usually after dinner). Is it hard? Yes! It requires me to make an extra effort and work for it and the results are worth it!"

—Caira Martinez, 35 (lost 66 pounds over five months)

It was hard at first because I was so used to the high-fat, high-calorie diet that I had been fed my entire life. But seeing I was down around 10 pounds made it worth it! I was still eating a TON of calories but they were foods that were better for me. I now crave things I never thought I would want. I love Brussels sprouts and I slather hummus on almost everything. It’s made me so much more adventurous in what I eat. Sometimes I miss the things I gave up, but I have my health and life back and I never thought I would be able to say that, and yet here I am."

—Sarah Cutting, 31 (lost 130 pounds over four years)

It wasn’t hard to get started, what was hard was the accountability. I also tried to convince myself it was too expensive. When I realized how much I was spending on unhealthy eating (fast food, restaurants, etc.) and what I would spend on medical bills if I stayed drastically overweight in my later years, I am actually saving money."

—Erin Peters, 32 (lost 130 pounds over one year and one month)

For the first 30 days it was extremely hard and frustrating, but after about 45 days, it all sort of became second nature. My body adjusted to waking up early, my tastebuds adjusted to eating less salt and sugar, and I had fewer cravings for the unhealthy things I use to enjoy. Following the 90 days, my new routine wasn't hard to keep up with at all. It turned into my new normal."

—Maatra Henderson (lost 40 pounds over a year)

Immediately, I thought I was going to die from withdrawals (not really but it sucked). I craved soda, which put me in a bad mood. But it didn't take long for that to subside and for me to get used to my new soda-free lifestyle. I felt more energized and less lethargic, less dependent on short-term sugar highs to get me through the day. My mood improved and I felt healthier in general. I won't look back."

—Erin Miller, 30 years old (lost 90 pounds over two years and four months)